When summer rolls in and the sun is blazing, the way we drink our coffee naturally shifts. Some of us still crave the ritual of a warm, comforting cup to start the day, while others are all about the cool, refreshing hit of an iced brew. But when it comes down to it— which one really wins in summer: hot or iced coffee?
Why Stick With Hot Coffee?
Hot coffee offers a rich, full-bodied flavour that’s hard to beat. It brings out deeper notes and aromas in the beans, making it a firm favourite even on warm mornings.
Reasons to keep it hot:
- Perfect for early starts when it’s still cool.
- Rich and aromatic with a deeper flavour profile.
- Pairs beautifully with breakfast or a quiet moment outdoors.
Great Redber picks for a summer hot brew
- Colombia Huila Dark Roast – bold and chocolatey with subtle red fruit notes.
- Café Italiano – smooth and dark, ideal for espresso or moka pot.
- Finca Cachoeira Medium-Dark – sweet, nutty and well-balanced.
Why Iced Coffee is a Summer Favourite
Iced coffee is the go-to for many as soon as temperatures rise. Whether you’re making a classic iced pour-over, a cold brew, or something a bit more creative, it’s cool, refreshing, and totally customisable.
Why iced coffee might win:
- Quick to cool you down on hot days.
- Cold brewing lowers acidity, giving a smooth taste.
- Easy to play around with—add milk, syrups, or even citrus.
Our top coffees for iced drinks:
- Guatemala Swiss Water Decaf – smooth and gentle, perfect for cold brewing without caffeine.
- Sweet Shop Blend – floral and citrusy, amazing over ice.
- Americas Taster Pack – a variety of beans to experiment with iced.
Hot vs Iced – The Showdown
| Flavour Profile | Bold, aromatic, rich | Smooth, bright, lower in acidity |
| Best Time | Cool mornings or breezy evenings | Hot afternoons or on-the-go sipping |
| Brew Methods | Filter, French press, espresso | Cold brew, iced pour-over, espresso over ice |
| Mood | Comforting, classic | Refreshing, energising |
Quick Summer Coffee Recipes to Try
Want to shake things up a bit? Here are a few ideas:
Coconut Cold Brew – Brew strong coffee and mix with coconut water over ice.
Iced Vanilla Oat Latte – Double espresso, oat milk, ice, and vanilla syrup.
Espresso Tonic – Sparkling tonic water + fresh espresso = crisp, complex refreshment.
Affogato – A scoop of vanilla ice cream drowned in hot espresso. Dessert and coffee in one.
Recommended Summer Gear
If you’re making iced drinks at home, here’s what you might need:
Cold Brew Bottles & Makers – For smooth, no-effort brews overnight.
Espresso Machines – Essential for lattes, affogatos, and iced flat whites.
Coffee Grinders – Fresh grind = better flavour.
Milk Frothers – Create creamy cold foam for iced lattes and drinks with flair.
So, Which One Wins?
If we’re talking refreshment and cooling off quickly, iced coffee is the clear winner for summer. But if you love starting your day slow or prefer bolder flavours, hot coffee still has its place—even in the heat.
Why not enjoy both? Start the morning with a warming brew, and switch to a crisp iced coffee by midday. At Redber, we’ve got the beans, gear, and guides to make every summer coffee a good one.
Explore our full Coffee Collection and enjoy free UK mainland delivery on orders over £40.