Summer’s Best Coffee Treats: Affogato, Granita, and Other Cool Options
As the summer heat intensifies, there's no better way to cool off than with a refreshing coffee treat. While iced coffee is a perennial favorite, there’s a whole world of frozen coffee delights that offer a twist on your usual brew. From the creamy elegance of affogato to the icy crunch of granita, summer coffee treats can transform your coffee routine into a delightful, cooling experience. Let’s dive into some of the best frozen coffee treats you can enjoy this season.
Affogato: The Perfect Coffee Dessert
Affogato, meaning "drowned" in Italian, is a simple yet luxurious treat that combines two of the most beloved foods: coffee and ice cream. This classic Italian dessert is made by pouring a shot of hot espresso over a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the warm, intense espresso and the cold, creamy ice cream creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that is truly irresistible.
How to Make an Affogato:
Ingredients:
1 shot of freshly brewed espresso (or strong coffee)
1 scoop of vanilla ice cream (or gelato for a richer taste)
Instructions:
Brew a shot of espresso using your preferred method.
Place a scoop of vanilla ice cream into a serving glass or bowl.
Pour the hot espresso over the ice cream.
Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful contrast of flavors.
For a twist, you can experiment with different ice cream flavors such as chocolate, coffee, or caramel. Adding a drizzle of chocolate syrup or a sprinkle of sea salt can elevate the affogato to new levels of decadence.
Coffee Granita: A Refreshing Italian Classic
Granita is a traditional Italian frozen treat with a texture similar to sorbet but with a more granular consistency. Coffee granita is a refreshing way to enjoy coffee on a hot day. It’s made by freezing coffee and scraping it periodically to create a fluffy, icy texture. This treat is perfect for those who love a bit of coffee flavor with their summer refreshments.
How to Make Coffee Granita:
Ingredients:
2 cups of strong brewed coffee
1/2 cup of granulated sugar
1 tablespoon of lemon juice (optional, for added brightness)
Instructions:
In a bowl, mix the hot coffee with granulated sugar until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Allow the coffee mixture to cool to room temperature, then stir in the lemon juice if using.
Pour the mixture into a shallow dish and place it in the freezer.
Every 30 minutes, use a fork to scrape the mixture and break up any ice crystals. Continue this process until the granita has a fluffy, snow-like texture (about 2-3 hours).
Serve in chilled glasses or bowls.
Coffee granita is versatile; you can add flavors like vanilla, cinnamon, or even a splash of coffee liqueur for an adult twist. Garnish with a sprig of mint or a few fresh berries for an extra touch.
Coffee Ice Cream: Homemade Creaminess
If you’re a fan of ice cream and coffee, why not combine the two into a creamy, homemade coffee ice cream? This treat is a great way to enjoy your coffee in a cold, indulgent form. You can use an ice cream maker to churn the mixture or make it without one for a slightly different texture.
How to Make Coffee Ice Cream:
Ingredients:
2 cups of heavy cream
1 cup of whole milk
1/2 cup of granulated sugar
1/2 cup of strong brewed coffee (cooled)
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Instructions:
In a bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and milk until the sugar is fully dissolved.
Stir in the heavy cream, cooled coffee, and vanilla extract.
Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze until firm (about 4 hours).
Homemade coffee ice cream is incredibly versatile. You can mix in chocolate chips, swirls of caramel sauce, or crushed nuts to create your own custom flavors.
Coffee Slush: A Quick and Easy Treat
For a speedy, no-fuss coffee treat, try making a coffee slush. This simple recipe combines ice, coffee, and a touch of sweetener for a refreshing drink that’s perfect for summer. It’s like a frozen coffee smoothie and can be made in just a few minutes.
How to Make Coffee Slush:
Ingredients:
1 cup of strong brewed coffee (cooled)
1 cup of ice cubes
2 tablespoons of simple syrup or sweetened condensed milk (to taste)
Instructions:
In a blender, combine the cooled coffee, ice cubes, and sweetener.
Blend until the mixture reaches a slushy consistency.
Pour into a glass and serve immediately.
For added flair, top your coffee slush with whipped cream or a sprinkle of cocoa powder. You can also experiment with flavored syrups or spices like cinnamon for extra flavor.
Iced Coffee Popsicles: Coffee on a Stick
Another fun way to enjoy coffee this summer is by making iced coffee popsicles. These are perfect for cooling down and enjoying a refreshing coffee treat. You can make them with your favorite coffee, milk, and sweetener, and even add flavorings or mix-ins.
How to Make Iced Coffee Popsicles:
Ingredients:
2 cups of strong brewed coffee (cooled)
1 cup of milk or cream
1/4 cup of simple syrup or sweetened condensed milk (to taste)
Optional: chocolate chips, vanilla extract, or flavored syrups
Instructions:
In a bowl, mix the cooled coffee with milk and sweetener until well combined.
Pour the mixture into popsicle molds.
Add any optional mix-ins like chocolate chips if desired.
Insert sticks and freeze until solid (about 4-6 hours).
To release the popsicles, run the outside of the mold under warm water for a few seconds.
Iced coffee popsicles are a fun and creative way to enjoy your favorite coffee flavors in a frozen form. They’re perfect for hot summer days and make for a great treat to share with family and friends.
Conclusion
As the summer sun blazes, there’s no need to settle for ordinary coffee. These frozen coffee treats—affogato, granita, coffee ice cream, coffee slush, and iced coffee popsicles—offer a delightful and cooling way to enjoy your favorite brew. Whether you’re looking for a simple indulgence or a creative twist on coffee, these recipes provide a refreshing break from the heat. So, grab your favorite coffee, get creative in the kitchen, and savor the perfect summer coffee treats!
Please check our recipe page for more refreshing coffee drinks.
