The Best Summer Coffee Drinks to Make at Home
Summer is the season for slowing down, soaking up a little island sunshine, and savoring refreshingly cold coffee. Whether you're lounging on the lanai, hosting friends, or simply looking for a cool afternoon pick-me-up, these easy recipes for summer coffee drinks bring a taste of paradise right to your kitchen.
Make Summer Coffees Even Better with 100% Hawaiian Coffee
The secret to crafting delicious summer coffee drinks at home begins with exceptional coffee. At Kauai Coffee, our 100% Hawaiian Coffee is grown on our island estate and under our care from seed to cup. The smooth, nuanced flavors of our unique varietals and expertly crafted single-estate blends shine in every preparation, from iced espresso to cold brew to a creamy coffee milkshake.
Summer Coffee Recipes
When your coffee is cold brewed, served over ice, or mixed with unexpected ingredients, you get a truly refreshing treat. These recipes will help you create classic summer favorites like iced lattes and some more unique drinks for special gatherings or pau hana (happy hour).
For the best results, choose a brewing method that matches your recipe. Use an automatic or manual espresso maker for drinks that require a strong coffee base or keep a pitcher of cold brew on hand for super speedy prep.
Classic Iced Latte Recipe
A classic iced latte is one of the most popular summer coffee drinks for good reason. It's creamy, refreshing, and very easy to make your own.
Ingredients
- 2 shots espresso
- Ice
- 6 to 8 ounces milk of choice
- Optional sweetener
Instructions
- Fill a tall glass with ice.
- Add milk.
- Pour freshly brewed espresso over the top.
- Stir gently and enjoy.
Recommended Coffee
Estate Reserve Poipu Estate: Espresso roast has a delicate but deep aroma and well-rounded body with a buttery mouthfeel.
Best Brewing Methods
- Espresso machine
- Moka pot for an espresso-style alternative
Affogato: Espresso + Ice Cream
Part dessert and part coffee drink, the affogato combines hot espresso with cold, creamy ice cream for an unforgettable treat. Originating in Italy, these easy desserts will transport your taste buds to the Tuscan (or tropical) sun!
Ingredients
- 1 scoop vanilla ice cream
- 1 shot espresso
Instructions
- Place vanilla ice cream in a small serving bowl or wide-mouth mug.
- Pour hot espresso directly over the top.
- Serve immediately.
An affogato is traditionally made with vanilla ice cream, but feel free to experiment with your favorite flavor! Macadamia nut, coconut, or caramel are all great options!
Recommended Coffee
Estate Reserve Mundo Novo: Crisp, woody and bold with nutty undertones that soar when combined with sweet ice cream.
Best Brewing Method
- Espresso machine
- Moka pot or AeroPress
Classic Iced Americano Recipe
Simple, bold, and refreshing, an iced Americano lets the coffee take center stage.
Ingredients
- 2 shots espresso
- 6 to 8 ounces cold water
- Ice
Instructions
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Pour freshly brewed espresso over the ice.
- Top with cold water.
- Stir and serve immediately.
Recommended Coffee
Estate Reserve Peaberry: Our Estate Reserve Peaberry is a customer favorite for a reason. With bright citrus notes, it is a coffee brimming with tropical sunshine and flavor that deserves the spotlight.
Best Brewing Method
Hawaiian Coffee Milkshake Recipe
Coffee and ice cream are a match made in paradise. Here is another way to combine them and enjoy a classic summer dessert with a tropical twist!
Ingredients
- 2 scoops vanilla ice cream
- ½ cup chilled coffee
- ½ cup milk or dairy-free milk
- 1 cup ice
- Whipped cream for garnish
Instructions
- Combine ice cream, coffee, milk, and ice in a blender.
- Blend until smooth.
- Pour into a chilled glass.
- Top with whipped cream.
Recommended Coffee
Coconut Crème Pie 100% Hawaiian Coffee: 100% Hawaiian Coffee with a hint of tropical flavor. Our Coconut Crème Pie is the perfect choice for a coffee milkshake. Add some buttery cookies to the blender for a truly a-pie-ling dessert!
