Eiskaffee is the perfect solution when you fancy a cup of coffee but it's just too hot! A staple at German Ice cream parlours this refreshing drink made with coffee and ice cream hits the right spot. This drink is simply the perfect combination of "a cup of coffee" and a dessert. Who can resist?
What is German Eiskaffee
Eiskaffee is a cold coffee drink where cold coffee is poured over vanilla ice cream. The drink is topped with whipped cream and decorated with cocoa powder or chocolate sprinkles. Typically you will find this drink at Eis cafes in Germany. Together with Spaghetti Ice Cream, they are popular items on the Menu.
"Eis" is the German word for "ice", and "Kaffee" is the name for Coffee. Germany is a coffee nation. Per head about 164 liters of coffee is drunk in Germany per year, making it Germany's most consumed beverage. No wonder that Germans do not want to miss out on their favorite drink even when it's hot.
German Iced Coffee vs Iced Coffee in Europe
There are served versions of iced coffees in Europe. German Eiskaffee probably stems from the Italian Affogato recipe. For Affogato hot espresso is poured over vanilla ice cream. In German Eiskaffee filter coffee is used and Affogato is not topped with whipped cream.
Greek Frappe Coffee uses instant coffee and water. The product is shaken to produce a foamy drink. The ice cubes are added after the coffee is whisked with milk in sugar.
How to make German Iced Coffee
Ingredients you will need:
please check the printable recipe card for the exact quantities
- Coffee - You can use any coffee, filter, or even instant coffee work. Make sure it is chilled.
- Ice Cream - Vanilla ice cream is the classic, but you can use any ice cream you like.
- Whipped Cream, sugar, and vanilla extract (affiliate link)- at least 30% fat, so double cream of heavy cream can work as well.
- Cocoa Powder or Chocolate Sprinkles - to decorate.
Eiskaffee Recipe Steps:
- Prepare the coffee (for example filter or even instant coffee). Leave to cool and chill in the fridge. In the meantime, whisk the cream until stiff with 1 tablespoon of sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (affiliate link).
- To assemble the drink: add two to three scoops of vanilla ice cream in a large glass, then pour over the cold coffee. Make sure to leave a little space for the cream. With a spoon add the whipped cream on top and then sprinkle with chocolate sprinkles or dust with cocoa powder.
Variations
In the Black Forest, they serve their Eiskaffee with Kirschwasser. A schnapp made from distilled cherries. This is the "Schwarzwälder Eiskaffee" - also known as "Eiskaffee mit Schuss".
How to serve German Eiskaffee
Eiskaffee is usually served in a tall glass. (However, a smaller glass will work just fine). It comes with a straw to sip the coffee but also a long spoon so you can scoop out the cream if you want to. Often you will also find a wafer garnishing this drink.
Recipe
Homemade German Eiskaffee (coffe and ice cream)
Ingredients
- 1 cup coffee filter coffee or instant coffee will do.
- 200 ml whipping cream at least 30% fat, double cream / heavy cream will work.
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 scoops vanilla ice cream
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder or chocolate sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare the coffee (for example filter or even instant coffee). Leave to cool and chill in the fridge.1 cup coffee
- In the meantime, add the sugar and vanilla extract (affiliate link) to the cream and whisk until stiff
- In a large glass add two or three scoops of the ice cream. Pour over the cold coffee (do not fill it up to the top). With a spoon or a piping bag (affiliate link) with a star tip, add the cream. With a sieve dust the top with some cocoa powder or add some chocolate sprinkles.3 scoops vanilla ice cream, 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- Serve with a straw and a teaspoon.
Rita Stalzer-Edwards
My mother's cousins were visiting from Austria in 2001. I took them on a tour of Manhattan, and they asked for Eiskaffee. I stopped at Starbucks and bought us each an ice coffee, they looked horrified then explained what a Eiskaffee was. i thought their version was much better than mine,
Marita Sinden
Hi Rita, thanks for your comment! Glad you got to try some German Eiskaffee! 🙂