If you crave a coffee that’s bold, smooth, and refreshingly chilled, then you simply have to try this Espresso and Cappuccino Freddo! Inspired by Mediterranean café culture, this icy treat brings together robust espresso, airy froth, and creamy almond milk for the ultimate pick-me-up on a sunny afternoon or any time you need to treat yourself.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly Refreshing: Brimming with crushed ice and robust coffee, Espresso and Cappuccino Freddo is the cool sip you crave when the heat is on.
- Barista-Style at Home: No need to travel to Greece or find a fancy café—you can whip up this stylish drink right in your kitchen, in just a few minutes!
- Dairy-Free and Customizable: Almond milk adds creamy depth but keeps things totally plant-based—play with different non-dairy milks or sweeteners to fit your tastes.
- Naturally Energizing: With rich espresso and aromatic cardamom or vanilla, you’ll get all the flavor you want without anything artificial.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Espresso and Cappuccino Freddo calls for just a handful of essentials, but each ingredient really matters! From bold espresso to velvety almond milk, every element comes together to give you the perfect chilled coffee experience.
- Strong black coffee (for 2): Whether you go for double espressos or brew with an AeroPress, make sure your coffee is bold—those robust flavors are the backbone of the drink.
- 20 ice cubes: The secret to that irresistible slushiness! Ice chills and aerates the coffee to perfection.
- Approx. 120 ml / ½ cup almond milk: Homemade or store-bought, almond milk adds creamy body and subtle nuttiness that complements coffee beautifully.
- Maple syrup, to taste (optional): For those who love a hint of sweetness, maple syrup brings gentle caramel notes (but you can swap with your favorite sweetener).
- 2-3 green cardamom pods or a piece of vanilla pod* (optional): A touch of cardamom or vanilla is pure luxury—totally optional, but unforgettable for aroma lovers!
Variations
The best part about Espresso and Cappuccino Freddo is how flexible it is! Whether you’re swapping out your milk or adding a new twist, it’s easy to get creative and truly make this drink your own.
- Oat or Coconut Milk: Try oat milk for extra creaminess or pour in coconut milk for a subtle tropical vibe.
- Mocha Freddo: Add a teaspoon of cocoa powder to the blender for a silky, chocolatey version—like your favorite iced mocha, but frothier!
- Sweetener Swaps: Sugar, agave, or even flavored syrups (like hazelnut or caramel) work deliciously in place of maple syrup.
- Spiced Freddo: A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even cardamom powder makes the freddo wonderfully aromatic.
How to Make Espresso and Cappuccino Freddo
Step 1: Brew Your Coffee Strong
Start by brewing your coffee! Use double espresso shots, or make a very strong serving in your AeroPress or favorite coffee method. Because chilling dulls flavor a bit, don’t be shy—go bolder than you normally would for hot coffee. Allow the coffee to cool completely so it won’t instantly melt the ice.
Step 2: Infuse Flavors (Optional)
If you’d like to add a hint of spice or warmth, infuse the cooled coffee with cardamom pods or a vanilla pod. Just let the coffee and the aromatics sit together for 5–10 minutes to carry that subtle flavor through every icy sip.
Step 3: Prepare the Glasses
Pour half of your cooled coffee directly into two glasses. These will be the base, ensuring that special layered look and giving each sip a mix of intense and mellow notes.
Step 4: Blend with Ice and Sweetener
Tip the rest of the coffee into your blender, along with the ice cubes. Add maple syrup or your favorite sweetener if you like. Blend on high for about 20 seconds, until you have a slushy, frothy, refreshing blend—don’t worry if a few small ice chunks remain.
Step 5: Pour and Top with Almond Milk
Spoon or pour the frothy, icy coffee mixture over the coffee already in your glasses. Finish with a generous pour of cold almond milk on top—it softens the flavor and adds gorgeous color contrast, transforming your Espresso and Cappuccino Freddo into a café-worthy treat.
Pro Tips for Making Espresso and Cappuccino Freddo
- Stronger Is Better: Don’t be afraid to brew your coffee extra-strong! Chilling and blending will mellow it out, so start bold for authentic flavor.
