10 Refreshing Iced Coffee Drinks to Cool Down Your Summer

The surge in iced coffee popularity has transformed the beverage landscape across the UK and beyond. What was once a seasonal novelty has become a year-round staple, with demand peaking during those glorious summer months when customers crave cooling refreshment alongside their caffeine fix.

For café and restaurant owners, offering refreshing iced coffee drinks isn’t just about following trends—it’s a strategic business decision. A well-crafted summer coffee menu can significantly boost footfall, increase average transaction values, and set your establishment apart from competitors. Customers actively seek venues that offer diverse, Instagram-worthy cold coffee options that satisfy both their taste buds and their desire for shareable moments.

However, the push for refreshing cold beverages shouldn’t be limited to just iced coffee. Simply Iced Teas & Coolers are fantastic cold drinks options to add to your menu with minimal investment. A bottle of Simply Iced Tea or Cooler syrup costs just £5.99 for a 1 litre bottle and provides approximately 33 servings.

This guide explores 10 refreshing iced coffee drinks to add to your menu, each offering unique flavour profiles and customisation opportunities. From smooth cold brews to indulgent frappuccinos, these beverages cater to diverse customer preferences whilst maximising profitability. With quality ingredients and the right equipment—including professional coffee machines and beverage systems—you’ll be perfectly positioned to capitalise on the iced coffee revolution.

Yet, as we embrace this trend, it’s also essential to prepare for the seasonal shifts in customer preferences. As winter approaches, café owners should consider introducing cosy seasonal drinks like spiced lattes or mulled wine—seasonal drink ideas that could significantly boost winter sales.

1. Cold Brew Coffee: Smooth & Customisable Summer Staple

Cold brew coffee is a smooth and refreshing drink that’s perfect for hot weather. Unlike regular brewing methods, cold brew involves steeping coarsely ground coffee in cold water for 12-24 hours. This slow extraction process brings out the flavours without using heat. To make the best cold brew, it’s important to use high-quality coffee beans that have been roasted using the convection method.

Why Choose Cold Brew?

There are several reasons why cold brew coffee is a great choice:

• Smooth and Low-Acidity: The cold brewing process results in a naturally smooth coffee with lower acidity levels. This makes it easier on the stomach while still delivering a strong caffeine kick.
• Customisable: Cold brew concentrate can be mixed with various ingredients to suit individual preferences. Whether you like it with milk, sweeteners, or enjoyed black over ice, the possibilities are endless.
• Refreshing: Served chilled or over ice, cold brew is incredibly refreshing on hot summer days.

How to Make Cold Brew at Home

Making cold brew at home is simple and requires minimal equipment:

1. Combine coarsely ground coffee beans with cold water in a large container.
2. Let the mixture steep overnight (or for 12-24 hours) in the refrigerator.
3. After steeping, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh filter or coffee filter to separate the liquid from the grounds.

Equipment for Commercial Cold Brew

If you’re looking to offer cold brew on your business menu, consider investing in professional brewing equipment for consistent quality:

• Allied Drinks Systems offers various options designed specifically for commercial production.
• These machines streamline the brewing process while maintaining the authentic taste that customers love.

Popular Customisations

Here are some popular ways to customise your cold brew:

• Add milk or cream for a creamy texture
• Sweeten with syrups or honey according to your preference
• Experiment with different flavour combinations such as vanilla or chocolate

Another trendy addition is cold foam, an aerated milk topping that adds a velvety finish to iced beverages. It can be used as an alternative to whipped cream or combined with espresso-based drinks like frappes for an extra indulgent treat.

With its versatility and refreshing qualities, it’s no wonder that cold brew has become a staple beverage choice during summertime!

2. Creamy Frappe: Blended Delight with Upselling Potential

The frappe stands as a beloved summer beverage, combining simplicity with endless customisation possibilities. At its core, the frappe recipe ingredients include blended coffee, milk (or dairy-free alternatives like oat, almond, or soy), sugar, and ice cubes—creating that signature creamy, frothy texture customers crave.

