A perfect blend of coffee and dessert, Eiskaffee (literally “ice coffee” in German) is a delicious, indulgent treat that combines cold brewed coffee, vanilla ice cream, and whipped cream for a refreshing yet decadent experience.
Unlike an Affogato, where hot espresso melts ice cream instantly, Eiskaffee is served chilled, preserving the texture of the ice cream while letting it slowly mix into the coffee. It’s a popular café favorite in Germany, especially during warm summer months, and feels like a coffee float with a touch of elegance.
What Makes Eiskaffee Different?
🔹 Served Cold for a Refreshing Experience – Unlike an affogato, where hot espresso melts the ice cream instantly, Eiskaffee is made with chilled coffee, so the ice cream slowly blends in as you sip.
🔹 A Coffee Float with a Luxurious Touch – Think of Eiskaffee as a grown-up, sophisticated root beer float, but instead of soda, it’s made with rich, flavorful coffee.
🔹 Topped with Whipped Cream for Extra Indulgence – Unlike other coffee drinks, Eiskaffee is typically finished with a generous swirl of whipped cream, making it a true dessert coffee.
How to Make Eiskaffee
☕ Ingredients
- 1 cup (8 oz / 240ml) chilled brewed coffee
- 2 scoops vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream (for topping)
- Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder (optional garnish)
🌡 Temperature Guide
- Coffee: Chilled, not room temperature
- Ice cream: Frozen, straight from the freezer
Step-by-Step Brewing Guide
1️⃣ Brew & Chill the Coffee
- Prepare 8 oz (240ml) of strong brewed coffee (drip, pour-over, or cold brew).
- Let it cool completely in the fridge before using.
2️⃣ Scoop Ice Cream into a Tall Glass
- Add two generous scoops of vanilla ice cream into a large glass.
3️⃣ Breathe It In
- ☕ Breathe it in. The sweet scent of vanilla ice cream blending with rich coffee is an invitation to awaken—not just the body, but the soul. That’s why we encourage you to take that extra second or two to pause and enjoy your coffee before drinking by smelling it and thinking, “Taste and see that the Lord is good.”
4️⃣ Pour the Chilled Coffee Over the Ice Cream
- Slowly pour the chilled coffee over the ice cream, allowing it to float and mix naturally.
5️⃣ Top with Whipped Cream & Garnish (Optional)
- Add a layer of whipped cream on top for an extra indulgent touch.
- Sprinkle with chocolate shavings or cocoa powder for added richness.
6️⃣ Serve with a Straw & Spoon
- Enjoy slowly, sipping the coffee while scooping up the softened ice cream.
Eiskaffee vs. Other Dessert Coffees
✔ Eiskaffee vs. Affogato: An affogato uses hot espresso over ice cream, while Eiskaffee uses cold coffee for a float-like texture.
✔ Eiskaffee vs. Mocha: A mocha is espresso mixed with chocolate and steamed milk, while Eiskaffee is cold coffee with ice cream and whipped cream.
✔ Eiskaffee vs. Iced Latte: An iced latte is espresso and milk over ice, while Eiskaffee is brewed coffee with ice cream instead of milk.
Why Choose Eiskaffee?
- For a Refreshing Coffee Dessert with a Creamy Twist – Eiskaffee is cool, smooth, and indulgent, making it perfect for warm days or after-dinner treats.
- A German Café Classic – If you love European-style dessert coffees, Eiskaffee is a must-try specialty.
- Perfect for Coffee Lovers with a Sweet Tooth – The combination of rich coffee, creamy ice cream, and whipped topping makes Eiskaffee a pure delight.
☕ Next Up: Irish Coffee – The Iconic Whiskey & Coffee Cocktail ☘️🥃
