Do you know that feeling when a drink immediately transports you to a sunny terrace in Italy? The Caffè Leccese does exactly that. This iced coffee from Lecce, a picturesque city in the heel of Italy, is a summer classic that you can easily recreate at home.
What makes Caffè Leccese so special is the use of almond milk — not the plant-based version you buy in the supermarket, but a sweet, creamy almond milk syrup (latte di mandorla) like the Pugliese have been using for generations. The result: a refreshing, slightly nutty iced coffee you won't soon forget.
What do you need?
Ingredients (for 1 glass):
- 2 shots of espresso (approx. 60 ml)
- 3–4 tablespoons almond milk syrup (or to taste)
- A generous handful of ice cubes
- Optional: a pinch of cinnamon or almond slivers for garnish
Supplies:
- Espresso machine or moka pot
- A large, tall glass
- Spoon or stirrer
Step-by-step recipe
- Brew the espresso. Prepare 2 shots of espresso with your machine or moka pot. You want a strong, concentrated coffee — Caffè Leccese is all about that robust coffee flavor that cuts through the sweetness of the almond milk.
- Let it cool down briefly. Set the espresso aside for a few minutes so it doesn't melt immediately when poured over ice. You don't need to make it ice cold — lukewarm is fine.
- Fill the glass with ice. Put a generous handful of ice cubes in your glass. The more ice, the longer the drink stays cold — and the better it looks.
- Add the almond milk syrup. Pour 3 to 4 tablespoons of almond milk syrup over the ice. Want it less sweet? Start with 2 tablespoons and taste as you go.
- Pour in the espresso. Slowly pour the cooled espresso over the ice. You'll see beautiful coffee layers form, gradually mixing with the almond milk.
- Stir and enjoy. Stir gently and sip immediately — for the prettiest layers, you can also serve it unmixed and stir only when drinking.
Pro tip
Use the highest quality espresso possible. The Caffè Leccese has few ingredients, so every component counts. An espresso that is too acidic or too bitter will be immediately noticeable. Choose beans with a full, chocolatey profile for the best result — this creates the perfect balance with the sweet almond milk.
For an even more authentic taste: look for real latte di mandorla syrup from Puglia in an Italian delicatessen or online. The difference from regular almond milk is significant.
Ready to get started?
Use our Espresso Beans from Good Mood Coffee as the base for your Caffè Leccese. They are specially selected for their flavor balance and provide exactly the rich coffee taste this drink deserves. Order them through our webshop and bring the summer of Lecce to your kitchen.