Eiskaffee
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Eiskaffee

Germany
Germany

Eiskaffee is an iced coffee drink that comes from Germany. It is made using cold coffee, several scoops of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream and sometimes sprinkles or syrups. Eiskaffee is considered more of a dessert than a coffee drink in German tradition, and is usually enjoyed in the afternoons at social events. Eiskaffee is a traditional menu item in Germany and Austria, but is also very popular in South Europe when German tourists visit for summer vacations.

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Origin and History of Eiskaffee

Eiskaffee's comes from 19th century Germany, which is exactly the same at the same time as the first refrigerators were introduced. The idea of drinking iced coffee during summer months became very popular in Germany, so the Germans quickly adopted the ice coffee idea and added a unique and sweet twist to it by adding several scoops of vanilla ice cream, making the German version of ice coffee actually a desert drink. Today, Eiskaffee is a common menu item in German-speaking regions, Austria, and other parts of Europe where Germans spend their summer days.

 

Coffee Beans, Flavors and Caffeine in Eiskaffee

For Eiskaffee, the choice of coffee beans plays an important role in the flavor because of the ice cream, so using anything but arabica beans might mean a bitter coffee. However, it is not unheard of to use a mix of arabica and robusta, just as for espresso, but this is only for those that don't enjoy the pure sweetness of this coffee and crave the coffee kick. However, whatever type of beans are used, this coffee is brewed slightly stronger than standard drip coffee to ensure it still has the taste of coffee, and not just ice cream. Some people prefer an even sweeter version of Eiskaffee, and in that case, we can add sprinkles or syrups like caramel, vanilla, chocolate or hazelnut.

Caffeine content in Eiskaffee depends on the type of coffee used, but usually, one serving of Eiskaffee contains about 80mg of caffeine, which is roughly equal to one cup of drip coffee of espresso.

 

Ingredients

  1. 1 or 2 cups of coffee
  2. Vanilla ice cream (just enough for a couple of scoops)
  3. Vhipped cream:, Germans use the unsweetened
  4. Optional: Chocolate sprinkles or syrup

 

How to make Eiskaffee

The classic recipe for Eiskaffee is sweet and simple, making it easy to make at home:

  1. Brew the Coffee: Typically a medium-strong coffee, which is brewed and then often cooled in the refrigerator.
  2. Add Vanilla Ice Cream: One (or two for the sweet tooth's out there) generous scoops of vanilla ice cream for creaminess and sweetness.
  3. Top it up with Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top for a light, airy texture.
  4. Add optional Sprinkles: Maybe adding syrup is a bit overboard, but add a few chocolate sprinkles to the design as well as to the taste. After all, this is a desert drink!
  5. Serve and enjoy: Put the ice cream scoops in a glass, then pour the coffee over the ice cream, add whipped cream on top and add a few sprinkles over it. Don't forget to add a straw and a long spoon for enjoyment and decoration. Placing a leaf of menta and pouring some cacao on the cup's plate will add to the decoration.

 

Watch this video for a step-by-step guide on how to make Café de Olla:

 

Variations of Eiskaffee

Just as with other types of coffee, Eiskaffee has numerous variations also:

  • Mocha Eiskaffee: A chocolate version made by adding chocolate syrup or a scoop of dark chocolate ice cream on top of vanilla ice cream.
  • Nutty Eiskaffee: Using almond or hazelnut syrups to add a nutty flavor. Again, it is possible to achieve the same by adding hazelnut ice cream on top of the vanilla.
  • Spiced Eiskaffee: Adding spices like cinnamon or cardamom gives the drink an aromatic quality, making it enjoyable in the autumn months.
  • Alcoholic Eiskaffee: Adding a shot of coffee liqueur, rum, or Irish cream creates a cocktail-inspired version, perfect for special occasions.

 

Eiskaffee's Traditional Rules

In Germany, Eiskaffee is traditionally served in the afternoon and often considered more of a dessert than a drink. This tradition comes from the ritual known as "Kaffee und Kuchen" meaning “Coffee and Cake”, which Germans enjoy in the afternoon. Adding Eiskaffee to the combination, or as a replacement to the coffee and cake, fits perfectly into their tradition, allowing people to enjoy both coffee and dessert at the same time. Also, unlike other ice coffee drinks that are expected to be consumed quickly, Eiskaffee is expected to be enjoyed, allowing time for the ice cream to melt a bit and blend with the coffee to create a smooth, creamy consistency with a coffee flavor.

 

Eiskaffee Facts and Trivia

  • World Record: Germany holds the record for the largest Eiskaffees ever made.
  • Ice Cream Varieties: Although vanilla is traditional, modern variations with chocolate, caramel, and even fruit-flavored ice creams have become popular in recent years.
  • Eiskaffee Day: Sadly, Eiskaffee doesn't have a day, but some Germans say every day is a good Eiskaffee day.