When the Japanese summer arrives — humid, hot, and relentless — there’s one drink that never fails to cool people down: iced coffee.
Known in Japan as “aisu kōhī” (アイスコーヒー), this chilled version of coffee has been loved for over a century, becoming a symbol of summer itself.
A Long History of Chilled Coffee
Iced coffee isn’t a modern invention. In fact, Japan has been enjoying it since the Taishō era (around the 1920s), when coffeehouses began serving it with gum syrup and milk. At that time, drinking cold beverages like iced tea was already common, so it was natural for coffee to join the trend.
Even today, the combination of slightly bitter coffee, sweet syrup, and creamy milk is a taste that instantly says “summer” to many Japanese people.
How Japanese Iced Coffee Is Made
Japanese iced coffee can be prepared in two main ways — and each has its charm.
1. Flash Brew (Hot Drip Over Ice)
The most classic way to make iced coffee in Japan is to brew it hot and pour it directly over ice. This “flash brew” technique locks in the aroma and gives a crisp, refreshing flavor.
Medium-roasted beans with balanced acidity are ideal for this method — strong enough to retain flavor even after cooling.
2. Cold Brew (Dutch Coffee)
Cold brew coffee, known locally as “Dutch coffee”, has also become popular. This method involves steeping ground coffee in cold water for several hours, creating a smoother, less acidic drink.
The name “Dutch coffee” comes from Japan’s historical trade connection with the Netherlands and Indonesia, where this brewing style originated.
Cold brew takes patience, but the result is rich, mellow, and naturally sweet — perfect for slow summer mornings or relaxed café afternoons.
How to Sweeten Iced Coffee in Japan
Since sugar doesn’t dissolve well in cold liquids, most Japanese cafés serve iced coffee with liquid gum syrup.
This simple syrup mixes instantly, letting you adjust the sweetness to your liking.
Milk, soy milk, or even whipped cream are also common additions — each creating a slightly different flavor experience.
A Year-Round Favorite
Although it’s most popular in summer, iced coffee in Japan is enjoyed all year round. Many people even sip it in winter, bundled up indoors. It’s a drink that energizes, refreshes, and connects with the Japanese love for seasonal comfort.
So the next time you visit Japan, skip the usual latte and order an iced coffee instead. Whether it’s from a cozy kissaten or a vending machine on a hot street corner, that first sip of chilled coffee will instantly tell you — summer in Japan has truly arrived.
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