After reading a particularly annoying post about what the author appreciates about America after living in Europe in which I am personally convinced the person hasn’t lived in Europe at all or perhaps in some dark bubble in the end of a troll’s lair. Half the stuff they mention you can find quite easily if you have something called google. Well maybe everything except ‘American Holidays’ but come on, that’s the whole point of being abroad, to embrace the difference, no?
Hence, I was inspired to write this post since yes, ice coffee does exist in the continent of Europe. And guess what, you can even find it in Florence, Italy!
Italians usually prefer a ‘caffe shakerato’ pronounced (shock-eh-RAH-toe)which consists of freshly made espresso, a bit of sugar (I usually ask for without), and lots of ice poured into a martini glass. It’s pretty fantastic so I recommend trying this out on a hot summer’s day if you can’t get an iced americano, also don’t forget about another favorite, granita di caffe which is a staple in the south.
Back to ice coffee, I love it and usually make it at home {ice + coffee + milk = ice coffee} but if you have that caffeine need in the center of town, here are a few places where you can find a little bit of ‘home’ on your Florentine journey.
Other cold drinks that you may or may not know originate from Italy worth trying?
- Cafe con Latte di Mandorla. Almond-milk ice coffee. Originally from Salento, this small glass packs quite the punch, in Florence I usually get it at Todo Modo Library cafe.
- Caffè Macchiato Freddo – like a macchiato coffee (the Italian one I mean) shaken with ice, cold milk, coffee and whatever sweetener you prefer. Also just generally asking for a “Caffè freddo” will get you espresso poured over ice.
- Granita di Caffe – Italian shaved ice is more common in the south but you can find it in Florence too, it is the ideal icy treat for the warm weather months. My favorite spot is Carabè on Via Ricasoli (near the Accademia).
*This post is updated for 2018!
Ditta Artigianale
Iced-coconut milk cold brew – yes please!
I first wrote about this coffed-haven hipster joint in my post about in Florence, and I am super thrilled that they also have a really great selection of ice coffee, including special blends with tonic water and distinct cold brews. This isn’t your average coffee bar, the creator is a world class barista and gourmet blends are available. When you enter the place, you almost feel like you have left Florence behind and entered a trendy bar in Berlin, Los Angeles or San Francisco, I also adore their raspberry cream cheese cake. Class all around at this place and a great spot to co-work.
Ditta Artigianale: Via Dei Neri 32, 50122 Florence, Italy: Open Mon – Sun: 8:00 am – 10:00 pm, Facebook, website. They also have a second (better location) on Via dello Sprone.
Le Vespe
This is more of a restaurant than a cafe but I adore Le Vespe and their coffee concoctions for a “taste of home” when I have a craving. Opened by a Canadian and Italian, they offer sandwich melts, brunch food, quesadillas, salads if you’re feeling peckish. address: Via Ghibellina, 76, 50122 Firenze.
Caffetteria Piansa
Worth walking to Beccaria, this small coffee shop also serves a light lunch but it is the coffee that keeps me coming back for more. It’s a family run business, Pietro, founded the brand in 1976 and Alessandro now heads up the shop. Don’t be scared to ask about their coffee blends and single-origin espresso, they love talking about it and although I’ve only been here a few times, I feel like I get an education every visit. address: Firenze, Via V.Gioberti, 51/R. Open until 7:30pm.
Irene Firenze
When it comes to stylish spots for a coffee in the city, I always head to contemporary bistro Irene Firenze, part of the elegant Hotel Savoy Florence, a historical hotel in Piazza della Repubblica square. They make a shakerato like the best of them and can custom any drink to your fancy. In fact, if you want to add a little baileys or rum come 5pm or noon, don’t be shy to ask. On the pricier side but trust me, it’s worth it. address. Piazza della Repubblica, 7.
La Menagere
Nestled in the San lorenzo neighborhood, this place is both stylish on the eyes and a breath of fresh air for those who are looking for mid-afternoon coffee break that has refreshingly quick WiFi. I’ve always been partial to their Shakerato (they use Ditta Artigianale coffee by the way) but they have upped their game with their ice coffee americano which is exactly like you would want (finally). address: Via de’ Ginori, 8/R. Open 7:30am-2am.
Floret
Fashion meets food in this beautiful hidden cafe located on the terrace inside of Luisa Via Roma shop on Via Roma. It’s a bit of a dreamy place to be with a leafy ambiance, stylish setup. Though I might not have the funds to actually shop at the store, I love Floret and its healthy lunch choices and ice coffee sojourns. The perfect place to rest and relax while touring the center of the city in its mid-summer chaos. This address: Via Roma, 19/21/r.
13 Responses
God the first thing on her list is “convenience stores,” as she can’t find snacks and headache meds in the same place. Like you’ve already stated, I think she has not lived in Europe…I mean really now, there’s many places along the hwys called AutoGrill! duh! OMG. This article is just getting worse: diet soda and ice! She must think we are all living in the stone age in Europe. And next … ‘Driving a car” again, like really? This author probably ‘lived’ in Europe for 24 hours. #10 blows my mind – 24H Drive-Thru and what to Europeans eat after 9pm. Well for started they are probably just sitting down to enjoy a lovely European meal at 9pm. Dolt. Law & Order, I think she’s been living under a rock while in Europe. We watch L&O every week! Household appliances? OMG! That’s right, in Europe there are NO laundry machines, nope none. Jerk.
This article (not yours, hers) is annoying. Thanks for pointing out this stupidity!
I always love reading what you have to say Jennifer :-). I really do question if the person who wrote that article ever really did live in Europe and if so, where??
News Cafe has an amazing iced coffee, along with all the other coffees they serve up. Free wifi and a very entertaining staff…I’m sure you’ve been, but if not, check it out!
Awesome I will check it out! Thanks for the tip 🙂
I have never been but I do need to check it out, thank you so much for the tip!
The lovely gals at Quelo in Santa Croce have started making me iced cappuccinos – yum!!!
UGH! “The American Coffee Experience”. Can Starbucks be far behind??? I dread the day I see the first one in Rome but I’m not naive enough to think it won’t be sooner rather than later. Che peccato!
As far as I know starbucks will never come to Italy {and I am thankful for that}. This is an ITALIAN coffee chain that mimics the American coffee experience when it comes to the free wifi, chairs, relaxed caffe experience as opposed to the quick espresso shot which is A-OK by me!
Actually….. I thought the same. But http://abcnews.go.com/Business/story?id=88256&page=1#.UdCUt_mG0rU
Although most Italians I know worship Starbucks. Not for the “coffee”, but for a merenda or sweet-treat. I guess it’s only a matter of time. I can’t say I’m too up in arms about it, since….well, I like Starbucks from time to time. However, if it opens I doubt I’ll go because of the prices! I’ll make iced coffee at home for a fraction of the price and save up for a scone. 😉
interesting, I have heard the starbucks is coming rumor from time to time but honestly, i’ll believe it when I see it! The Arnold’s place I mention in the post is very similar but still retains a pretty Italian menu etc. I liked it!
Interesting about Arnold’s; I’ve seen it from the outside, too and was curious, Seeing your photo is kind of funny….it does look like Starbucks. lol. I’ll have to remember to stop in!
I hope Starbucks never ever gets a foothold in Italy. It would be like taking ice to the Eskimos as they say! It was bad enough seeing Macdonalds in the Galleria in Milan!
Cross pollination of cultural ideas is great when the product is good, but very sad when it is rubbish.
I don’t think they will ever come here, it always ends up being a rumor and at the end of the day they have so many great options here already when you are craving a cold treat (like a caffe shakerato!)