All you need to make this favorite German summertime treat is cold coffee, a scoop or two of vanilla ice cream, and a generous dollop of whipped cream.
When I was an exchange student in Hamburg many years ago, my German host mother introduced me to one of my favorite warm-weather treats: Eiskaffee (literally “ice cream coffee”). On hot afternoons she would mischievously offer what she called a “calorie bomb,” and we would sit in the backyard sipping cold coffee topped with ice cream and whipped cream.
Although Eiskaffee is a chilled drink, thinking about those lazy summer afternoons still makes me feel cozy and nostalgic. It’s simple, comforting, and perfectly indulgent on a steamy day.
Eiskaffee comes together in minutes. As the ice cream softens and melts into the coffee it creates a silky, sweet texture that feels more like a dessert than a beverage. You’ll find Eiskaffee at many German cafés and ice cream shops, but making it at home is quick and especially satisfying.
What Kind of Coffee Should I Use?
Use any brewed coffee or espresso you enjoy, but make sure it is thoroughly chilled before assembling your Eiskaffee. Cold coffee keeps the ice cream from melting too quickly and preserves the drink’s refreshing texture.
If you prefer to avoid caffeine in the afternoon or evening, a decaf or low-caf espresso works perfectly. I often choose decaf these days so I can enjoy Eiskaffee later in the day without a caffeine buzz.
For the best results use a high-quality vanilla bean ice cream and freshly whipped cream. Assemble your Eiskaffee right before serving, since even with cold coffee the ice cream will soften quickly. Serve it the traditional German way with a long spoon and a straw so you can scoop and sip in the same glass.
What You Need to Make German Eiskaffee
This is an easy sweet treat that requires very little equipment. Here’s what you need:
- Cold brewed coffee or chilled espresso (adjust strength to taste)
- Vanilla ice cream (or a non-dairy alternative)
- Whipped cream (or a non-dairy alternative)
- Optional: chocolate sprinkles or a drizzle of chocolate syrup for garnish
Minimal kitchen tools:
- A method to brew coffee
- Glasses for serving
- Long-handled spoons and a straw
- An ice cream scoop
Eiskaffee Recipe: Easy Iced Coffee, German-style
Eiskaffee (German Iced Coffee)
An easy and delicious German summertime treat.
5 minutes
5 minutes
Ingredients
- 2–4 cups (450–900 ml) cold coffee, depending on glass size and strength preference
- 4 scoops high-quality vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream for topping
- Chocolate sprinkles or syrup, for garnish
Instructions
- Brew coffee using your preferred method and chill it in the refrigerator until ice cold.
- Scoop 1–2 scoops of vanilla ice cream into each glass. Pour cold coffee over the ice cream until each glass is about 1/2 to 3/4 full.
- Top with whipped cream and finish with chocolate sprinkles or a drizzle of chocolate syrup. Serve immediately with a tall spoon and a straw.
Recommended Products
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Reusable BPA-Free Straws -
Fun Paper Straws
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Cold Brew Iced Coffee Maker
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Long Handle Iced Coffee Spoons
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Chocolate Jimmies
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Peet’s Coffee
