The Interesting Difference Between Ordering An Iced Coffee In America Vs. Europe

Americans often visit European destinations during the summer, but they must navigate cultural differences such as smaller water glasses, different systems of measurement, and the lack of iced coffee. Cold coffees are not as popular abroad due to the need for access to ice, which is standard in every coffee shop in the U.S. However, many American tourists have stories of asking for an iced coffee on the other side of the Atlantic and end up with a more milkshake-esque frappé, caffè freddo, or even a pint of coffee ice cream.

Iced coffee is more popular in the U.S. and Canada because of the stronger culture of drinking cold things in general. Ice water is often served as a courtesy in restaurants, and a bottle of cold water, soda, or beer is seen as refreshing. Warm or hot drinks are sometimes seen as healthier, better for digestion, and more comforting.

The rich food and beverage culture in Italy does not revolve around iced coffee, as it is not particularly in demand there. Iced coffee is not popular partly due to the size and the common addition of milk to the drink. In Italy, milk-based drinks are still traditionally only consumed in the early morning. Other cold Italian coffee drinks include a coffee granita or, in the central-southern region, a salentino – espresso, ice, and traditional almond milk.

While iced coffee may not have made inroads in more traditionalist parts of Europe, experts have observed a general shift in other areas of the continent. Iced coffees such as cold brews or iced lattes are gaining popularity in Europe, and the aesthetics of iced beverages are partly attributed to the large sizes available in the U.S.

In summary, finding an iced coffee abroad can be challenging, but it depends on the location and the type of coffee you are used to. European baristas may not know about iced coffee drinks, but specialty coffee is becoming more common worldwide. If you’re in Italy or Spain, you may get strange looks when ordering an iced latte, but specialty coffee menus are becoming more consistent.

Iced coffee can be made in different ways, such as cold brew or hot coffee over ice. To find a local cafe that serves iced coffee, ask the barista if they make any cold coffee drinks or what they would recommend if you typically drink iced coffee. If not, ask if they know of a cafe in town that does, or try something else.

If you simply must have the iced coffee you’re used to, seek out large chains like Starbucks, McDonalds, or Costa, or consider using online resources like Google, TripAdvisor, Yelp reviews, or social media posts for word of a local spot that serves iced coffee. With the rise of ready-to-drink beverages, you might also find cold canned coffee drinks in the grocery store and enjoy them straight from the can or pour them into a cup of ice.

Language barriers can be an issue, but we live in an era with great translation resources that can be accessed on the fly. Do your best to communicate to baristas exactly what beverage you’re seeking. For example, list the ingredients and ask for cold milk, ice, and espresso to describe an iced latte. The average barista may not be a high-level, competition barista, but they are very friendly and customer-oriented. If you have a conversation with them and describe what you’re looking for, they will likely make the drink for you.

When traveling, don’t forget the expression “when in Rome” — especially when you’re in Rome. Traveling with an open mind and trying new things and local experiences is essential, and if you’re in a hot climate, try sipping a hot espresso in 105º heat. Look for places with hot climates around the world, such as India, the Middle East, and Latin America, where they historically never shied away from a piping hot chai, coffee, or cacao blend.

Ghambari recommends enjoying your travel destination for its own traditions rather than seeking your own comforts. If you need to or want to, give a chance to other drinks that might be in the same category, like a shakerato or a salentino. For American tourists, have a look and try something similar, as it’s a compromise, and you might find a new drink that you love.

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