5 Iced Coffee Drinks to Beat the Summer Heat

5 Iced Coffee Drinks to Beat the Summer Heat

When the temperature climbs, the last thing you want is a steaming hot mug. But that doesn't mean you have to give up your coffee fix. Iced coffee drinks are having a serious moment — and for good reason. They're refreshing, endlessly customizable, and honestly, just as satisfying as your morning hot brew.

Here are five iced coffee drinks to keep you cool all summer long, all easy to make at home with your favorite Brew Buddy Roast beans.

1. Classic Cold Brew

Cold brew is the gold standard of summer coffee. Made by steeping coarsely ground coffee in cold water for 12–24 hours, it produces a smooth, low-acid concentrate that's incredibly refreshing over ice.

How to make it: Combine 1 cup of coarsely ground coffee with 4 cups of cold water. Steep in the fridge overnight (or up to 24 hours). Strain through a fine mesh or cheesecloth, then serve over ice. Dilute with water or milk to taste.

Best with: Our medium or dark roast blends for a rich, chocolatey base.

2. Iced Vanilla Latte

Simple, creamy, and endlessly satisfying — the iced latte is a coffee shop staple you can easily recreate at home.

How to make it: Brew a double shot of espresso (or strong coffee) and let it cool slightly. Fill a glass with ice, add your milk of choice, pour in the espresso, and stir in a splash of vanilla syrup.

Pro tip: Use oat milk for a naturally sweet, creamy finish that pairs beautifully with our flavored roasts.

3. Dalgona Iced Coffee

This whipped coffee trend took the internet by storm — and it's still worth making. The result is a dramatic, cloud-like coffee foam sitting on top of cold milk that you stir together before drinking.

How to make it: Whisk together 2 tablespoons each of instant coffee, sugar, and hot water until thick and fluffy (about 3–5 minutes by hand, or 1 minute with a hand mixer). Spoon over a glass of ice and milk. Stir and enjoy.

Best with: A bold, dark roast instant coffee for maximum flavor punch.

4. Iced Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso

Inspired by the viral coffee shop drink, this one is sweet, spiced, and seriously addictive. The shaking process aerates the espresso and creates a slightly frothy, silky texture.

How to make it: Brew 2–3 shots of espresso. Add to a cocktail shaker with 2 tablespoons of brown sugar syrup and a pinch of cinnamon. Fill with ice and shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds. Strain over a fresh glass of ice and top with oat milk.

Best with: Our medium roast single origin for a caramel-forward flavor that complements the brown sugar perfectly.

5. Vietnamese Iced Coffee (Cà Phê Sữa Đá)

Rich, bold, and sweetened with condensed milk — Vietnamese iced coffee is a summer treat unlike anything else. It's intensely flavored and incredibly satisfying.

How to make it: Brew a strong cup of dark roast coffee (a Vietnamese phin filter is traditional, but a Moka pot works great too). Stir in 2–3 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk while hot. Pour over a tall glass packed with ice and stir well.

Best with: Our darkest roast for that bold, slightly bitter contrast against the sweet condensed milk.

Stay Cool, Stay Caffeinated

Summer doesn't have to mean sacrificing your coffee ritual. With the right beans and a little creativity, your iced coffee game can be just as intentional — and delicious — as your hot brew routine.

All five of these drinks start with one thing: great coffee. Shop our current roasts and find your perfect summer base.

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