Summer and Iced Coffees

It’s time to get outside—play sports, have fun, go out with friends and family, and most importantly, enjoy the present moment. After spending a frozen winter huddled indoors, it’s finally time to release all that built-up energy. But as the temperatures rise, don’t forget to protect yourself with sunscreen, shield your eyes from the bright sun, and most importantly—stay hydrated. To help with that last part, Tatum Café has crafted three refreshing iced coffee recipes, perfect for every summer occasion!

The Classic Iced Latte

Talking about summer coffees inevitably brings us to the iced latte. This drink is the ultimate classic when it comes to non-alcoholic summer “cocktails.” Everyone has their own recipe—and everyone swears theirs is better than their neighbor’s… In short, this coffee is the beverage-world equivalent of grandma’s spaghetti sauce.

So, Tatum Café is here to present its version (the best one, obviously) of the iced latte:

  • Ice cubes
  • Milk (dairy or plant-based)
  • Two shots of espresso

This is the classic recipe for a classic coffee. To recreate the exact taste of our in-store iced lattes, we recommend using our Italian Espresso beans — a well-balanced option that hits all the right notes. If you're a fan of bolder, more intense flavors, the Neos beans will be your best bet. On the other hand, if you prefer something smoother and more delicate, the Miello beans are the perfect choice.

A bit more Punch!

The iced latte can definitely be enjoyed as-is with the base recipe above — but adding a little extra something is often a welcome bonus. Some might reach for a sugar cube or a spoonful of granulated sugar, but we don’t recommend it — sugar has a tough time dissolving in cold liquids, and no one wants grainy sips.

The ideal alternative? Syrup, of course. There are dozens of syrup flavors out there, but when it comes to a timeless drink like the iced latte, it’s best to stick with the classics. That’s why we recommend adding a splash of vanilla, maple, caramel, or hazelnut syrup — the perfect touch to elevate this already divine summer nectar.

In short, the iced latte may be a summer roasting classic, but it’s a good one for a reason. We even recommend topping it off with a bit of whipped cream on a sunny weekend afternoon — because sometimes, a little indulgence is exactly what summer calls for.


The bold cold brew

Looking to switch things up from the classic iced latte, but still craving something just as delicious — and that showcases the pure taste of coffee even more? Cold brew will be your best friend this summer. Slow-steeped for hours in cold water, this brew method is one of the best ways to preserve the original flavor profile of the roasted bean — smooth, rich, and refreshingly bold.

Making cold brew at home is a fun and rewarding process, even if it takes a bit more time — and trust us, it’s absolutely worth trying! Here’s a simple way to get started:

  1. Use coarsely ground coffee beans — for the best results, we recommend one of our micro-lot selections, like the Salvador Pacamara. Its unique flavor profile truly shines when brewed cold. 
  2. Use a French press (plunger-style brewer) for an easy and effective cold brew method — no fancy equipment needed!
  3. Use a ratio of 100g of coarsely ground coffee per 1 liter of cold water — a perfect balance for a smooth, flavorful cold brew.
  4. Let it steep in the French press for 24 hours — slow and steady wins the flavor game!
  5. Pour the coffee into a glass filled with ice, making sure to filter it well to keep any grounds out of your drink.
  6. Sip, savor, and enjoy every refreshing drop!

Of course, you can always add a syrup—again, we recommend sticking to the classics: Maple, Vanilla, Hazelnut, or Caramel. Or, add a splash of milk or cream to make it smoother and creamier to your taste.

The funny affogato

Had a tough week? Just want to unwind and stay in the moment? The fun and refreshing affogato is the perfect treat for you. It’s the ultimate combo of happiness, summer vibes, and comfort. Here’s how to make it:

  1. In a glass, combine a double shot of espresso with 1 oz of coffee liqueur and 1.5 oz of vodka.
  2. In another glass, add 1 to 3 scoops of vanilla ice cream (we definitely recommend going for 3 😉).
  3. Pour the espresso and liqueur mixture from step 1 over the vanilla ice cream.
    1. You can also top it off with chocolate chips and whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.
  4. Sip, savor, and enjoy every refreshing drop!

For the best possible result, we recommend using the Espresso Fuego beans from our selection. Its bold flavor pairs perfectly with the other ingredients. Honestly, the adult affogato is the cocktail to kick off your weekend right during the hot summer days.