Looking for a refreshing way to enjoy espresso on warm days? Meet the Aerocano, a chilled coffee drink that combines the intensity of espresso with the smoothness of aerated ice and water. It’s like an iced Americano, but creamier, cooler, and more exciting.
This short, frothy coffee is perfect when you’re craving the aroma of a freshly pulled espresso, but want the crisp refreshment of a cold drink. And when made with a fruity single origin like our Ethiopia Bona Zuria, it becomes something truly special.
What is an Aerocano?
The Aerocano is a modern iced espresso drink made by briefly frothing espresso with fragmented ice and a splash of water. The result is a lightly aerated, velvety beverage that sits somewhere between an iced Americano and a freddo espresso. It’s quick to prepare, but the flavor and texture are anything but basic.
Recipe
- ± 100g of ice (crushed or small cubes)
- 1 shot of freshly brewed espresso (± 60 ml)
- ± 60 ml of cold water
- Optional: use cold milk instead of water for a creamier version.
Step 1
Brew your espresso. Pull a fresh espresso shot into a small milk pitcher or a container suitable for frothing.
Step 2
Add ice and water. Add 2–3 small ice cubes (or crushed ice) and about 60 ml of cold water to the espresso. Adjust the ice amount depending on size.
Step 3
Froth briefly. Use the steam wand on your espresso machine to froth the mixture for 5–10 seconds. You’re not trying to heat it, just aerate and break down the ice slightly for a smooth texture.
Step 4
Serve and enjoy. Fill a transparent glass with a few ice cubes, then gently pour in your aerated espresso. You’ll get a beautiful layered effect with a light crema-like foam on top.
Tips & variations
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Add milk
Replace cold water with milk before frothing to create a creamy, cappuccino-style iced drink.
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No bean to cup espresso machine?
A strong brew from an AeroPress or Moka pot works as a substitute. Just aim for intensity and clarity.
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Use the right beans
A light or medium roast with fruity acidity brings out the best in this drink. Our Ethiopia Bona Zuria is a perfect match.
