When the sun is high and the days stretch long, your coffee cravings don’t have to fade—they just need a seasonal twist. Enter the summer coffee cocktail (and its equally delightful non-alcoholic counterpart, the coffee mocktail). These refreshing creations combine the bold flavors of coffee with bright, summery ingredients to help you beat the heat in style.
Whether you're lounging on the patio, hosting brunch, or winding down after a day at the beach, these easy-to-make drinks bring the café to your summer.
Iced Coffee Negroni
For the classic cocktail lover.
This twist on the Italian favorite adds depth and richness to the usual bitter-sweet combo.
Ingredients:
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1 oz cold brew concentrate
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1 oz sweet vermouth
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1 oz Campari
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Orange slice for garnish
Instructions:
Stir all ingredients with ice and strain over fresh ice in a rocks glass. Garnish with an orange slice.
Cold Brew Tonic Spritz
A bubbly refresher, no spirits required.
Cold brew and tonic water are a surprisingly perfect match.
Ingredients:
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3 oz cold brew
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3 oz tonic water
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Citrus wedge or peel
Instructions:
Fill a glass with ice, pour in the cold brew, top with tonic water, and gently stir. Garnish with a citrus wedge or twist.
Espresso Martini
A bold classic that never goes out of style.
This elegant cocktail is perfect for summer evenings when you want something smooth, sophisticated, and with a kick.
Ingredients:
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2 oz chilled espresso
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1 oz coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa)
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1 oz vodka
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Ice
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Coffee beans for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Add espresso, coffee liqueur, and vodka to a shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously until well chilled and frothy. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a few coffee beans if desired.
Coffee Cream Soda Float
Dessert meets pick-me-up.
Perfect for warm summer nights when you want something sweet and satisfying.
Ingredients:
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4 oz cold brew concentrate
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2 oz vanilla syrup or cream soda
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Scoop of vanilla ice cream
Instructions:
Pour cold brew and vanilla syrup over ice. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a creamy float effect. Serve with a straw and a spoon.
Pro Tips for Summer Coffee Mixing
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Use strong coffee. Cold brew concentrate or chilled espresso works best.
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Make your own syrups. Try vanilla, cinnamon, or lavender for custom flavor.
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Chill everything. Pre-chill your coffee, glasses, and even garnishes.
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Get creative. Add fresh herbs, fruit slices, or infused ice cubes to elevate your drink.
Whether you're looking for a weekend treat, a midday refresher, or an after-dinner indulgence, these coffee cocktails and mocktails bring bold flavor to every sip. So grab your favorite roast, break out the shaker, and toast to summer—coffee-style.