There’s something undeniably indulgent about the flavor of tiramisu — the rich espresso, the creamy mascarpone, the delicate hint of cocoa. Now imagine capturing all of that magic in a tall, ice-cold glass of coffee. This Tiramisu Iced Coffee is everything you love about the classic Italian dessert, but in a refreshing and energizing drink perfect for warm mornings or mid-afternoon pick-me-ups.
I first whipped this up on a summer day when I was craving both a dessert and a caffeine boost. With just a few ingredients and no fancy equipment, I had a dreamy, dessert-inspired iced coffee in my hands in under 10 minutes.
The best part? It tastes like something you'd get at a fancy café, but you can make it right at home with pantry staples and a bit of creativity. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Tiramisu Iced Coffee
Once you try this recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. Tiramisu Iced Coffee is more than just a drink — it’s a decadent experience in a glass.
First of all, it’s quick and easy. You don’t need a fancy espresso machine or barista skills. Just strong brewed coffee, a few simple ingredients, and a blender or shaker bottle will do the trick.
It’s budget-friendly too. Instead of shelling out $6 at a coffee shop for something similar, you can make multiple servings at home for a fraction of the cost — and you probably already have everything you need in your kitchen.
Then there’s the flavor. With the perfect balance of bold coffee, creamy mascarpone-inspired foam, a kiss of vanilla, and a dusting of cocoa powder, this drink really does taste like a chilled slice of tiramisu.
And finally, this recipe is versatile. Want to make it dairy-free? Use oat or almond milk and vegan whipped topping. Watching your sugar? Use a sugar-free syrup. You can adapt it to your taste and dietary needs without losing that signature tiramisu flair.
Get ready to impress yourself (and your guests) with this café-quality treat — without ever leaving home.
Ingredients Notes
The magic of this drink lies in how each ingredient mimics a component of classic tiramisu. With just the right balance, it becomes something truly special.
Strong brewed coffee or espresso is your foundation. You’ll want a rich, bold base — preferably chilled in advance. Cold brew works beautifully here too, especially if you enjoy a smoother, less acidic flavor.
Next comes the milk or cream, which softens the intensity of the coffee and adds that luscious, creamy texture. Whole milk gives the richest results, but you can absolutely use half-and-half, oat milk, or any milk alternative you prefer.
Mascarpone or mascarpone-style foam is what truly sets this drink apart. If you have real mascarpone, whip it with a little milk and vanilla to create a creamy topping. No mascarpone? A blend of whipped cream cheese and heavy cream works in a pinch.
Vanilla and coffee liqueur or extract deepen the dessert flavor. Kahlúa or a splash of rum extract can bring out the tiramisu essence, or you can keep it alcohol-free with a dash of coffee syrup and a hint of vanilla.
A finishing dusting of unsweetened cocoa powder or shaved dark chocolate gives it that classic tiramisu touch. It not only looks elegant but also adds a gentle bitterness that balances the sweet, creamy elements.
You’ll also want a tall glass, a shaker or blender, and a handheld frother if you’re whipping your own foam.
How To Make This Tiramisu Iced Coffee
Creating this luscious iced coffee couldn’t be simpler. Here’s how to bring the flavors of tiramisu to life in just a few steps.
Start by brewing your coffee or espresso. Make it strong — think double the amount you’d normally use. Once brewed, chill it in the fridge for about 15–20 minutes or pour it over ice to cool quickly.
While your coffee chills, prepare the cream layer. In a small bowl, whip 2 tablespoons of mascarpone with ¼ cup of milk, ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a touch of sugar or sweetener. Use a whisk or milk frother until it’s smooth and creamy. This will be your tiramisu-style topping.
Next, in a shaker or jar, combine the chilled coffee with ¼ cup of milk, 1–2 teaspoons of simple syrup or sweetener, and a splash of coffee liqueur or extract if desired. Shake or stir vigorously until frothy.
Fill a tall glass with ice and pour the coffee mixture over it. Then, carefully spoon or pour the mascarpone cream on top. It should float slightly, creating a creamy cap just like in a classic iced latte.
Finish it off with a generous dusting of cocoa powder, a few shavings of dark chocolate, or even a ladyfinger cookie on the rim for flair.
From start to finish, you’re looking at about 10 minutes — and every sip is worth it.
Storage Options
While this iced coffee is best enjoyed fresh, you can prep a few components ahead of time for quick assembly.
The coffee base can be brewed and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep it in a sealed jar or pitcher to preserve its flavor and freshness.
You can also make the mascarpone cream topping in advance. Store it in an airtight container for up to 2 days, giving it a quick stir or froth before using. Just note it may thicken slightly in the fridge.
If you're making a batch for guests, consider assembling the drink just before serving so the cream stays beautifully layered.
To reheat (if you want a warm version), gently warm the coffee on the stovetop or in the microwave and top with freshly whipped cream instead of the cold mascarpone foam.
Variations and Substitutions
The beauty of this recipe lies in how customizable it is. Whether you're tweaking for dietary needs or creative flair, there are plenty of ways to make it your own.
For a dairy-free version, use a combination of oat milk and coconut cream. Whip the cream with vanilla and sweetener for a mascarpone-like topping that’s totally plant-based.
Want to make it a boozy brunch treat? Add a splash of Kahlúa, Baileys, or dark rum for a grown-up twist. Serve in a fancy glass with a dusting of cocoa and you’ve got yourself a dessert cocktail.
You can even turn it into a frozen blended drink. Blend all ingredients with a handful of ice until slushy, then top with whipped cream and cocoa powder.
To make it sugar-free, use stevia or monk fruit sweetener in place of syrup and choose unsweetened dairy or milk alternatives. A sugar-free coffee syrup can also enhance the flavor without adding carbs.
Finally, for an extra-decadent option, drizzle the glass with chocolate or caramel sauce before pouring in your coffee. It’s a simple trick that elevates the whole experience.
PrintTiramisu Iced Coffee Recipe
This Tiramisu Iced Coffee recipe blends the bold richness of espresso with the creamy sweetness of mascarpone and cocoa, capturing the classic dessert flavor in a refreshing iced drink. Ideal for warm days or as a sweet caffeine treat, it’s an easy-to-make beverage that satisfies cravings for both coffee and dessert.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 servings 1x
- Category: Drinks
- Method: No-Cook / Blended
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
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1 cup strong brewed espresso or coffee, chilled
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½ cup milk (whole, oat, or your choice)
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2 tbsp mascarpone cheese
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1 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
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¼ tsp vanilla extract
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Ice cubes
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Cocoa powder for garnish
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Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
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In a shaker or blender, combine the chilled espresso, milk, mascarpone cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract.
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Shake or blend until well combined and frothy.
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Fill a glass with ice and pour the coffee mixture over it.
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Top with whipped cream, if desired, and a light dusting of cocoa powder.
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Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
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Adjust sugar based on your sweetness preference.
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For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based milk and vegan cream cheese.
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You can use instant coffee in place of espresso in a pinch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 45mg
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