Beyond the Frappe: Top Summer Coffee Trends to Try This Year

This summer, coffee lovers are branching out beyond the classic frappe. Here’s an overview of the current favorites that are refreshing coffee culture today.

1. Cold Brew Takes the Lead

Cold brew is making waves as the summer staple. It’s made by steeping coarsely ground coffee in cold water for anywhere from 12 to 24 hours. The result is a smooth, low-acidity drink that highlights mellow, almost sweet flavor notes—perfect for cooling off on hot days

2. Nitro Coffee: Smooth and Creamy

Nitro coffee elevates cold brew by infusing it with nitrogen and serving it cold, often on tap. The tiny nitrogen bubbles create a creamy, velvety texture and a cascading visual effect, similar to a draft beer. It’s a stylish and indulgent way to enjoy coffee without added cream.

3. Espresso Tonic: Bitter Meets Bubbly

Espresso tonic combines a shot of espresso with tonic water over ice. The flavor is crisp, bittersweet, and uniquely layered, often presented with visually appealing separation between coffee and tonic—making it both invigorating and Instagram-ready.

4. Frappe: Classic, but No Longer King

The tried-and-true frappe—made with instant coffee, ice, water, sugar, and sometimes a splash of milk—retains nostalgic value, especially in regions with Greek café influence life.forbes.cz. Yet, it’s now just one option among many popular cold coffee drinks.

5. Iced Lattes, Cappuccinos & Affogatos

Other summer coffee favorites include iced lattes and iced cappuccinos—simple, familiar espresso-and-milk combinations served over ice for a refreshing twist . The affogato—a scoop of ice cream "drowned" in hot espresso—blends coffee and dessert into one delicious treat .

Summary of Summer Coffee Styles

Drink	Description
Cold Brew	Long-steeped in cold water, smooth and low-acid
Nitro Coffee	Nitrogen-infused cold brew with creamy texture
Espresso Tonic	Espresso over tonic water—bubbly and bitter-sweet
Frappe	Instant coffee blended cold with ice and optional milk
Iced Lattes/Cappuccinos & Affogato	Classic espresso drinks served cold or as dessert

Final Note

While frappe remains a familiar classic, cold brew, nitro, espresso tonic, iced espresso drinks, and affogato are gaining traction. These modern choices offer diverse flavor profiles and textures—from creamy and fizzy to bold and elegant—ensuring that every coffee fan finds a cool summer pick-me-up.

Summer's coffee lineup just got richer—and more delicious!