viennese iced coffee

Viennese Iced Coffee

The best part about this drink is the fact that it’s really a simplified dessert. I usually drink my coffee hot and black – no cream, no sugar, just black. I love the taste of coffee and find its brewed form best without any added syrups or whatnot. But, serving family and friends just a simple cup of coffee after dinner is plain mean, especially when they’ve come to expect dessert from you. The joke with my family is that they never bring a dessert over when I invite them for dinner since they know that’s usually the first thing I make, before I even get started on the dinner. Since I’m not a mean person, I spruce up my coffee by turning it into dessert, like I’ve done with this Viennese iced coffee.  

viennese iced coffee

The truth is, sometimes I just don’t have the time or energy to whip up something elaborate for dessert. If it’s just me, I’ll enjoy a piece of dark chocolate with a glass of wine. But for those times when I have people over and need to serve something somewhat thought out, I make this viennese iced coffee. 

viennese iced coffee

This drink combines the coffee and the dessert into one. Viennese iced coffee is a little different than, say, an affogato because you’re not just pouring hot coffee over ice cream. Instead, you’ve got a sweetened, blended iced coffee poured over a scoop of vanilla (or coffee) ice cream. The ice cream is store-bought, and the coffee is made with a quick blend of a few simple ingredients. Your guests will feel like they’re getting an actual dessert without you having to break a real sweat. It’s also a fun twist on what’s expected. I find it a really useful dessert for warm summer nights, or after heavy meals when you just need something light and sweet on the palate to help you digest your food. 

viennese iced coffee

Viennese Iced Coffee

Yield: 4

Ingredients

  • 6 oz of strong, brewed coffee
  • 3 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 c hot water
  • 2 c ice
  • 4 scoops of vanilla ice cream, or coffee
  • unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting

Instructions

  1. In a blender, combine the brewed coffee, sugar, vanilla extract, and hot water together. Add in the ice and blend until completely smooth.
  2. Warm up the ice cream in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds so its easier to scoop out. Drop one scoop of ice cream into each glass. Pour enough of the blended coffee to cover the scoop of ice cream. Dust with cocoa powder.

Notes

recipe adapted from Barefoot Contessa

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23 Comments

    1. Thanks, Felicia! It’s definitely a fun change from regular iced coffee. I personally have illy espresso on hand usually, so that’s what I use. I don’t know how strong it particularly is because all espresso seems strong to me, but it’s usually a crowd favorite 🙂

  1. This looks just wonderful! Affogato is one of my all-time favorite desserts. I love this version with brewed coffee instead of espresso.

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