Italian cold coffee traditions highlighted by institute and regional guide

The Istituto Espresso Italiano (IEI) has launched a campaign showcasing the evolution of Italy’s summer cold coffee, presenting a range of regional preparations—from classic espresso on ice to more elaborate drinks such as the Sicilian Bicerinto, the Salento‑style iced coffee with almond milk, and cocktail‑inspired espresso tonics. The institute emphasizes how these variants preserve the espresso’s intensity while embracing new textures, flavors and mixology techniques.

A complementary guide details the diverse regional versions of cold coffee across the south of Italy. It notes that a YouGov 2024 survey found 57 % of Italians still prefer hot espresso, while only 9 % regularly choose iced variants. The guide explains local customs, such as the “caffè leccese” from Lecce, which is prepared with almond milk and large ice cubes, and highlights the strong territorial identity attached to each recipe. Together, the two pieces illustrate how cold coffee remains a distinct cultural practice that varies markedly from one Italian region to another.