- Ice Matters: Use fresh, hard ice cubes—not soft or partially melted—so your freddo is super frosty without getting watered down too quickly.
- Blender vs. Shaker: If you don’t have a blender, a good cocktail shaker with plenty of vigor can mimic that signature froth—give it a shot if you’re feeling old school!
- Almond Milk Temperature: Keep your almond milk chilled straight from the fridge for that creamy-cool finish, and pour it gently over the ice for dreamy layers.
How to Serve Espresso and Cappuccino Freddo
Garnishes
For a finishing flourish, sprinkle a pinch of cocoa powder, ground cinnamon, or a few coffee beans right on top. Even a twist of citrus zest, like orange or lemon, brings out the coffee’s brightness and looks absolutely gorgeous. Little touches make your treat feel truly special.
Side Dishes
Pair Espresso and Cappuccino Freddo with a crisp biscotti, buttery almond cookies, or a fresh fruit salad. Anything with gentle sweetness or crunch will complement the creamy, icy sips beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve in tall, clear glasses to showcase the lush layers of coffee and almond milk, or try vintage espresso cups for an elegant twist. Chill your glassware beforehand for extra drama, and finish with fun straws or tiny spoons for stirring and sipping!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve made a little extra Espresso and Cappuccino Freddo, pop any unfinished coffee mixture (without milk) in the fridge; it will keep its flavor and chill for up to a day. Give it a quick shake or blend with ice before serving for that just-made froth.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover coffee into ice cube trays—these coffee cubes are incredible for future Freddo batches or even cooling down your iced tea or smoothies without watering them down!
Reheating
This is one coffee drink that’s meant to be enjoyed icy cold! If your mixture sits and separates, simply blend or shake again with fresh ice to revive its creamy, frothy texture; you definitely don’t want to heat it up.
FAQs
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Do I need an espresso machine to make Espresso and Cappuccino Freddo?
No espresso machine? No problem! You can use a moka pot, AeroPress, or any method that makes strong, concentrated coffee. The key is to brew it extra strong so the flavors shine through after chilling.
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Is Espresso and Cappuccino Freddo always dairy-free?
Traditionally, this drink can include dairy, but using almond milk makes it plant-based and lighter. Feel free to swap in your favorite milk—dairy or otherwise—to suit your preference.
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Can I prepare Espresso and Cappuccino Freddo ahead of time?
You can brew and cool your strong coffee in advance, and even freeze it in cubes. Assemble and blend with ice and milk right before serving for the freshest taste and best texture.
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What’s the difference between Espresso Freddo and Cappuccino Freddo?
Espresso Freddo is purely coffee blended with ice (and sometimes sweetener), served chilled and frothy, while Cappuccino Freddo tops this blend with a cold, creamy froth—usually made from milk—for a layered, luxurious effect. This recipe unites both in one gorgeous glass!
Final Thoughts
I hope this Espresso and Cappuccino Freddo brings a little bit of Mediterranean magic into your day! Whether you sip it solo, share with friends, or serve after dinner, it’s a chilled, creamy, and deeply satisfying twist on classic coffee—give it a try and fall in love with every frosty sip.
Print
Espresso and Cappuccino Freddo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Total Time: 10 min
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a refreshing and energizing Espresso and Cappuccino Freddo, perfect for a hot summer day. This chilled coffee drink combines the bold flavors of espresso with creamy almond milk and a hint of sweetness.
Ingredients
- 2 x double espresso, cooled
- 20 ice cubes
- Approx. 120 ml / 1/2 cup almond milk
- Maple syrup, to taste (optional)
- 2–3 green cardamom pods or a piece of vanilla pod* (optional)
For the Coffee:
For the Drink:
Instructions
- Prepare the Coffee: Make a strong coffee and allow it to cool down.
- Blend the Drink: Divide half of the coffee between two glasses. Blend the remaining coffee with ice cubes and maple syrup until frothy.
- Assemble: Pour the blended coffee over the coffee in the glasses. Add almond milk if desired.
Notes
- You can customize the sweetness of the drink by adjusting the amount of maple syrup.
- Experiment with different spices like cardamom or vanilla for unique flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: Approx. 50 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
