7 August 2026 · 4 min read
when you want something beyond the usual cup, coffee plays wonderfully in refreshing and dessert drinks. all the recipes below are simple and scalable: instead of espresso you can use strong coffee from a moka, an aeropress or even a cold brew concentrate. the ratios are a guide — adjust to taste.
espresso tonic
a hot-day hit. into a tall glass — ice, fill about 2/3 with tonic, then CAREFULLY pour a shot of espresso (or 60–80 ml of strong coffee) on top. the coffee settles in beautiful layers. don't stir right away — enjoy the look first. the quinine freshness of the tonic + the fruity acidity of a light bean is an incredible pairing (especially with an ethiopia).
iced latte
the simplest summer drink. into a glass with ice pour cold milk (dairy or oat), then a shot of espresso or strong coffee on top. sweeten with syrup if you like. want it layered — pour the coffee slowly over the ice. use a denser, chocolate-nut bean for milk.
bumble
a striking three-colour drink: into a glass — ice, then fresh orange juice about halfway, then carefully pour espresso/strong coffee on top. orange + coffee sounds unexpected but is very fresh. best drunk after a gentle stir.
affogato
the fastest dessert in the world: a scoop of vanilla ice cream in a cup, a hot shot of espresso on top. the ice cream starts melting into the coffee — a hot-cold contrast. serve at once, eat with a spoon. ideal at home: two ingredients, a wow effect.
cold coffee with orange/spice
based on cold brew: concentrate + water/ice, a slice of orange or a cinnamon stick. soft, without acidity or bitterness, refreshing. add a little honey if you like.
hot raf (for those who love sweet and gentle)
raf is a post-soviet classic: into a pitcher a shot of espresso + cream (10–20%) + a little sugar (often vanilla), all steamed together (or with a mini-frother) into a single airy, gentle texture. not a cappuccino or a latte — a separate, dessert character.
a few tips
- for cold drinks with milk/juice use a denser, sweeter bean (chocolate, nuts) — it «punches through» the ice and add-ins
- a light fruity bean is best in a tonic, where its acidity only helps
- make ice from filtered water so it doesn't spoil the taste as it melts
- dissolve sugar in warm coffee before adding ice (it won't dissolve in the cold).
in short
coffee isn't only a black cup and a cappuccino. an espresso tonic and a bumble save a hot day, affogato is an instant dessert, raf is a gentle sweet alternative. all of it is easy to make at home even without an espresso machine, swapping the shot for strong moka or aeropress coffee. experiment with ratios — it's almost impossible to go wrong here.