11 Trending Iced Coffee Drinks You Need to Try This Summer

As temperatures climb, hot coffee becomes harder to justify. That’s where iced coffee comes in—not just the regular kind with some cubes tossed in, but the new wave of cold caffeinated drinks that are getting people to rethink their morning brew. From international twists to viral TikTok creations, these iced coffee drinks are shaking things up, literally and figuratively.

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Whether you want something creamy, bubbly, slightly salty, or boldly sweet, this summer’s iced coffee trends offer a little something for everyone. Here’s what’s blowing up right now—and why you might want to ditch your usual order, at least for a few months.

Coffee Meets Soda in the Most Unexpected Way

One of the most viral drinks this summer is the iced espresso tonic. It’s exactly what it sounds like: a shot of espresso poured over tonic water and ice, often with a citrus twist like lemon or grapefruit. The drink has roots in the Scandinavian coffee scene and has steadily gained traction in the U.S., popping up on specialty menus from Los Angeles to Brooklyn.

It’s not for everyone, but fans swear by its crisp, slightly bitter profile. “It’s refreshing and bright,” says Sam Penix, co-owner of New York’s Everyman Espresso, who has served it for years. “The tonic plays off the acidity in the coffee and creates a totally different experience.”

Salted Cream Cold Foam Is Taking Over Again

First popularized by Starbucks, salted cream cold foam is making a comeback this summer, especially in homemade variations. This version involves whipping together cream, milk, and a bit of salt, then pouring it over iced cold brew. The result is a drink that feels fancy, even if you’re drinking it out of a plastic cup in your kitchen.

TikTok users have been sharing their own riffs—some adding maple syrup, others blending in sweetened condensed milk for a Vietnamese-style twist. The combo of salty, sweet, and rich seems to hit the right balance for those looking to change up their cold brew game.

Dirty Matcha Lattes Keep Getting Dirtier

The “dirty matcha” trend isn’t new, but it’s trending harder than ever this summer. It’s a mix of earthy matcha and bold espresso—usually served over ice, often layered for visual effect. The drink has found new life on Instagram and TikTok, where the color contrast (green on top, brown on the bottom) turns every pour into a minor event.

It’s a favorite for people who want caffeine but not too much. “You get the slow energy release from matcha and the immediate jolt from espresso,” says coffee influencer Morgan Eckroth in an interview with Perfect Daily Grind. “It’s also customizable and fun to make at home.”

Korean Dalgona Coffee Is Back—and Iced This Time

Dalgona coffee exploded during the early days of the pandemic, but it’s making a subtle return this summer—especially in iced form. Made by whipping instant coffee, sugar, and hot water into a thick foam and spooning it over iced milk, it’s one of the most photogenic drinks out there.

The trend has evolved since 2020. Some coffee shops are now offering dalgona-style drinks with flavors like vanilla bean, cinnamon, or caramel. The texture is what keeps people coming back—it’s dessert and caffeine in one.

Coffee Jelly Is the New Boba

Coffee jelly isn’t exactly new (it’s been a dessert staple in Japan since the 1960s), but it’s becoming a buzzy iced coffee add-in this year. Think of it as coffee’s answer to bubble tea. Cubes of firm, jiggly coffee-flavored gelatin are added to iced lattes or cold brew for a textural twist.

Major chains in Asia like % Arabica and Koi Thé have featured it on their menus, and U.S. cafes are starting to follow suit. At home, it’s easy enough to DIY with instant coffee, gelatin, and a little sugar—just set it in the fridge, cube it, and stir it into your drink.

Tiramisu Iced Coffee Is Like Dessert in a Cup

Some of the most viral iced coffee drinks right now are inspired by dessert, and tiramisu iced coffee is leading the pack. It usually starts with espresso or cold brew, then adds layers of whipped mascarpone, cocoa powder, and sometimes even ladyfinger crumbles. TikTok videos under #tiramisulatte have racked up millions of views.

It’s not the cheapest or simplest drink to make, but it’s definitely one of the most decadent. Food writer and barista Jason Yu described it as “like drinking a coffee-soaked tiramisu—rich, cold, and ridiculously addictive” in an interview with Vice.

Vietnamese Iced Coffee Is Going Mainstream

Vietnamese iced coffee (ca phe sua da) isn’t new, but it’s having a moment thanks to its bold flavor and simple ingredients. Strong dark-roast coffee—often brewed with a phin filter—and sweetened condensed milk, are poured over ice. It’s rich, sweet, and extremely caffeinated.

You can now find it bottled in grocery stores like H Mart, or featured on menus at indie coffee shops across the U.S. Bon Appétit even declared it “the summer’s most intense iced coffee” —and they’re not wrong.

Espresso Shakeratos Are Getting a Sweet Upgrade

The Italian shakerato—a double espresso shaken with ice and a little sugar until frothy—is showing up in more variations this summer. Some are using flavored syrups like vanilla or orange blossom, while others are adding a splash of cream or a dusting of cinnamon on top.

It’s still incredibly simple, but the shaking process aerates the coffee and gives it a silky mouthfeel. “It’s underrated,” says barista trainer Amy Zhang, “but when done right, it tastes way more expensive than it is.”

Ube Iced Coffee Brings Color to the Cup

Bright purple ube has been trending in desserts for a while, and now it’s showing up in coffee. Ube iced lattes combine espresso or cold brew with a creamy, subtly nutty ube base—often made from ube halaya (a sweet Filipino purple yam jam) or ube syrup.

You’ll find it in trendy cafes in Los Angeles and San Francisco, where ube is more than a gimmick—it’s flavor and culture in one cup. According to Filipino-American food writer Abi Balingit, “It’s a taste of home for many, and a splash of curiosity for others.”

Spanish Iced Coffee Is Having a Quiet Revival

Also known as “café con hielo,” Spanish iced coffee is just espresso poured over ice and sweetened to taste. It’s deceptively simple but has gained attention for being strong, straightforward, and perfect for hot weather. Some shops are serving it with a lemon twist or even over frozen milk cubes to prevent dilution.

Unlike many of the more elaborate drinks on this list, café con hielo is all about the coffee. No foams, syrups, or extras—just the essentials, chilled.

Cereal Milk Iced Coffee Is for the Nostalgic Crowd

Riding the wave of nostalgia-driven food trends, cereal milk iced coffee uses milk that’s been steeped with sugary cereals like Fruity Pebbles or Cinnamon Toast Crunch. The milk is then strained and mixed with coffee or espresso for a drink that’s sweet, creamy, and oddly comforting.

It’s a hit on Instagram and TikTok, especially among younger coffee drinkers who remember sugary cereals as part of their childhood routine. For some, it’s gimmicky. For others, it’s the best of both worlds.

This Summer’s Coffee Scene Is Anything But Boring

If there’s one thing this year’s iced coffee trends have in common, it’s that they’re anything but subtle. Whether it’s the fizzy brightness of a tonic espresso or the rich layers of a tiramisu latte, these drinks are about breaking habits and having a little fun with your caffeine fix.

There’s no rule that says you have to stick with just one. Try a few. Mix and match. Or just use them as an excuse to finally make coffee jelly at home. Either way, you’re not going back to plain iced coffee anytime soon.