Summer Coffee: 3 Refreshing and Easy Recipes to Try

As summer approaches, there’s nothing better than a refreshing drink that’s light, delicious, and easy to make at home. And as passionate coffee lovers, we’ve put together three simple espresso-based recipes that can be recreated with just a few ingredients. 

These are timeless classics that you’ve probably heard of—or perhaps already tasted—but they never go out of style and are the perfect answer to the warmer days ahead. 

Let’s start with one of the most iconic pairings of all: espresso and ice cream. 

Affogato: The Perfect Coffee Break or Dessert 

We’ll begin with one of the most beloved coffee treats ever created: the affogato. A simple yet irresistible combination of espresso and ice cream. 

Its exact origins are not fully documented, though it likely became popular during the 20th century, when both gelato and espresso were already widely enjoyed.

Its name, affogato, literally means “drowned,” referring to the way a scoop of gelato is “drowned” under a shot of hot espresso, creating an immediate contrast of temperature, texture, sweetness, and bitterness. 

To make it, we recommend using a cappuccino cup and filling it with your favourite ice cream, leaving a small area in the centre for the coffee. Then simply brew a shot of espresso directly over the ice cream and stir until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency. For a more intense coffee flavour, opt for a double shot. 

The best ice cream flavour? Whichever one you enjoy most. 

Our favourite combinations include vanilla, chocolate and, of course, coffee ice cream for those who want to highlight the espresso’s flavour even further. 

Among the 100% Arabica coffees from Torrefazione Giamaica Caffè available on our website, we believe Afribon and Guatemala work particularly well in this recipe. Both feature a medium roast profile with notes of toasted nuts and dark chocolate—flavours that remain beautifully present alongside the sweetness of the ice cream. 

Simple, quick, and satisfying, affogato is equally perfect as an afternoon treat or a summer dessert. 

Espresso Tonic: Bright, Refreshing and Aromatic 

Next up is another summer favourite among coffee enthusiasts: the espresso tonic. 

The recipe couldn’t be simpler — ice, tonic water, and a shot of espresso poured over the top. We recommend using a tall cocktail glass of around 150–200 ml to achieve the ideal balance between coffee and tonic. 

The quinine in tonic water helps enhance the espresso’s fruitier and more aromatic notes, creating a refreshing contrast with a pleasant effervescence. 

For this recipe, we particularly enjoy coffees from the Indian peninsula, such as Indian Mysore, Primo Guardiano, Chickmagalur Karnataka, and Malabar.

Their medium roast profile and naturally fruity character make them an excellent match for the crisp, citrusy qualities of tonic water. 

As for the tonic itself, Fever-Tree is one of our preferred choices for this style of drink. 

Looking for a more bar-quality finish? Add a slice of orange or a twist of citrus peel to bring an extra layer of freshness and aroma. 

Shaken Espresso: Simple Yet Always Impressive

Last but certainly not least, we have one of the most iconic summer coffee drinks: the shaken espresso. 

Once again, this is an incredibly easy recipe to make at home and a great way to add something different to your coffee routine. 

Simply combine espresso, sugar, and ice in a cocktail shaker, then shake vigorously for a few seconds until the mixture becomes chilled, smooth, and creamy. 

No shaker? No problem. A tightly sealed jar works just as well. 

The result is a refreshing, velvety espresso with an almost cocktail-like texture — ideal for enjoying on hot summer days. 

As always, the secret lies in starting with high-quality coffee. For this recipe, two of our favourite selections from Torrefazione Giamaica Caffè are Giovanni Erbisti and Cuba. 

Giovanni Erbisti is a historic blend made from four Arabica coffees sourced from Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Guatemala. Each origin is roasted separately and then hand-blended according to a recipe that has been passed down for more than seventy years. 

In the cup, it offers notes of nuts, honey, and chocolate, with gentle acidity and excellent drinkability, making it especially enjoyable after a meal. 

Another coffee we love using is Cuba. This 100% natural Arabica is hand-harvested and carefully selected, offering an intense flavour profile with notes of honey and raw sugar. These characteristics become even more pronounced when prepared with brown sugar. 

These three recipes have stood the test of time for a reason: they’re simple to make, require only a handful of ingredients, and showcase coffee at its best during the summer months. 

Whether you prefer the creamy indulgence of an affogato, the bright freshness of an espresso tonic, or the silky texture of a shaken espresso, one thing remains the same: starting with a quality espresso makes all the difference. 

Explore our full selection of Torrefazione Giamaica Caffè 100% Arabica coffees and let us know which coffee-based summer recipe is your favourite.