As the summer sun blazes and temperatures soar, a refreshing caffeinated treat is a must. Enter eiskaffee, a delicious German coffee beverage that combines the rich, robust flavor of coffee with the creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream. Perfect for coffee enthusiasts and dessert lovers alike, eiskaffee is a fantastic way to cool down while savoring the classic taste of coffee.
In this guide, we will take you through the steps to create this beloved German iced coffee at home. Whether you're looking to impress guests with a sophisticated beverage or simply craving a personal treat to beat the heat, our detailed guide will ensure you can craft a perfect Eiskaffee every time.
What is an Eiskaffee?
Eiskaffee is made with chilled coffee poured over a hearty scoop or two of vanilla bean ice cream and topped with whipped cream. It’s a cold, decadent coffee dessert that originated in Germany in the 1950s and 1960s as a summer beverage in cafes and homes. Since then, it’s grown into a favorite summertime treat among coffee lovers both in Germany and around the world. This indulgent coffee treat is best enjoyed on hot summer afternoons–or whenever you’ve got a sweet tooth!
What Do You Need to Make a German Eiskaffee at Home?
Making an eiskaffee at home is incredibly easy. All you need are a few ingredients, and minimal equipment. Here’s everything you need.
Ingredients
- High-quality coffee beans
- Vanilla bean ice cream
- Store bought whipped cream OR
- Heavy cream
- Sugar
- Vanilla extract
Equipment
- Coffee maker of your choice
- Ice cream scoop
- Tall glass
How to Make an Eiskaffee
Once you’ve got your ingredients and equipment assembled, it’s time to make your very own German eiskaffee! Follow these steps to make a sweet and refreshing eiskaffee at home.
1. Brew the Coffee
Start by brewing a strong cup of coffee using your preferred method (drip coffee maker, French press, pour over, etc.). No matter which brewing method you choose, you’ll want the coffee strong so it balances out the rich sweetness of the ice cream. Use a coffee-to-water ratio of around one (1) part coffee to fifteen (12) parts water, though you should adjust the ratio as necessary depending on which brew method you choose.
2. Chill the Coffee
Once the coffee is finished brewing, let it cool to room temperature. Move it to the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes. You can also place it in the freezer for a quicker chill, but make sure it doesn’t freeze!
3. Prepare the Glass
Grab a tall glass and chill it in the freezer for a few minutes to keep your eiskaffee colder for longer. We recommend using a clear glass so you can see the ice cream and coffee mingle together.
4. Combine Ingredients
Place two generous scoops of vanilla ice cream into your chilled glass. Then, slowly pour the chilled coffee over the ice cream, allowing it to mix slightly as it flows into the glass.
5. Add Whipped Cream
If you have store-bought whipped cream, simply add a generous dollop on top of the eiskaffee. If you want to go the extra mile and make homemade whipped cream, follow this recipe:
- Pour cold heavy cream into a bowl.
- Add sugar and vanilla extract.
- Whisk by hand or use an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
- Add a spoonful of whipped cream on top of your eiskaffee.
6. Serve & Enjoy
Serve immediately with a straw and a long spoon. Enjoy your homemade eiskaffee at home or outside!
Best Coffees to Use for Eiskaffee
Since eiskaffee uses rich and creamy vanilla ice cream, you’ll want to use a strong coffee to balance out the sweetness. Most recipes call for a medium or dark roast with notes of nuts or chocolate to compliment the vanilla flavor.
We recommend our Belly Warmer roast or our Blue Boy roast for your eiskaffee. Belly Warmer has a bold flavor, with notes of dark chocolate and almond butter, perfect for balancing out the sweetness of vanilla ice cream. Blue Boy is smooth with notes of chocolate, graham, brown sugar, almost reminiscent of s’mores when combined with vanilla ice cream.
You can also make cold brew coffee and use that in place of fresh brewed coffee. The cold brew method is a lot slower, requiring at least twelve hours for the coffee grounds to steep and reach the required strength. However, cold brew coffee is very smooth, balanced, and less acidic than freshly-brewed coffee, so you might prefer it in your eiskaffee.
Learn more about coffee and flavor pairings with our guide Sip & Savor: Mastering the Art of Food and Coffee Pairings.
Eiskaffee vs. Affogato
Though similar, eiskaffee is distinctly different from the Italian affogato. Eiskaffee and affogato are both delicious coffee-based desserts, but they differ in ingredients, preparation, and presentation. Here are some of the key differences between the two.
Ingredients
Eiskaffee is made with strong chilled coffee, vanilla ice cream, and is then topped with whipped cream. Affogato, on the other hand, is much simpler, made with fresh-brewed espresso and vanilla gelato.
Preparation
When making eiskaffee, you brew and chill the coffee beforehand and pour it over your scoop(s) of vanilla ice cream. With affogato, you pour hot, freshly brewed espresso over the vanilla gelato.
Presentation
Eiskaffee is intended to be served as a beverage in a tall glass. You can either sip it through a straw or enjoy it with a spoon–or both! Affogato is typically served in a shallow dish or cup and eaten with a spoon.
Treat Yourself to an Eiskaffee
Creating a delicious eiskaffee at home is super easy and even more delicious. This classic German treat not only cools you down on a hot day but also provides a tasty jolt of caffeine when you need it most. By following our step-by-step guide, you can enjoy a café-quality eiskaffee right in your own kitchen. So next time you're craving a refreshing and indulgent drink, remember this recipe and treat yourself to the ultimate summer delight.
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