Iced Cappuccino Recipe

Prepare and pull espresso

Preheat and clean the espresso machine portafilter. Dose 18 g of freshly ground dark roast coffee into the portafilter, level and tamp evenly. Brew a double espresso (approximately 60 ml) directly into a small metal or heatproof pitcher over 20–30 seconds. If you don't have an espresso machine, brew 60 ml strong coffee with an Aeropress or Moka pot.

If using syrup, stir the 15 ml of syrup into the hot espresso immediately after brewing so it dissolves evenly. Allow the espresso (or syruped espresso) to cool slightly while you prepare the milk and ice — 1–2 minutes.

Chill milk and cream

Keep whole milk and optional heavy cream cold until ready to froth. Cold dairy froths better for a denser microfoam suitable for iced cappuccino.

Create cold foam

Combine 180 ml whole milk and 30 ml cold heavy cream (if using) in a chilled frothing pitcher or jar. Use a milk frother set for cold foam, an electric handheld frother, or shake vigorously in a sealed jar for 30–45 seconds until you get a thick, velvety cold foam with fine bubbles. Alternatively, use a blender for 10–15 seconds on low speed to create stable foam.

Taste and adjust sweetness: if you didn't add syrup to espresso, you can gently fold 1–2 teaspoons of simple syrup into the cold foam to sweeten it, mixing lightly to preserve foam volume.

Fill glass with ice

Place about 6 ice cubes into a 12–16 oz (350–475 ml) glass. The glass should be large enough to accommodate espresso, milk, and foam.

Add milk

Pour 120 ml of cold whole milk over the ice, leaving room at the top for espresso and foam (reserve remaining milk/cream mixture for foam if you used all for cold foam).

Add espresso

Slowly pour the 60 ml double espresso over the milk and ice so it forms a distinct layer. This will create a pleasant marbling effect.

Top with cold foam

Spoon or gently pour the prepared cold foam on top of the espresso layer, filling the glass and creating a 1–2 cm foam cap. Use the back of a spoon to help the foam sit on top if necessary.

Garnish and serve

Dust the foam lightly with 1 tsp cocoa powder or ground cinnamon. Serve immediately with a straw or long spoon. Stir before drinking if you prefer a uniform flavor.