If you read Leccese Iced Coffee, what comes to mind? If you feel like it, write it in the comments: your story, your relaxing moment, your recipe — I’m curious to read your answers! As for me, I can say that until a few weeks ago I didn’t even know this typical Leccese recipe, also known as Salento Coffee.
When Mariarosaria, the beautician who works at my friend Maila’s Maison de Beauty, sent me her recipe via IG chat, I was convinced and tried it. The enthusiasm in her message, the little hearts she added in chat and, I’m sure, the moments she experienced drinking this coffee pushed me to run to Grandma Sandrina’s to borrow her moka pot and some coffee, then go home to try it! This iced coffee is typical of southern Italy, perfect to prepare at home or to enjoy at a café while sharing stories, tales and moments with those who will sip this Leccese iced coffee with us.
When you look for a fresh, thirst-quenching and above all easy recipe, what comes to mind? I was looking for a recipe to use the Almond Milk Syrup from Fabbri 1905 that I received as a gift a few weeks ago. After sharing with you, via my social channels, all the products that were in the big package, I learned this recipe not only from Mariarosaria but from many of you. You are a huge cooking encyclopedia for me, year after year. This recipe is in fact very famous, but I didn’t know it; I must admit my ignorance even though I am someone who adores coffee.
A typical recipe I absolutely had to prepare and share with you because I’m sure among us there are still people who, like me, didn’t know it yet. I also made a video recipe for you, showing the three fundamental steps clearly. I can’t convey the aroma of this iced coffee through the video, but I’m sure that if you try this recipe you’ll be able to smell it!!!
You can also take advantage of a 20% discount on your purchases, directly on the website of Fabbri 1905 using the discount code (all uppercase) FABBRIRICETTEDIBEA20. I hope you enjoy this discount to buy the products we’ll use for upcoming recipes. It’s another way to stay close to you, not only when you cook but also when you do your everyday shopping. Get the Mint Syrup (gluten free) because I already published the recipe for Muffins with Mint and a jar of Candied Ginger, which is one of the newest products from the Fabbri Family.
Below I also leave the clickable links to other recipes that you can prepare using a moka pot or the mint syrup we used in the previous recipe with products from the Fabbri Family.
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Very inexpensive
- Preparation time: 5 Minutes
- Cooking time: 5 Minutes
- Portions: 2 People
- Cooking methods: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Summer, All seasons
Ingredients for two homemade Leccese Iced Coffees
- 3 espresso shots (about 3 fl oz / 90 ml total) (preferably made with a moka pot)
- 4 tablespoons almond milk syrup (in my case Fabbri 1905)
- 8 ice cubes ice
Three ingredients — the shopping list couldn’t be simpler for a recipe!
Tools for the Leccese Iced Coffee Recipe
- 2 Glasses
- 1 Moka pot
- 1 Spoon
Instead of coffee made with a moka pot you can use coffee from pods. For example, I ran to Grandma Sandrina’s to get her moka pot because I don’t have one at home. I don’t really like moka-style coffee; I prefer coffee from pod or capsule machines. I know, I know, it’s not “real” coffee but I like it better.
For this reason I list the moka pot among the tools needed to prepare this recipe because it follows the Salento Coffee tradition, but you can certainly use a coffee machine.
I did not list an ice maker or ice tray because you can make the ice at home using ice bags or a classic freezer tray with round molds. I actually went to the nearest beach kiosk to get ice.
Steps for the Leccese Iced Coffee Recipe — a summer drink to enjoy cold
As mentioned, this is a very simple recipe — only three ingredients to make homemade Salento Coffee. Start by taking the moka pot and pouring water into the small tank up to just below the safety valve. This step is very important; not exceeding that level ensures an excellent coffee. Place the funnel filter and add the ground coffee. To make two glasses of Leccese iced coffee you’ll need at least three espresso shots, so a 3-cup moka pot will be perfect.
Many of you wrote that you prepare Salento Coffee using coffee from capsule or pod machines. I tried that and I liked it just the same. Obviously I’m biased — as you may have already guessed, I don’t even have a moka pot at home because I don’t like moka-style coffee. I’m now used to the taste of good café coffee (when done well) or the coffee from my capsule machine. Either way, whether you use a moka pot or a machine, keep in mind you’ll need three espresso shots for two people.
When the coffee maker has stopped gurgling and the coffee is finally ready, we can proceed. As mentioned earlier, you’ll need medium-large ice cubes. I got mine at the beach kiosk near my house, but you can easily make them at home by filling ice bags or classical freezer trays the night before preparing the Leccese iced coffee.
Another tip not to overlook, as many of you suggested, is to keep the almond milk syrup in the refrigerator the day before use so it reaches a properly cold temperature.
As we can imagine, since coffee is a hot beverage meeting ice directly in the glass, the thermal shock is strong. This drink is listed among cold drinks to enjoy on hot summer days. A quick and easy way to refresh yourself, prolong the coffee ritual and enjoy time with family or friends.
Take two glasses or two glass cups. Put four ice cubes in each glass to cool the coffee drink. With a spoon add the almond syrup — two tablespoons in each glass or cup. Finally, gently pour the moka coffee into the glasses.
You will hear the ice cubes crack like tiny icebergs, but the most fascinating part for me wasn’t that — it was seeing that the coffee couldn’t immediately penetrate the consistency of the almond syrup. If you choose a clear glass cup you’ll notice this visual effect right away: two layers — a whitish layer of syrup and the dark layer of coffee, with the ice gems set between them.
The aroma released by the thermal shock between hot and cold is intoxicating: the almonds mingle with the coffee and the coffee with the sweetness of the almonds. A perfect pairing to enjoy cold! With each sip you’ll appreciate this Leccese drink more and more.
I just have to remind you that I’m waiting for you every day in my kitchen with many easy, quick and delicious recipes like this one! Enjoy!
Thanks to Mariarosaria and all the other women, girls and friends who helped me discover a new recipe!
You can take advantage of a 20% discount on your purchases, directly on the Fabbri 1905 website by entering the discount code (all uppercase) FABBRIRICETTEDIBEA20. I hope you enjoy this discount to buy the products we’ll use in upcoming recipes. Another way to stay close to you not only when you cook but also in your everyday shopping. Get the Mint Syrup (gluten free) because I’ve already published the recipe for Muffins with Mint and a jar of Candied Ginger, one of the new products from the Fabbri Family.
Tips for Leccese Iced Coffee — Summer Drink Recipe
I recommend keeping the almond syrup in the refrigerator to ensure it is nice and cold before preparing the Leccese Iced Coffee or Salento Coffee.
I also recommend using medium-sized ice cubes; they will make the coffee drink even cooler and more refreshing.
