German Iced Coffee Is The Sweet And Creamy Take On Your Favorite Drink

Coffee purists will swear by a pour-over or espresso, but there's undoubtedly an appeal to a flavored joe too. Whether it's a preferred Starbucks beverage or a Korean-born Dalgona coffee, there's a multitude of sweetened coffees worldwide.

In Germany, the go-to summer favorite is eisakaffee. Crafted with a drip-brew, tasty vanilla ice cream, and whipped cream, it's a buzz-inducing cold drink that hits the spot. Contained in a large glass with both a spoon and straw, it's not meant for drinking on the go. Instead, it's served at cafes in pedestrian areas — a drink built to be savored while watching the world go by. Creamy, sweet, and still with a tinge of the coffee flavor, it almost hits the same notes as a milkshake. Plus, it can be topped with a variety of added treats, whether it's a cookie or some juicy in-season cherries. So how does this tasty drink come together? Let's dive into what gets mixed in.

Of course, this German drink starts with coffee. Unlike affogatos, it reaches for a chilled, brewed joe rather than an espresso base. A variety of beans and preparation mehtods are fit for the job, but traditionally, the drink uses a bold roast. The most widespread German coffee brands offer blends roasted medium to dark — any of which would be a perfect fit for the job; their balanced, coffee-forward flavor palette creates the most faithful taste of an eiskaffee.

When it comes to crafting the joe, the most widespread method in Germany is kaffee or filterkaffee. Similar to drip coffee stateside, this filtered method is commonly refrigerated after preparation, but certainly so for eiskaffee. Only drip coffee with low acidity will taste good after time in the fridge, so consider using cold brew if your coffee is on the bitter side.

Finally, it's time for assembly. Mix up a fresh batch of whipped cream with a bit of sugar for sweetness. Then, reach for a spacious mug or tall glass, and toss in a large scoop of vanilla ice cream. Classic milk-based ice cream works best — just make sure it has a vanilla flavor that'll mesh well with the coffee. Pour the chilled coffee on top, dollop some whipped cream, and voila, this Deutschland iced coffee is complete.

As a refreshing beverage with a sweet note, the eiskaffee is primed as a canvas for variations. Start by experimenting with different toppings, which will not only add a different flavor but can make beverage treats visually pop. Examples include small cookies like stroopwafels, shaved chocolate, fresh or maraschino cherries, and mint. 

Some also change the character of the drink by mixing in ingredients to the coffee. Evaporated milk adds a sweet note, while a dark, unsweetened cocoa powder integrates a bitter, robust flavor. And, of course, an adults-only booze version is also on the table. Liquor additions include amaretto, cognac, and Baileys. Since Germans already craft a hot, whipped cream boozy coffee known as Pharisaeer Kaffee, an alcoholic character won't be a surprising encounter. In comparison to the small affogato, the eiskaffee's large volume allows for many flavors. There's no right or wrong here — simply what hits the spot.