Some folks cling to their piping hot coffee year-round, but if the idea of sipping steam in this heat makes you sweat just thinking about it, you’re in good company. Thankfully, local coffee shops are here to fuel our caffeinated needs with options perfect for surviving a Coastal Bend summer. From fruit-forward sippers to iced drinks that toe the line between coffee and dessert, here are eight iced coffee options to satisfy your cravings without raising your body temperature.
Cold Brew Refresher, Kilates Coffee Roasting Co.
The editorial team here at The Bend takes cold brew seriously (maybe a little too seriously). We recently had the pleasure of doing a tasting with Kilates Coffee owner Kathya Reppart, and my god, was the Cold Brew Refresher good. Somehow both smooth and bold, it’s made with slow-steeped specialty coffee and an ever-so-slight hint of sweetness from the honey lavender. Naturally sweet while still maintaining its punch, this is one we can’t stop thinking about.
14493 S Padre Island Dr Ste. E. Open 8 a.m.–2 p.m. daily.
Crazy Coconut, Driftwood Coffee Company
Off Driftwood’s summer menu, the Crazy Coconut is a clear standout, and not just because it sounds like a fun cocktail. A double shot of Driftwood’s espresso blend lays the groundwork for the addition of coconut syrup and oat milk. Topped with coconut cold foam and toasted coconut flakes, this drink strikes the perfect balance: sweet enough to feel like a treat, but not so sweet it drowns out the espresso’s star moment.
4703 S Alameda St. Open 7 a.m.–4 p.m. Monday–Saturday. Closed Sunday.
Almond Coconut Mocha, Grid Coffee Co.
From Grind Coffee Co.’s summer lineup, the almond coconut mocha is the one stealing our hearts. (Maybe we’re just deep in our coconut era?) It starts with a housemade syrup blend of almond and coconut, followed by a double shot of espresso and a pour of coconut milk. A quick stir brings it all together, and if you’re feeling extra, go ahead and top it with cold foam. Honorable mention goes to their iced americano with coconut water.
615 N Upper Broadway #140. Open 7 a.m.–3 p.m. Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Saturday. Closed Sunday.
Iced Horcrux, Coffee Mugg
Sometimes you want your coffee to double as dessert, and when that craving hits, just about anything from The Coffee Mugg’s menu will do the trick, especially the Horcrux. Order it iced and enjoy every indulgent sip of espresso, horchata, hazelnut, cinnamon powder and your milk of choice, all topped with vanilla cold foam. They even offer a 32 oz. cup (quite possibly a first for our local coffee scene?), and honestly, we’re obsessed.
1112 Morgan Ave. Open 6:30 a.m.–3 p.m. Monday–Thursday and 8 a.m.–7 p.m. Friday–Sunday.
Matcha Melon, FIKA
It’s hard to choose a favorite from Fika’s summer drink menu, but we’re going to have to give it to Matcha Melon. Made with matcha, housemade cold-pressed watermelon juice, lemon and a pinch of salt, it’s refreshing, tasty and pretty to look at. Okay, it’s not technically a coffee-based drink, but it is caffeinated, and it is indeed delicious. Plus, they’ve recently extended their hours to include Tuesdays, giving you one more day to work this bevvy into your week.
4411 S Alameda St. Open 7 am–3 pm Tuesday–Saturday.
Iced Ube Latte, Saigon’s Civet Cafe
If you’ve been on the hunt for an ube latte in town, head straight to Saigon’s Civet Cafe. Subtly sweet with hints of vanilla and a nutty undertone, Ube has a unique flavor that sets it apart from other root vegetables. And if you’re going to add a vegetable to your coffee, ube just might be the perfect pairing. Be sure to order it iced for a creamy and colorful pick-me-up.
2222 Airline Rd Suite A1. Open 6 a.m.–8 p.m. Monday–Saturday and 8 a.m.–3 p.m. Sunday.
Blueberry Cold Brew, Coffee Waves
Coffee Waves has long had a stellar, tried-and-true cold brew, and when the seasons change, you can count on them to add a little something extra. Enter the Blueberry Cold Brew. It’s everything you love about their bold signature brew, with just the right amount of fruity twist to keep things interesting.
5738 S Alameda St. Open 7 a.m.–9 p.m. daily.
Iced Americano with an Extra Shot, Lucy’s Snackbar
Okay fine, I’ll admit it, this is my actual coffee order from Lucy’s Snackbar, but for those of us who want a straight-up, no-frills, black coffee, this is my recommendation. The drink calls for two simple ingredients: espresso and water. However, I like to keep things exciting by adding an extra shot. It packs a punch, that’s for sure, but I find the extra shot crucial once the ice begins to melt.
312 N Chaparral St Suite A. Open 7 a.m.–10 p.m. Monday–Saturday and 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Sunday.
