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Author:
Franco Salzillo
Eiskaffee is a unique iced coffee, and it’s because German people love to take their time and use the finest ingredients to satisfy their cravings.
Now, let me be clear, there’s more than one recipe for eiskaffee out there. After all, this is a popular drink in Germany and abroad. Still, they all share some elements that make the specialty drink authentic.
Here’s the deal, winters are harsh in Germany, and the rest of the year isn’t all that warm either. Warm coffee is always welcomed in such latitudes, but when you have the chance to enjoy an ice-cold drink, you take it.
The most important ingredient in an eiskaffee is coffee. You can use espresso for a concentrated drink or regular coffee for a milder drink.
You also need vanilla ice cream, that’s right — the Germans know their stuff. Find premium-quality ice cream made with vanilla bean; it’s worth it.
Whipped cream is almost mandatory, and really consider getting a bar of decadent chocolate for some sweet shavings. The recipe below calls for chocolate syrup, which is lovely, too — why not add both?
Now, for the technical aspect. What you want is steaming coffee to melt the ice cream; that’s the secret, so make sure the coffee is blistering hot!
There’s nothing wrong with a typical cup of eiskaffee, but you can experiment a little for equally tasty results.
For starters, try Nutella ice cream or even rocky road for a lovely drink with a different flavor and texture. Use any ice cream you want — none will disappoint.
You can also add a splash of brandy or coffee liqueur in there for a boozy drink that kind of reminds you of the holidays. Yes, the eiskaffee has the winter holiday spirit, but you’ll agree it’s also a fantastic summer drink. Can iced coffee get any better than this?
Here’s a warning, though, Eiskaffee literally means iced coffee, so if you’re ever in Germany, they might serve you the one you already know and love sans-ice cream.
Not all Eiskaffee is a decadent ice cream drink. Luckily for you, here’s a recipe for the right kind of Eiskaffee. Enjoy!
Brew the coffee and set it aside.
Divide the ice cream between two mugs and top the ice cream with the hot coffee.
Stir a little to incorporate and top with whipped cream and chocolate syrup.