Best Brewing Method
Carajillo
A Carajillo is a slightly sweet coffee cocktail that combines espresso and vanilla liqueur for a unique summer coffee drink. Originating in Spain and Cuba, this tasty adult beverage elevates simple ingredients into a pau hana-worthy sipper.
Ingredients
- 2 shots espresso
- 2 ounces vanilla liqueur
- Ice
Instructions
- Add ice to a cocktail shaker.
- Pour in espresso and vanilla liqueur.
- Shake vigorously.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass or over fresh ice.
Recommended Coffee
Estate Reserve Rum Barrel Aged Coffee: This small-batch coffee is crafted and roasted at our Kalaheo Estate after the green coffee beans are aged in charred oak barrels used to create Koloa Rum.
Best Brewing Method
- Espresso machine
- Moka pot or AeroPress
Classic Espresso Martini Recipe
The espresso martini is a crowd favorite for summer entertaining. Rich coffee flavor meets a silky cocktail finish.
Ingredients
- 2 shots espresso
- 1 1/2 ounces vodka
- 1 ounce coffee liqueur – Koloa Hawaiian Kauai Coffee Liqueur is a great choice!
- Ice
Instructions
- Add ingredients and ice to a cocktail shaker.
- Shake until chilled and frothy.
- Strain into a martini glass.
- Garnish with coffee beans or shaved chocolate if desired.
Recommended Coffee
Red Catuai: a mild to medium-bodied coffee with a sweet finish and a hint of cardamom.
Best Brewing Method
- Espresso machine
- Cold brew
Espresso Tonic Recipe
If you've never tried espresso and tonic water together, prepare to be surprised. This sparkling summer coffee recipe is crisp, bright, and incredibly refreshing. It is a wonderful no alcohol alternative for celebrating and entertaining.
Ingredients
- 4 ounces chilled coffee
- 4 ounces tonic water
- Ice
- Orange or lemon peel garnish
Instructions
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Add tonic water.
- Slowly pour espresso over the top.
- Squeeze the citrus peel to express the oils over the drink and add to the rim of the glass as a garnish.
Recommended Coffee
Estate Reserve Roastmaster's Choice Kauai Breeze: Plush mouthfeel and subtle notes of chocolate with bright citrusy acidity that pairs perfectly with the herbal tonic water.
Best Brewing Method
- Automatic drip or single serve
- Pour over
- Cold brew
Cold Brew Coffee Recipe
Cold brew is one of the easiest summer coffee drink recipes because most of the work happens while you sleep.
Ingredients
- 2 cups coarsely ground coffee
- 8 cups cold water
Instructions
- Combine coffee and water in a large jar or cold brew pitcher.
- Stir gently.
- Steep in the refrigerator for 12 to 18 hours.
- Strain and serve over ice.
For a vanilla variation, add a small amount of vanilla simple syrup to the cold brew concentrate
Recommended Coffee
Hawaiian Toasty Banana Nut Cream 100% Hawaiian Coffee: Even if you are not a flavored coffee fan, you must try Toasty Banana Nut Cream cold brew! It tastes like fresh Hawaiian banana bread in coffee form.
Best Brewing Method
Tips for Making the Best Summer Coffee Drinks at Home
Brew Stronger Coffee for Iced Drinks
Ice naturally dilutes coffee as it melts. Adding a little more ground coffee to your brewer will create a slightly stronger cup and help maintain flavor as ice melts.
Customize with Your Favorite Add-Ins
The best summer drinks are the ones made exactly how you like them. Try:
- A splash of milk or cream
- Flavored coffee
- Chocolate or caramel syrup
- Extra espresso for a stronger coffee flavor
- Whipped cream or cold foam
Don't Forget Garnishes
Simple finishing touches can elevate your coffee drinks:
- Citrus slices
- Chocolate shavings
- Cinnamon
- Toasted coconut
Find Your Favorite Summer Coffee Drink
From classic iced lattes and cold brew to creative favorites like espresso tonic and affogato, there is no shortage of delicious summer coffee drink ideas to explore. With our 100% Hawaiian Coffee, you can create café-worthy beverages at home all season long.
Ready to stock up for summer? Explore our collection of 100% Hawaiian Coffees online now.
