Summer’s here, the days are long, and the sun is cranking up the heat — which means it’s the perfect time to swap out that steaming mug for something icy, refreshing, and oh-so-smooth. Because let’s be honest: when the weather’s warm, coffee just hits differently over ice.

But why stop at a plain iced coffee when you can shake things up and bring café-quality coolers straight to your kitchen? With just a few simple tricks, you can turn your daily brew into something that feels like a summer treat — bold, chilled, and full of flavour.

In this guide, we’re diving into our favourite cool coffee classics - the decadent iced coffee, the crisp and refreshing iced long black and the creamy iced latte. And because no summer coffee session is complete without a little indulgence, we’ll also show you how to finish them off with cold cream and fun syrups that take things to the next level.

Whether you’re cooling off after a hot day at the beach, hosting a backyard BBQ with friends, or just want a pick-me-up that feels as good as it tastes, these recipes are easy, quick, and endlessly customisable. Think of it as your go-to summer coffee menu — made right at home.

What coffee should you use?

The short answer: any of Merlo’s coffees! Whether you’re a fan of our signature blends or prefer exploring our single origins, they’ll all work beautifully in iced drinks - as long as the beans are fresh and ground to suit your brew method.

We’re especially fond of our Organico Blend, which brings a rich, rounded flavour to iced recipes. And don’t forget our Decaf Coffee - it tastes just as great chilled, making it the perfect choice if you’re after a late-night summer sip without the buzz.

1. Iced Coffee

This is where it all begins — the ultimate summer staple.

BASE: Brewed coffee (plunger/French press, filter, moka pot, or even cold brew).

BUILD: Coffee is cooled slightly, then poured over ice, add icecream and your milk of choice.

OPTIONAL: You can add non-dairy milk, syrup or flavoured ice cream, but the main flavour is the brewed coffee itself.

ALTERNATIVES:

• Coffee base: Try cold brew concentrate instead of hot coffee if you want a gentler flavour.
• Twist: A splash of milk, oat milk, or even coconut water for a lighter, tropical feel.
• Lower caffeine: Use decaf or half-strength beans for an evening treat.

2. Iced Long Black (aka Iced Americano)

Clean, crisp, and beautifully simple.

BASE: Espresso (1–2 shots).

BUILD: Tall glass filled with fresh ice → add cold, filtered water → pour hot espresso over the top.

Why this order matters: Pouring espresso last keeps the crema intact, prevents the drink from tasting thin, and allows the hot coffee to cool gently.

ALTERNATIVES:

• No espresso machine? A strong AeroPress brew works just as well.
• Want more sweetness? Add a dash of agave syrup or honey. Or check out our range of syrups here.
• Lighten it up: Swap the water for sparkling mineral water for a “sparkling iced Americano.

3. Iced Latte

Smooth, creamy, and the café favourite you’ll never tire of.

BASE: Espresso (1–2 shots).

BUILD: Glass filled with ice → cold milk poured in → espresso shot on top (for that layered look).

OPTIONAL: Flavoured syrups such as vanilla, caramel or hazelnut.

ALTERNATIVES: 

• Milk: Try oat milk for creaminess, almond for nuttiness, or coconut for a summery twist.
• Flavour: Stir in a pump of vanilla or caramel syrup for a sweet café vibe.
• Lower caffeine: Use decaf or half-strength beans for an evening treat.

Adding Cold Cream & Syrups

There are many ways to enhance your at-home cold coffee experience, and adding cold cream or syrup adds a level of decadence. 

• Cold Cream: Using a milk frother, whisk or even a jar, lightly whip chilled pouring cream until it thickens slightly. Pour it gently over your iced coffee and watch it float like a cloud.
• Syrups: there is a myriad of syrups that can be added to your cold drinks to mix up the flavour. There's the staples - vanilla, caramel and hazelnut - or go seasonal with gingerbread, coconut, pumpkin spice or peppermint. View our range of syrups here.

ALTERNATIVES

• You can use coconut cream as an alternative, to add a tropical touch.
• Honey and maple syrup make for a natural alternative to standard syrups. 
• Spice it up by dusting your drink with cinnamon or cocoa powder for some extra café flair.

The Final Sip

And there you have it — three cool coffee classics to keep you refreshed all summer long. From a bold iced coffee to a crisp iced Americano, these drinks prove that chilled coffee can be anything but boring.

Mix and match milks, syrups, and brewing styles to suit your taste - the secret is in the balance: strong coffee, sparkling fresh ice, and a splash of creativity.

So, grab your favourite glass, fill it to the brim with ice, and cheers to sunshine, holidays, and café-level coffee right at home. Summer never tasted this good!