5 Simple Coffee Drinks for the Summer

5 Simple Coffee Drinks for the Summer

Occam’s Razor dictates that among competing hypotheses, the one with the least number of assumptions should be selected. Like Occam, we value simplicity. We think the summer drinks that have the least number of ingredients, take the least amount of time, and involve the least hassle will be the one you choose to enjoy immediately after reading this. As such - here are five dead simple coffee recipes for summer caffeinating:

  1. Cold Brew Lemonade
  2. Affogato
  3. Espresso & Tonic
  4. Cold Brew & Cola or Root Beer
  5. Tropicália

Cold Brew Lemonade

When you think about it - is it that different than an Arnold Palmer? (May that beautiful man rest in peace) Pro tip: Like an Arnie, you can spike this with vodka.

What you’ll need:

  • 4-5 oz lemonade
  • 4-5 oz cold brew (see Clive recipe or we recommend Blue Bottle)
  • Ice

summer drinks 1

Affogato

Ice cream and coffee; what more could you really ask for? This traditional hot-weather drink is a match made in heaven and our summers are full of them. Pro tip: Adding Bailey's to this will award you with shouts of joy and amazement - even if they are just your shouts.

What you’ll need:

  • One scoop of ice cream
  • 30 g of espresso

summer-drinks 2(The author and resident barista, Victoria, enjoying affogatos on the roof with Paul)

Espresso & Tonic

In Portland (the real coffee capital of the US), this drink is certainly on the rise. Some of the most popular roasters and baristas are adding it to their summer menus. It is a simple and punchy drink - balanced espresso paired with a bittersweet tonic water.

What you’ll need:

  • 30 g (1.5 oz espresso)
  • 6-8 oz Tonic water
  • Ice

Cold Brew & Cola or Root Beer

Another simple one you probably never thought to try. The sweet and refreshing cola pairs perfectly with the balanced cold brew: muting any overly sweet flavors and toning down intense or bitter notes that the coffee would bring to the table. Pro tip: Whiskey doesn't hurt this one bit.

What you’ll need:

  • 4-5 oz Cold Brew
  • 4-5 oz Cola (If you can find Caleb's Kola, we recommend it) or Root Beer
  • Ice

summer-drinks-3

“Tropicália”

Straight from the beaches of Brazil with a name that will make even the most sullen hipsters swoon. Perfect for the boat, beach or garden. Pro tip: You can add rum to this.

What you’ll need:

  • 30 g of espresso (1.5 oz)
  • 150 milliliters of fresh coconut water
  • Ice

summer-drinks-4

For more tips on summer drinks, see what our friends at Mistobox came up with for cold brew coffee and iced coffee recipes!