4 Easy Ways to Make Iced Coffee Drinks Fall-Friendly

Last updated Oct 22, 2025

an iced coffee drink topped with whipped cream and cocoa powder

No matter the season, today’s coffee drinkers want their drinks iced—here’s how how to adapt your cold beverages for autumn.

BY EMILY JOY MENESES
ONLINE EDITOR

Featured photo by Leonardo Cirimbelli

Sure, pumpkin spice lattes might reign supreme once the leaves start to turn, but who says iced drinks have to hibernate until next summer? More than ever before, consumers are drifting towards cold beverages, regardless of the season. Today, we’ll explore why iced coffee is on the rise, and how to make iced coffee drinks work for your fall menu.

The Rise of Iced

CNBC reported that Americans spent nearly $18 billion on cold coffee drinks in 2023—more than double the amount spent in 2016—and Innova Market Insights reports that 19% of U.S. consumers drink iced coffee at least once a day.

Most researchers link the rise in iced coffee to the fact that they’re more customizable and easy to take on-the-go: a timely answer to the increasingly fast-paced lifestyle that many are experiencing. Innova Market Insights also points out that iced coffee isn’t restricted to a “morning ritual” the way that hot coffee typically is; many consumers seek it out as a midday treat or even as dessert.

In addition, the iced coffee trend is primarily being driven by younger consumers. In a 2024 survey by the National Coffee Association, 45% of coffee drinkers ages 18 to 24 reported having a cold coffee in the past day. Innova Market Insights explains that the trend is consistent amongst Milennials and Gen Z: “When it comes to generational differences in iced coffee trends, Millennials remain devoted consumers in the U.S., with 23% drinking iced coffee one or more times a day. Additionally, Gen Z interest in iced coffee is on the rise, with 15% of Gen Z drinking the beverage at the same frequency as their Millennial counterparts.”

As the weather cools, there’s still plenty of room to provide the refreshing offerings that today’s coffee drinkers want with a seasonal twist. With a few smart tweaks in flavor, texture, and presentation, your favorite iced drinks can still hold all of the cozy, warming feelings we associate with autumn bevs.

Iced coffee consumption in the U.S. has more than doubled over the past decade—but what does this mean for autumn specials? Photo by Kyrie Isaac.

1. Lean into fall flavors

The secret to a satisfying autumn iced drink is all in the flavor profile. Think roasted, spiced, or earthy notes that echo the season. Swap out bright summer syrups like lavender or tropical fruit for cozy alternatives such as maple, brown sugar, hazelnut, or spiced pear.

A splash of apple cider or a dash of cinnamon syrup can transform an ordinary iced latte into something soul-warming and nostalgic. Chocolate is another go-to seasonal treat—try an iced mocha with smoked sea salt or a hint of chili for warmth without heat.

Pumpkin cream cold brew from Los Angeles cafe, Be Bright Coffee — “Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew” at L.A.’s Be Bright Coffee, topped with pumpkin sweet foam made with real pumpkin and a sprinkle of graham cracker. Photo courtesy of Be Bright Coffee on Instagram.

2. Play with temperature and texture

Fall is about comfort, and that doesn’t have to mean hot drinks. Consider offering layered beverages: iced drinks topped with frothed milk or cold foam for a rich, velvety contrast to a crisp base. Another trick? Use larger ice cubes or coffee ice cubes to mellow the chill and keep the drink from feeling too frosty. You still get that refreshing sensation, just a bit cozier and more balanced.

An iced coffee drink with a large ice cube. — Large ice cubes will give customers the chill they want, but in a more mellow way. Photo by CS Hong.

We’re also taking cues from Los Angeles, Calif.’s Laidrey Coffee Roasters, where they offer “shaken cortados”: cortados shaken in cocktail shakers with ice, then strained before serving. The result is a drink that’s light yet refined—the perfect balance between refreshment and luxury.

Iced fall drinks: Shaken cortados at Laidrey Coffee Roasters, a cafe in Los Angeles. — Shaken cortados at Laidrey Coffee Roasters. Photo by Emily Joy Meneses.

3. Get creative with presentation

The right garnish or glassware can make an iced drink feel seasonal instantly. Serve your drink in a rustic glass jar, drizzle a little caramel down the sides, or sprinkle cocoa powder, cinnamon, or crushed graham crackers on top of cold foam for a dessert-like vibe. Fresh rosemary or dried orange slices make striking garnishes that also add subtle aromatics.

Iced drinks at Los Angeles cafe Highly LIkely — An iced turmeric latte and sparkling Americano garnished with dried orange at Los Angeles’ Highly Likely. Photo by Emily Joy Meneses.

4. Play up the fall ambience

Even if your shop is still focusing on iced drinks this fall, that doesn’t mean that your fall decor has to take a hit. Play up the fall ambience at your coffee shop with small seasonal accents like pumpkins, pinecones, and twinkling lights, or by having a cozy jazz playlist ready to go. Hot drinks aren’t the only way to embrace the feelings of fall; it’s all about creating an immersive experience through many different outlets.

A cafe is decorated with pumpkins and other fall decor — Fill your shop with fall-inspired decor to capture the feelings of the season.

Just because today’s coffee drinkers want iced coffee doesn’t mean that you can’t get into the seasonal spirit. By embracing warming ingredients, innovative drink combinations, and new textures, you can offer customers the best of both worlds.

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Source: Barista Magazine