Because our grattachecca post was so successful, we would like to expand more on the subject of frozen drinks and alternatives to the many sodas and soft drinks you can find in most supermarkets and Seven Elevens around the city.

Being devoted lovers of caffeine, this one post will focus on coffee-based cold drinks you can have while visiting Rome.

These are highly seasonal, due to the temperature at which they are served, so don’t expect to find them available in say, December or the colder months. Also, be aware of the fact that not all cafés will have all of them, so look around the counter or ask what they have available – you’ll save yourself from disappointment!

Caffè freddo

It’s a simple, delicious ice-cold coffee – a great classic and one that never goes out of style.

A staple of all cafes in Rome, it’s prepared beforehand and stored at least overnight in glass bottles, not unlike those used for olive oil. All baristas have a different recipe in mind: some will prepare stronger expressos in succession to fill said bottles and water it all down, while others will just make their regular concoctions, with just a minimal amount of water added.

Some won’t use sugar and will leave the customers free to add it if they wish, others will do it for them while preparing their personal blend of ice, water and java.

It’s usually served in a tall glass: the one time when Italian espresso is not served in a cup!

Crema di caffè

Literally translates as “cream of coffee”: imagine coffee-flavored soft-serve ice cream. It is not served in cones, though, but in small glasses, similar to those used for drinking amari or for doing shots!

It’s not usually hand-made by your barista – more often than not you will notice a coffee cream maker behind the counter. If you’re lactose intolerant, ask whether any milk has been added to the machine to make the cream… more creamy!

Caffè shakerato

“Shaken” coffee means exactly that: a cup of espresso is mixed with crushed ice, and the result is a foamy glass of deliciousness, often served with actual coffee grains as topping in a Martini glass.

Baristas may or may not add a scoop of ice cream, or coffee popsicles, or again sugar, to make it more… tempting. Because of the way it is prepared and served, consider it as the alcohol-free cocktail of iced coffee drinks!

Caffè leccese

A rarer find in Rome (although it’s very possible to stumble upon it, especially outside of the city center), it’s an alternative to iced coffee which originated in the Puglia region, where an espresso is mixed with ice cubes and almond milk. It can be served in a rounded tumbler.