The Beauty of Frappes: Customisation Options

The beauty of frappes lies in their frappes customization options. Popular flavourings transform a basic recipe into something special:

• Chocolate syrup for rich, indulgent notes
• Caramel syrup adding buttery sweetness
• Vanilla for classic smoothness
• Maple spice syrup, blending cosy sweetness with hints of cinnamon and ginger for a unique autumn twist
• White chocolate syrup, offering a velvety smooth and indulgently sweet addition to various drinks

Elevating Presentation: Whipped Cream Toppings

Whipped cream toppings elevate the visual appeal, turning each frappe into an Instagram-worthy treat. Drizzles of syrup or a dusting of cocoa powder complete the presentation.

Profit Opportunity for Café Owners

For café owners, frappes represent a brilliant profit opportunity. These blended beverages naturally encourage upselling—customers readily upgrade to larger sizes or add premium toppings like extra whipped cream, flavoured sauces, or chocolate chips. The perceived value remains high whilst ingredient costs stay manageable, making frappes an essential menu addition.

Perfecting Your Frappe Offerings

Allied Drinks Systems supplies everything needed to perfect your frappe offerings, from quality syrups to professional blending equipment. To further enhance your menu and attract more customers, consider incorporating some seasonal flavours such as those found in our Halloween recipes which offer creative ideas using spiced pumpkin and cinnamon syrups.

Moreover, introducing unique variations like the Peppermint Mocha Frappe can also intrigue customers looking for something different during the festive season.

3. Boba Tea Latte: Chewy & Instagram-Worthy Iced Coffee Experience

Originating from Taiwan’s vibrant street food culture, the boba latte has become a global sensation that transforms the traditional coffee experience. This innovative drink combines a smooth latte base with chewy tapioca pearls made from tapioca starch, creating a textural contrast that keeps customers coming back. The distinctive boba pearls, available through PureGusto supplies, add an element of fun and novelty to every sip.

Creating an exceptional boba latte recipe starts with your choice of brewed coffee or tea base, mixed with sweetener and milk—whether dairy or dairy-free alternatives like oat or almond milk. The magic happens when these components meet the chilled boba pearls at the bottom of the glass, creating layers of flavour and texture.

The beauty of bubble tea latte variations lies in their endless customisation potential:

• Matcha boba lattes for green tea enthusiasts
• Taro-infused versions offering a naturally sweet, purple-hued treat
• Fruit-flavoured variations incorporating mango, strawberry, or passion fruit

These visually striking beverages photograph beautifully, encouraging social media sharing and attracting younger demographics seeking trendy, shareable experiences.

In addition to the boba tea latte, you can also explore other delightful iced beverage options. For instance, Simply Watermelon Iced Green Tea Syrup offers a refreshing twist during warmer weather. If you’re looking for something more warming during the colder months, consider adding Simply Spiced Pear Winter Warmer Syrup to your menu – it’s delicately spiced with a fruity punch reminiscent of festive baking.

For those who enjoy spiced chai lattes, incorporating Simply Luxury Spiced Chai Latte Powder could be an exciting addition to your offerings.

PureGusto’s range of supplies includes everything needed to craft these Instagram-worthy refreshing iced coffee drinks to add to your menu.

4. Caramel Iced Coffee: Sweet & Luxurious Summer Treat

The rich, buttery sweetness of caramel transforms a simple iced coffee into an indulgent summer beverage. This caramel iced coffee recipe begins with quality chilled brewed coffee—the foundation that carries the drink’s character. Add your choice of milk, whether traditional dairy or plant-based alternatives like almond, oat, or soya milk available through PureGusto’s extensive range.

The caramel syrup toppings bring depth and sweetness, creating layers of flavour that appeal to those seeking something beyond standard coffee.

However, the beauty of customisable iced coffee drinks lies in their profitability potential. Customers can adjust sweetness levels to personal preference, whilst premium additions create natural upselling opportunities. This flexibility attracts both speciality coffee enthusiasts and sweet treat seekers, making caramel iced coffee a menu staple that drives revenue.

Elevate the experience with these enhancements:

• Generous swirl of whipped cream crowned with an artistic caramel drizzle
• Pinch of sea salt to balance sweetness and add sophisticated complexity
• Extra ice cubes for extended refreshment on scorching days

But why stop at caramel? With PureGusto’s wholesale coffee beans and flavouring syrups, you can easily expand your menu offerings. For instance, consider incorporating some of ADS Coffee Supplies’ unique syrups like their Simply Spiced Chai Syrup, perfect for a quick chai latte without the fuss or even in baking.

