EXTRA CREAMY ICED COFFEE

Discover the charm of Austrian iced coffee with a creamy English twist – clotted cream ice cream, rich tradition, and a refreshing summer treat.

Iced coffee is the ultimate pick-me-up on a hot summer day – and something I’m very familiar with from my home country, Austria.

Austria’s deep coffee culture

Austria has a long-standing and proud coffee tradition, one that’s deeply woven into everyday life. Viennese coffee houses (Kaffeehäuser) date back more than 340 years and, in 2011, were even recognised by UNESCO as part of the world’s intangible cultural heritage.

But if the term coffee house conjures up images of a modern high-street chain, think again. Austrian Kaffeehäuser are a world apart. These timeless spaces often occupy historic buildings, with opulent interiors, plush banquette seating, and small tables designed for lingering conversation.

Step inside, and you’re greeted by glass display cases filled with cakes and pastries. The coffee menu? It’s extensive – sometimes featuring up to 40 different varieties. You might even need a translator to navigate it!

The Kaffeehaus Experience

A Kaffeehaus is more than just a place to grab a quick coffee. It’s an institution. The atmosphere is calm and refined, with high ceilings, artwork, chandeliers, and a quiet hum of conversation. Waiters wear classic black-and-white uniforms – black trousers, waistcoats, crisp white shirts, and bow ties.

Your coffee is served on a small silver tray, accompanied by a glass of still water to cleanse your palate. More often than not, there’s also a little wrapped chocolate or biscuit on the side.

Coffee in Austria is serious business. It’s not just about the drink – it’s about slowing down, savouring the moment, enjoying a slice of cake, reading the newspaper, or exchanging ideas. In fact, Kaffeehäuser have long been known as gathering places for artists, musicians, and philosophers.

But here’s the twist…

Despite all this deep-rooted love for coffee in my culture… I don’t actually like it. Shocking, I know! But I’ve never been able to stomach bitterness – grapefruit, radicchio, chicory, and yes, coffee, all fall into my no-go zone.

That said, there is one exception: Iced Coffee.

Sweet, creamy, and chilled – it’s the perfect summer indulgence. It still gives you a gentle caffeine boost, but without the bitterness. And it feels more like a dessert than a drink.

A summer tradition

Just like offering a cup of tea is second nature in England, offering coffee to a guest is an essential gesture in Austria. In summer, especially in the afternoon, it’s often served iced. Everyone has their own spin on it, but this particular version is my favourite.

I’ve added a British twist by swapping traditional vanilla ice cream for clotted cream ice cream, making it extra luxurious and velvety. There’s no sugar in this recipe, but feel free to add a touch if you prefer a sweeter taste.

Watch the video below to see it being made:

EXTRA CREAMY ICED COFFEE

Servings

1

servings

Discover the charm of Austrian iced coffee with a creamy English twist – clotted cream ice cream, rich tradition, and a refreshing summer treat.

Ingredients

• Freshly brewed double espresso

• 2 ice cubes

• 50ml cold water

• 3 scoops clotted cream ice cream

• Topping

• Squirty cream

• Cocoa powder

Directions

• Brew the double espresso and add 2 ice cubes to cool down the coffee.
• Add ice cream, cold water and coffee to a blender and mix on a high setting.
• Pour creamy iced coffee into a glass, top with squirty cream and a sprinkling of cocoa powder.

Notes:

• I have used Clotted Cream Ice Cream to make it extra creamy, Vanilla Ice Cream is absolutely fine and is more in line with the original recipe.