Why Koreans Drink Iced Americanos All Year (and How to Make the Perfect One at Home)

I’ll never forget the first time I served an iced Americano on a chilly autumn morning.
A customer walked in bundled up in a scarf, ordered one without hesitation, and after the first sip said, “This reminds me of Korea.”

That one sentence sent me down a rabbit hole. I mean, Iced Americano… in sweater weather? Sure, it’s refreshing in summer, but when your breath turns into tiny clouds in the air? Turns out, in South Korea, that’s not unusual at all.

They have a word for it, well, a whole cultural motto: “Eoljuka” (얼죽아). It’s short for “Even if I freeze to death, iced Americano!” Yes, you read that right. This isn’t just a drink, it’s a lifestyle.

The “Ah-Ah” Phenomenon

In Korea, iced Americano is so beloved that people often call it “Ah-Ah” (아아) for short. Walk into any café, whether it’s a tiny corner coffee shop or a bustling Seoul Starbucks, and you’ll find most people sipping the same drink.

How popular is it? Well, even in the depths of winter, iced Americanos outsell hot ones in many locations. According to market reports, the average South Korean drinks around 353 cups of coffee per year, more than double the global average. And a big chunk of that is iced Americano.

Why the Cold Coffee Craze?

After talking to Korean coffee lovers, reading café forums, and chatting with baristas, I found a few reasons why the iced Americano reigns supreme:

1. Coffee as Fuel
   For many Koreans, coffee isn’t just a treat, it’s a daily necessity. An iced Americano delivers that caffeine kick without extra sugar or milk, and it’s quick to make. In a fast-paced “ppalli-ppalli” (hurry-hurry) culture, efficiency is everything.

2. Overheated Indoors
   In winter, Korean offices, homes, and public spaces can be really warm inside. A cold drink indoors feels refreshing, not freezing.

3. A Minimalist’s Dream
   No frills, no foam art, just ice, espresso, and water. It’s coffee stripped to the basics, and somehow that makes it even cooler (pun intended).

4. Social Ritual
   Cafés in Korea are “third spaces” where people work, study, meet friends, and linger. Ordering an iced Americano has become a social default, almost like ordering a glass of water at a restaurant.

What This Says About Coffee Culture

Here in the U.S., our coffee habits are a little more… seasonal. Pumpkin spice in the fall, peppermint mocha in December, iced lattes when summer hits. But Korea’s iced Americano devotion reminds me that coffee can be personal, not just seasonal.

It’s about your ritual, not the weather forecast.

That’s something I’ve seen at Win Win Coffee too. I have regular customers who stick to the same drink 365 days a year. Rain or shine, they know what they want. And honestly, there’s something inspiring about that kind of loyalty.

Bringing the “Ah-Ah” Spirit Home

You don’t need to be in Seoul to embrace the iced Americano spirit. Here are a few tips to make a perfect one at home:

• Start with fresh beans – Since there’s nothing to hide behind, the espresso flavor matters. Go for a medium to dark roast with chocolatey or nutty notes.

• Use good water – Ice dilutes flavor, so start with filtered water for the best taste.

• Balance espresso and water – A classic ratio is 2 shots of espresso to 6–8 ounces of water. Add ice last so it stays crisp.

• Experiment – Want a little twist? Try a dash of vanilla syrup or a squeeze of lemon for a refreshing edge.

Pro tip: If you brew at home often, make coffee ice cubes. That way, your drink won’t get watered down as it melts.

Coffee, Connection, and Culture

The iced Americano story isn’t really about temperature. It’s about identity, community, and the little habits that make us feel grounded. For Koreans, it’s the drink they share during study sessions, work breaks, and weekend catch-ups.

For me, it’s a reminder that coffee is more than caffeine, it’s a way of connecting. The moment my customer told me my iced Americano reminded them of home, I realized that a simple drink can bridge continents.

So next time you order, or brew your favorite coffee, think about what it says about you. Are you a seasonal sipper or an all-year devotee? Would you go “Eoljuka” for your coffee of choice?

Either way, the important thing is that your cup tells your story. And maybe, just maybe, it connects you to someone halfway across the world who feels the same way.