Or perhaps you want to add a fruity twist to your summer menu? Their Simply Grenadine Syrup provides a delicate blend of pomegranate and red berries, ideal for cocktails or fruit punch.

And for a refreshing iced tea option, the Simply Passion Fruit & Lemon Iced Tea Syrup offers a fantastic combination of fruity sweetness and sour citrus that’s perfect for summer.

With these options at your disposal, you can craft not just a luxurious caramel iced coffee but also a variety of other delicious beverages that will keep your customers coming back for more!

5. Chocolate Chip Frappuccino: Indulgent & Instagram-Worthy Beverage

The chocolate chip frappuccino recipe offers a luxurious experience that combines bold coffee flavours with rich chocolate goodness. This blended drink starts with a base of brewed coffee or espresso, mixed with milk (dairy or plant-based options available through PureGusto’s range), ice cubes, and a velvety smooth chocolate syrup like the Simply Chocolate SUGAR FREE Syrup from ADS Coffee Supplies.

The addition of chocolate chips creates a delightful crunch that sets this drink apart from regular frappes.

Chocolate syrup chip toppings enhance the presentation—a generous swirl of whipped cream topped with chocolate chip garnish transforms each glass into a picture-perfect masterpiece. This visual appeal makes the drink particularly popular on Instagram, driving organic marketing through customer posts and stories. You can learn more about how to make your own chocolate syrup for an added personal touch to this indulgent beverage.

Dessert lovers are drawn to this beverage, making it a profitable menu addition. Seasonal flavour variations offer exciting opportunities to boost customer engagement:

• Peppermint chocolate chip for winter months
• White chocolate raspberry during spring
• Salted caramel chocolate for autumn
• Dark chocolate orange as a limited-time special

These rotating flavours create urgency and encourage repeat visits. Allied Drinks Systems provides the commercial-grade blenders and dispensing equipment needed to maintain consistent quality during peak summer service.

6. Affogato: Simple Yet Luxurious Hot-Cold Contrast Dessert Coffee

The affogato recipe gelato espresso combo delivers an elegant simplicity that transforms any café menu. This Italian classic features a shot of hot espresso poured directly over a scoop of premium gelato or ice cream, creating an irresistible interplay between temperatures and textures. The hot espresso begins to melt the frozen gelato, producing a creamy, velvety consistency that coffee and dessert enthusiasts adore.

Customisable gelato flavours elevate the affogato experience:

• Vanilla – timeless choice that highlights espresso’s bold notes
• Hazelnut – adds nutty richness complementing coffee’s natural flavours
• Chocolate – creates an indulgent mocha-like fusion
• Salted caramel – balances sweet and savoury elements

PureGusto’s range of sundry items includes quality gelato options perfect for crafting this sophisticated dessert-coffee hybrid. The affogato’s minimal ingredient list—just espresso and gelato—makes it cost-effective whilst maintaining premium appeal. This refreshing iced coffee drink to add to your menu requires no specialised equipment beyond an espresso machine, making it accessible for establishments of all sizes. Its presentation value encourages repeat orders and social media sharing.

Allied Drinks Systems supplies the espresso machines and accessories needed to serve flawless affogatos consistently.

7. Coffee Smoothies: Nutritious & Energising Summer Fuel

Coffee smoothies blend the energising properties of brewed or cold brew coffee with wholesome ingredients to create a satisfying beverage that serves multiple purposes throughout the day. The foundation typically combines Greek yoghurt or dairy-free milk alternatives with fresh or frozen fruits such as bananas and berries, delivering a balanced fusion of caffeine, protein, and natural nutrients.

Key ingredients for coffee smoothie recipes:

• Brewed coffee or cold brew as the base
• Greek yoghurt for creaminess and protein
• Bananas for natural sweetness and smooth texture
• Berries for antioxidants and vibrant flavour
• Cocoa powder for rich chocolate notes
• Vanilla extract for aromatic depth
• Cinnamon for warmth and metabolism-boosting properties
• Coffee syrups for customisable sweetness

These versatile beverages appeal to health-conscious customers seeking nutritious breakfast options or post-workout fuel. The customisation possibilities accommodate various dietary preferences, from vegan alternatives using plant-based milks to protein-enhanced versions with added supplements. PureGusto’s wholesale coffee beans and flavouring syrups provide the perfect foundation for creating signature coffee smoothie recipes that stand out on summer menus.

