You step outside in July, an umbrella under your arm, and then it hits you. Literally. Heat. It’s momentarily warm. You don’t entirely know how to process this sensation. Then your brain springs in to action and you realise that this will probably last all of five minutes so you’re going to have to be super-fast and make the most of it. May we suggest a cold drink? Because nothing feels more like summer than sipping on an icy beverage as you stroll through town dodging the showers. From boba tea to cereal-laced coffee, here’s our pick of the best iced drinks in Dublin right now.
Bubble Tea from Ea-Tea Bubble Tea Shop
There are two types of people in this world; those who love bubble tea, and those who have yet to find the right bubble tea for them. Admittedly, the world of boba can be a bit daunting for rookies, but a dedicated shop like Ea-Tea on Parnell Street will make it really easy. We’d suggest starting out easy with a fruit or brown sugar milk tea with tapioca boba, but as you get more adventurous, you can progress to strawberry cheesecake, rose, or Milo.
Mango Cloud Yogurt Tea from Nunki Teahouse
If you find yourself hungry or thirsty in Dún Laoghaire, Nunki Teahouse is always a good call. For some serious refreshment, they have a range of cold fruit teas including pineapple, orange, watermelon, and a totally tropical mango cloud yogurt tea.
Crunchie Latte from Michael’s Sutton
You wouldn’t go to Michael’s for a salad, so there’s no point pretending that your summer coffee order is going to be a black Americano. Espresso, honeycomb syrup and whipped cream dusted with chocolate make for a pretty lethal liquid refreshment, but what else would you expect from the experts in being good to yourself.
Kombucha from Aventura
Iced coffees, with or without shots of salted caramel or dark chocolate, are available from Aventura in Portmarnock Station and Paddy’s Hill, but if you need to up your vitamin intake, grab a Kombucha and maybe a cruffin. For balance.
Espresso Tonic from Vice Coffee
When the espresso tonic trend hit Ireland in 2019, it did a rare thing and managed to unite coffee aficionados and gin lovers who each had a love/hate relationship with the drink. If you missed your chance to try it for yourself, our sage advice would be to ensure that you start with a really good coffee base, so head to Vice Coffee on Abbey Street and alongside Baste on Clanbrassil Street. Or forego the tonic and go straight for an icy cold cold brew.
Salted Caramel Iced Latte from Bibi’s
When is a milkshake not a milkshake? When it’s a salted caramel iced latte. Plus, nobody is going to judge you for a 9am latte. Get them at Bibi’s in Dún Laoghaire.
Iced Matcha from Cabana Café
Iced coffees, frappes, and matcha served within walking distance of the sea are always going to be a good idea. Cabana Café also has lots of Brazilian snacks like coxinha, cheese bread and stick crepes, and once the temperature hits 30° we’re sure that Balbriggan will look exactly like Brazil.
Iced Coffee from Fallon and Byrne
A take-away iced mocha with cream from Fallon and Byrne is never a bad idea. If the weather’s lousy, the caffeine and sugar kick will help you get back to your car in record time. If the weather’s nice, sipping your coffee/dessert while sitting on one of the outdoor benches and doing some serious people-watching on Exchequer Street is a very good use of your time.
Iced Chai Latte from As One
As One on City Quay has a pretty extensive range of iced coffees including Americanos, lattés and mochas, but they also do iced chocolates and iced chais that sound like they’re sailing pretty close to milkshake territory, which can only be a plus.
Iced Chai from Brother Hubbard
There’s no shortage of iced coffee and chocolate bevvies from Brother Hubbard, but look extra cool while staying cold with this homemade iced chai that’s dusted with spiced raspberry powder.
Cereal Iced Coffees from Laine My Love
Too busy to have cereal AND coffee in the morning? Laine My Love on Talbot Street have solved that problem by combining icy cold cereal milks like Coco Pops with coffee. The result is indulgent, and while probably not something you’re going to have every day, is very enjoyable when you need something sweet with a caffeine kick.
Maple Iced Coffee from Honey Truffle
It’s finally happened, someone has figured out a way for us to drink maple syrup without looking like an unsupervised toddler. Honey Truffle on Pearse Street have created this magical combo of coffee, Village Dairy Milk, and a touch of maple for that natural Canadian sweetness.
Iced Everything from Two Pups
Two Pups on Francis Street have pretty much all bases covered when it comes to the cold drinks we want in our lives. Homemade rose geranium kombucha, ginger beer, iced Vietnamese latte, iced chai, Aussie iced chocolate - there’s enough there to keep you refreshed for a week.
Did we miss your favourite iced drink in Dublin? Let us know by emailing info@allthefood.ie.
Looking for something a little stronger? Our guide to where to buy cocktails is here.
