When I think of a cappuccino, I immediately envision a warm, steamed, and perfectly balanced espresso drink that always hits the spot during the fall and winter. Though I’m almost always willing to drink a warm or cold coffee during any season, there are some points in the summer heat where you simply can’t handle the idea of drinking a warm espresso drink (for example, the Florida summer heat). For these times, an iced cappuccino hits the spot, offering a cold variation of the classic hot cappuccino.
Made with espresso, cold milk, and foamed milk, an iced cappuccino is the order for an espresso lover who seeks balance. But what exactly is the iced cappuccino, and how does it differ from other cold espresso beverages? In this guide, we’ll explore everything you wanted to know (and more) about the often-overlooked iced cappuccino.
What is an iced cappuccino?
“In most specialty coffee shops, an iced cappuccino is 4 ounces of whole milk, a double shot of espresso, and ice,” says James McCarthy, Head of Education at Devocion. “If a shop has a way to make cold foam, this is often added to the top. If not, steaming milk and then pouring it over ice actually puts milk into the danger zone where it grows bacteria, so most cafes don’t do this, as it is a health code violation. In situations where it is not feasible to use steamed milk, cold foam mimics the frothy texture of steamed milk as a great alternative.
When ordered right off the menu, an iced cappuccino is not normally sweetened. However, McCarthy says that many coffee shops offer the ability to customize the drink by adding a flavored sweetener or a dash of simple syrup. In my experience, not all coffee shops are willing to make an iced cappuccino or have it posted on their menu, so you may need to ask about this order.
Iced cappuccino vs. other cold espresso drinks
Most coffee shop regulars know the iced latte is one of the most commonly ordered beverages. For this reason, somehow the iced cappuccino tends to get overlooked or confused with an iced latte. Per McCarthy, “An iced latte has more milk and will normally not have cold foam.” An iced latte is typically made with a ratio of one part espresso to three or four parts milk, creating a very milk-focused espresso beverage.
In comparison, a true iced cappuccino will have a more balanced taste, using a 1:1:1 ratio of espresso, milk, and cold foam. Those who prefer a heavier, milkier cold espresso may prefer to order an iced latte, whereas those who seek a slightly stronger espresso flavor may prefer the iced cappuccino. Other cold espresso beverages, like an iced macchiato, taste much more espresso-focused than an iced cappuccino. An iced cappuccino is also somewhat similar to an iced flat white, however, an iced flat white uses a thinner microfoam as opposed to a thick cold foam. An iced cappuccino is a creamy drink, so if you’re looking for a beverage without dairy, you’ll likely prefer an iced Americano.
How to make an iced cappuccino
If you’re looking to make an iced cappuccino at home, you have several options. The easiest way is to use your espresso maker to brew fresh espresso and follow the steps below. If you don’t have a traditional espresso machine, the steps below to make an iced cappuccino remain the same, except you’ll use an alternative method to create concentrated coffee in lieu of traditional espresso.
- Pour 4 ounces of milk into a glass. Non-dairy milks, such as barista-blends of almond or soy milk, can also be used as an alternative.
- Pour 2 ounces of concentrated coffee into milk (used as an alternative to espresso). An espresso concentrate could also be used for those who do not have an espresso machine. Using a French Press is another good alternative for this step as well. The key here is using a coffee that is stronger than your average drip coffee to ensure the taste is strong enough to cut through the milk.
- Add ice.
- Spoon cold foam on top (optional).
When making an iced cappuccino at home using a French press or freshly brewed hot espresso, McCarthy says it’s important to pour the espresso over the milk first, as opposed to pouring it directly over the ice. “Pouring hot coffee over ice will melt the ice and water down the drink, and also it changes the flavor of the coffee, making it taste bitter,” he says.
Making cold foam
To make cold foam for your iced cappuccino, you can use a handheld milk frother or a French press. Use 2 to 3 ounces of milk and move the French press filter up and down repeatedly to incorporate air into the milk and produce foam. For a quick alternative, you can also use pre-made cold foam, such as that available in the refrigerated section of the grocery store.