8. Iced Oat Milk Latte: Trendy Dairy-Free Alternative With Creamy Texture

The rise of plant-based milk alternatives has changed café menus, with oat milk leading the way. Its naturally mild sweetness and smooth texture create a perfect balance with espresso, delivering a creamy mouthfeel that rivals traditional dairy without overpowering the coffee’s unique flavour.

Creating the perfect iced oat milk latte recipe:

1. Brew a double shot of espresso or strong coffee and allow it to cool
2. Fill a tall glass with ice cubes
3. Pour the chilled espresso over ice
4. Add cold oat milk, leaving space for optional syrups
5. Customise with vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut syrups from PureGusto’s extensive range
6. Stir gently and garnish with a dusting of cinnamon

This dairy-free milk alternative addresses the needs of vegan and lactose-intolerant customers whilst appealing to health-conscious consumers seeking plant-based options. The iced oat milk latte represents inclusivity in modern coffee culture, allowing businesses to cater to diverse dietary preferences without compromising on taste or quality.

To further enhance your menu and meet this growing demand, consider exploring ways to switch up your drinks menu. This could involve incorporating refreshing iced teas or coolers using quality syrups from Simply, which can be easily integrated into your existing offerings. Stock your café with premium oat milk and quality coffee supplies from PureGusto to ensure you are fully equipped to satisfy customer preferences for these trendy beverage options.

Bonus Section – Other Refreshing Iced Coffee Alternatives to Explore

Iced Chai Latte: Aromatic Spice-Infused Refreshment

The iced chai latte recipe offers a delightful departure from traditional coffee-based beverages. This aromatic drink features a carefully balanced blend of spices—cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and ginger—steeped in hot water before being sweetened and chilled.

The spiced tea base is then mixed with cold milk (dairy or plant-based alternatives available through PureGusto) and poured over ice cubes. The result is a creamy yet spicy refreshment that provides a sensory experience quite different from standard iced coffee drinks. The warming spices create an intriguing contrast with the cold temperature, making it particularly appealing to customers seeking variety in your summer drinks menu.

Espresso Martini: Sophisticated Evening Coffee Cocktail

The espresso martini cocktail recipe transforms coffee into an elegant after-dinner option. This sophisticated beverage combines freshly brewed espresso with vodka and coffee liqueur or simple syrup, shaken vigorously with ice to create a distinctive frothy layer on top. The bold espresso provides a caffeine kick whilst the smooth vodka adds refinement, making it perfect for evening menus in establishments with alcohol licences.

Serve in a chilled martini glass for maximum visual impact.

Experimenting with these refreshing iced coffee drinks to add to your menu using quality ingredients from PureGusto can drive summer drinks menu innovation and boost profitability. Each beverage offers unique upselling opportunities through premium ingredients and customisation options.

For instance, incorporating the Simply Spiced Apple Winter Warmer Syrup into your offerings can provide a unique twist to your winter beverage lineup. This syrup captures the essence of the filling in your apple pie or crumble, transforming it into a hearty drink perfect for warming up around the fire.

Conclusion

These refreshing iced coffee drinks transform summer menus into profit centres whilst delighting customers with cooling, customisable beverages. Quality ingredients make all the difference—sourcing wholesale convection roasted beans, premium syrups, and dairy-free alternatives from trusted suppliers like PureGusto ensures consistency and flavour excellence across every drink.

The summer season presents a golden opportunity for cafés and retailers to stand out. By offering these profitable iced coffee menu ideas, you’ll attract customers seeking unique, Instagram-worthy beverages that beat the heat. Experiment with these recipes, adjust sweetness levels to suit diverse tastes, and watch your iced drinks become the talk of warm British afternoons.

Ready to elevate your summer offerings? Explore PureGusto’s wholesale supplies and equipment to bring these customer attraction strategies to life.