Looking for a refreshing way to beat the summer heat and still get your caffeine fix? Enter Caffè Leccese, an iconic iced almond coffee from the sun-drenched region of Salento in southern Italy. Lightly sweet, creamy from almond milk, and deeply aromatic, this cold brew is more than just a drink—it’s a whole vibe.
What Is Iced Almond Coffee (Caffè Leccese)?
Born in Lecce, in the heart of Puglia, Caffè Leccese is a cold coffee drink traditionally made with strong moka coffee, sweet almond milk, and ice. While its origins likely trace back to 17th-century Spain, it has become a ritual for locals during hot summer days—served in bars across the Salento region at all hours.
Unlike typical iced coffee, this version skips sugar in favor of almond milk (or more traditionally, a homemade almond syrup), adding sweetness and a delicate nutty flavor. The result? A refreshing, slightly creamy drink that feels indulgent without being heavy.
How to Make Homemade Almond Milk Syrup
The authentic iced almond coffee version uses a sweet almond syrup, not the almond drink sold in cartons at the supermarket. In Southern Italy, this syrupy version—often homemade—is rich, aromatic, and naturally sweet, replacing sugar entirely. You can prepare it at home (see recipe below) or use a quality bottled almond syrup like Fabbri almond syrup. Avoid using regular almond beverage: it’s too mild and won’t deliver the true flavor or sweetness of traditional caffè leccese.
Ingredients:
- 200 g raw almonds (7 oz)
- 1 kg sugar (2.2 lbs)
- 600 g water (2½ cups)
- Zest of 1 fresh lemon
- Cheesecloth or a nut milk bag
Make the Almond Syrup (Traditional Method)
Boil water and briefly scald the almonds. Peel off their skins. Once dry, blend the almonds with a spoonful of the sugar. Wet and wring out a cheesecloth or nut milk bag, then place the blended almonds inside. Add ⅓ of the water and knead the bag to extract as much almond milk as possible. Repeat with the remaining water in two batches. Pour the almond milk into a saucepan, add the rest of the sugar and lemon zest, and bring to a gentle boil, stirring continuously. Let it cool completely before bottling. Store in the fridge.
Ingredients for Authentic Iced Almond Milk Coffee
For 2 cups of Caffè Leccese you will need:
- 2 shots of espresso or moka coffee (about 80 ml / ⅓ cup)
- 80 ml almond milk syrup (40 ml / 1.3 oz per glass)
- 6-8 ice cubes (3-4 per glass)
How to Make Iced Almond Coffee Step-by-Step
Brew your coffee using a moka pot or espresso machine. Let your coffee cool slightly, then add 3-4 ice cubes and 40 ml of almond syrup into 2 small glass (larger than an espresso coffee cup). Pour coffee over the ice and almond syrup. Stir and enjoy immediately—no need to add sugar!
How to Store Almond Syrup and Brewed Coffee
- Almond syrup: Store in a glass bottle in the fridge for up to 10 days.
- Prepared coffee: Brewed moka coffee can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
- Serve fresh: Always assemble right before serving to keep the ice crisp and the flavors bold.
Why You’ll Love This Iced Almond Coffee
This refreshing coffee isn’t just a summer drink—it’s a little ritual straight from the heart of Southern Italy. The smooth, intense flavor of freshly brewed espresso meets the sweet creaminess of almond syrup, all poured over ice for the ultimate cool-down. Unlike a regular iced coffee, caffè leccese has a unique balance of bold and sweet without adding any sugar. It’s dairy-free, totally customizable, and incredibly easy to make at home. Whether you need a morning boost or a sweet afternoon break, this drink delivers both tradition and taste in one glass.
Iced Almond Coffee (Caffè Leccese) – The Salento Summer Classic
Ingredients
- 2 shots of espresso or moka coffee
- 80 ml almond milk syrup
- 6 ice cubes
Instructions
- Brew your coffee using a moka pot or espresso machine.
- Prepare two glasses: Add 3 ice cubes and 40 ml of almond syrup to each.
- Let your coffee cool slightly, then pour it over the ice and almond syrup.
- Stir and enjoy immediately—no need to add sugar!
