Coffee Lemonade: The Surprising Summer Drink

Coffee lemonade is exactly what it sounds like: cold coffee (usually espresso or cold brew) poured over lemonade and ice. It tastes surprisingly refreshing, like a sparkling iced tea with a roasty, bittersweet edge. The simplest version is 2 shots of espresso poured over 6 oz of lemonade on ice, and it takes about two minutes.

If that combination sounds strange, you are not alone. But coffee already has natural acidity and fruity notes, and lemonade’s sweet-sour brightness amplifies them. Here is how to make it with espresso or cold brew, the best ratios, and tips to keep it balanced.

Why Coffee Lemonade Works

Good coffee is not just bitter. Many beans, especially lighter roasts and African coffees, have bright, citrusy or berry-like acidity. Lemonade brings three things to the party:

• Acidity that highlights the coffee’s fruity notes instead of fighting them.
• Sweetness that balances coffee’s bitterness, much like sugar in a regular iced coffee.
• Lightness: without milk, the drink stays crisp and thirst-quenching.

The result is closer to an iced tea or a spritz than to a creamy iced latte. If you already enjoy an espresso tonic, coffee lemonade will feel like a natural next step.

Kaffelemonad: A Swedish Café Trend

Coffee lemonade gained attention in Sweden, where it goes by kaffelemonad. Swedish cafés served versions of it in the 2010s, and coffee media in the US picked up the trend soon after. It has since become a summer menu item at specialty cafés in many countries.

The idea of mixing coffee and lemon is older than any café trend, though. The mazagran, often called the original iced coffee, has a Portuguese variation that includes lemon. Coffee lemonade simply takes that pairing and turns it into a long, cold drink.

Espresso Coffee Lemonade Recipe

Makes one 10 oz (300 ml) drink.

Ingredients

• 2 shots espresso (2 oz / 60 ml)
• 6 oz (180 ml) cold lemonade, homemade or store-bought
• Ice
• Lemon wheel or twist, for garnish
• Simple syrup, to taste, optional

Instructions

1. Fill a tall glass to the top with ice.
2. Pour in the lemonade, leaving about 2 inches of space.
3. Pull your espresso shots. For the best layers, let them cool for a minute or chill them briefly.
4. Slowly pour the espresso over the back of a spoon onto the lemonade. It will float and create a striking two-tone drink.
5. Garnish with lemon, stir before drinking, and add a little simple syrup if it is too tart.

Need help with the shots? Our guide on how to make espresso at home covers the basics.

Cold Brew Coffee Lemonade Recipe

Cold brew makes a smoother, less acidic coffee lemonade, which is ideal if you find the espresso version too sharp. It is also great for batching.

Single Serving

• 3 oz (90 ml) cold brew concentrate, or 5 oz (150 ml) ready-to-drink cold brew
• 5 oz (150 ml) lemonade
• Ice and lemon slices

Pitcher (6 servings)

• 2 1/4 cups (540 ml) cold brew concentrate
• 4 cups (950 ml) lemonade
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced

1. Combine the lemonade and lemon slices in a pitcher.
2. Add the cold brew just before serving and stir gently.
3. Pour over ice-filled glasses. Mixed coffee lemonade is best within a few hours, since the coffee flavor fades and the lemon turns bitter with time.

If you do not have cold brew on hand, our guide on how to make cold brew at home shows the method. For a brighter alternative, Japanese iced coffee also works beautifully here.

Coffee Lemonade Ratios

Start with these ratios and adjust. If it tastes too sour, add simple syrup or more coffee. If it tastes too bitter, add more lemonade.

Quick Homemade Lemonade for Coffee

Homemade lemonade lets you control the sweetness, which matters a lot here. For about 4 cups:

1. Dissolve 1/2 cup (100 g) sugar in 1/2 cup (120 ml) hot water to make simple syrup.
2. Add 3/4 cup (180 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4 to 5 lemons).
3. Top with 2 1/2 cups (600 ml) cold water and stir. Taste and adjust.

Tips and Variations

• Choose bright beans. Fruity, naturally processed African coffees and light roasts make the most harmonious coffee lemonade. Very dark roasts can taste smoky and clash with the lemon.
• Skip the milk. Dairy and lemon juice can curdle. Keep this drink dairy-free.
• Go sparkling. Use sparkling lemonade, or top with soda water, for a fizzy version.
• Add herbs. A sprig of mint, basil or rosemary adds a fresh, aromatic layer.
• Try other citrus. Swap some of the lemonade for orange juice or pink grapefruit juice.
• Sweeten smart. Honey syrup or maple syrup give a rounder sweetness than plain sugar.

Coffee Lemonade FAQ

What does coffee lemonade taste like?

It tastes like a sweet-tart iced tea with a roasty, bittersweet finish. The lemon highlights the coffee’s fruitier side, so it is lighter and more refreshing than most iced coffees.

Does lemon curdle coffee?

Lemon does not curdle black coffee. It can curdle milk or cream, which is why coffee lemonade is served without dairy.

Which coffee is best for coffee lemonade?

Bright, fruity coffees such as naturally processed Ethiopian beans or lighter roasts work best. Cold brew is a good choice if you prefer a smoother, less tart result.

How much caffeine is in coffee lemonade?

The same as the coffee you use. Two shots of espresso is commonly estimated at around 125 mg. Most healthy adults are advised to stay under 400 mg per day, per FDA guidance; if you are pregnant, have a medical condition or take medication, check with your doctor.

Give Coffee Lemonade a Try

Coffee lemonade sounds unusual but tastes like summer in a glass: bright, sweet, tart and refreshingly bittersweet. Start with the espresso version for a bold, layered look, or batch a pitcher with cold brew for a crowd. For a fruity espresso, try our Ethiopia Natural; for a smooth batch, use our Cold Brew Coffee; or pick the light, sweet Blonde. Every Feel Espresso order is roasted 1 to 5 days before delivery.