Why You Won't Find The Iced Coffee You Know And Love In Europe

Iced coffee seems like the perfect drink for a European summer vacation — a heaping of ice to cool down from the warm sun and a dose of caffeine to keep up the energy for a day of exploring. However, most European cafés don't offer typical American iced coffee — so, no, you won't be sipping on a on your trip to the Amalfi Coast. For the most part, the reason comes down to a strong hold on tradition and culture.

In Spain, for example, espresso brewed from Robusta beans became the most preferred form of coffee after the Spanish Civil War because of its low price and high level of caffeine — and it remains the preferred coffee. To make its bitter taste more palatable, it became Spanish custom to serve espresso beside a cup of ice so the customer could pour it over the cubes. The ice is meant to dilute the strong espresso.



Now, when tourists ask for a or iced coffee, they receive espresso or hot coffee with a side of ice cubes. Iced coffee in other European countries Most European countries with high levels of tourism cater to tourists by having iced coffee, as we know it in certain cafés in the States. However, most of a country's traditional cafés do not sell iced coffee.

In general, ice in Europe is rarer than in the U.S. If you ask for water, expect it to come without ice.

If you order a soda like Coca-Cola, expect them to serve it in a separate can or bottle with just a few ice cubes on the side. In Italy, where it's sometimes common to , the coffee culture is to stand at an espresso counter, slowly enjoying your drink while chatting with the barista and fellow coffee sippers. have Italian names, so it makes sense that these are also popular in Italian cafés.

American iced coffee is most likely not on the menu at traditional Italian coffee shops. If you ask for coffee with ice, they will probably pour espresso or long-brewed coffee over a few ice cubes. Coffee in France is quite similar to Italy, though the standing-at-the-counter culture is less common.

A single or double espresso is arguably the most popular, but the other typical espresso drinks are also common orders. Finding a typical American iced coffee is easier in tourism-heavy cities like Paris and Nice. Recommended.