What’s better than a cup of iced coffee on a hot summer day?
If you walk into a German coffee shop and order an Eiskaffee, you might be setting yourself up for disappointment. That is, unless you like coffee with scoops of vanilla ice cream.
Enjoying an Eiskaffee in Berlin
In Germany and Austria, Eiskaffee refers to a drink made of coffee, vanilla ice cream and whipped cream. It is served in a long glass, usually with a straw and/or a spoon.
If you’re in the mood for a “regular” iced coffee with ice cubes, you can ask for a Kaffee auf Eiswürfeln (coffee on ice cubes).
The confusion stems from the fact that, in German, Eis can either mean ice (as in frozen water) or ice cream.
How to make your own German Eiskaffee at home
You’ll need 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream, 1 cup of chilled strong coffee, whipped cream, chocolate shavings or cocoa powder (optional).
- Brew and chill a cup of strong coffee.
- Place 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream in a tall glass.
- Pour the chilled coffee over the ice cream.
- Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings or cocoa powder.
Enjoy with a straw and a spoon!