From iced lattes with a twist to flavored cold brews, these East Coast coffee drinks are sure to help you cool down this summer.
BY VASILEIA FANARIOTI
SPECIAL TO BARISTA MAGAZINE ONLINE
Photos by Vasileia Fanarioti
Recently, I took a road trip to the East Coast and tried out some of the local summertime coffee drinks. From Florida to Maine, I sampled a wide variety of iced coffees and cold brews, all of which were perfect for beating the summer heat. Three weeks and 15 states later, I’ve compiled a list of my five favorites that I would recommend. If you find yourself on the East Coast this summer, be sure to give these a try!
Spro + Tonic
First stop: Florida, the Sunshine State! I spent two days in Miami trying local Cuban cuisine and visiting different cafés. I have to say, my favorite was at Vice City Bean. They offer a Spro + Tonic, which is a double shot of espresso with East Imperial tonic water, vanilla, and citrus notes. You can all imagine how hot and humid it was while I was there, so this drink was perfect to help me cool down and perk up at the same time. Vice City Bean has three locations in Miami, so if you’re ever in the area, be sure to check them out!
Hex Shandy
Next up is Charlotte, N.C., where I tried the Hex Shandy from HEX Coffee Roasters. This refreshing drink is made with cold brew, lemon, seltzer water, fresh mint, and a house-made simple syrup. A signature beverage at HEX, the Hex Shandy is a must-try if you find yourself in Charlotte on a hot summer day. The combination of cold brew and seltzer water makes for the perfect pick-me-up, while the lemon and mint add a refreshing touch.
Iced Horchata Latte
Skipping a few states ahead, I found myself in Connecticut, sipping on an Iced Horchata Latte from Ashlawn Farm Coffee. This delicious drink is made with double espresso, rice milk, cinnamon, and vanilla. The rice milk gave the coffee a smooth and creamy texture, while the cinnamon and vanilla added the perfect amount of sweetness that reminded me of a rice pudding. If you’re ever in the mood for an iced latte but are looking for something a little bit different, I would definitely recommend giving this one a try.
Iced Honey Halva Latte
Two days later I was in Boston, where a friend suggested I try an Iced Honey Halva Latte from Tatte Bakery & Café. Tatte collaborates with Stumptown Coffee Roasters, and this specific iced latte is made with Stumptown’s espresso, milk of your choice, honey, house-made halva, and cardamom. The coffee itself was delicious, but it was the halva that really took this drink to the next level for me, as I am a big fan of tahini.
Orange Creamsicle Shakerato
Last but not least, I have to mention the Orange Creamsicle Shakerato from Bard Coffee in Portland, Maine. This drink is made with double espresso and orange zest, and is then shaken and served over ice. It’s topped with star anise and is the perfect drink to enjoy on a hot summer day. The orange zest gives the coffee a lovely citrus flavor, while the star anise adds a touch of spice. If you find yourself in Portland, be sure to check out Bard Coffee—you won’t be disappointed!
So there you have it: five summertime coffee drinks to try on the East Coast! If you’re looking for summertime coffee cocktails, here are some favorites. I hope you enjoyed reading, and that this has inspired you to try something new the next time you order coffee!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Vasileia Fanarioti (she/her) is a Senior Online Correspondent for Barista Magazine, and a freelance copywriter and editor with a primary focus on the coffee niche. She has also been a volunteer copywriter for the I’M NOT A BARISTA NPO, providing content to help educate people about baristas and their work. You can follow her adventures at thewanderingbean.net.
