Introduction:Want to try something different in the iced espresso category? Caffè Leccese is a distinctive iced coffee originating from southern Italy, with almond milk syrup as its soul — creating a unique balance between sweetness and coffee flavor. This article will delve into the origins and flavor profile of this niche beverage, along with a detailed recipe, including recommended coffee bean types, grind size and extraction parameters, as well as tips on how to further make an almond-flavored latte. That way, you can easily recreate this southern Italian classic at home.

On hot summer days, iced coffee becomes a savior for many coffee lovers. But aside from common options like iced americano or iced latte, have you ever thought about trying an espresso drink with more regional character? Today we’re introducing Caffè Leccese, a specialty iced coffee originating from Lecce in Italy’s Puglia region. With its unique almond milk syrup flavor, it stands out among the many styles of Italian espresso.

Lecce is located on the Salento Peninsula in southeastern Italy and is one of the capital cities of the Puglia region. Known for its rich Baroque architectural style, it has long been hailed as the “City of Baroque” and is also referred to as the “Florence of the South.” In this city full of artistic charm, besides visiting historical sites, trying an authentic Caffè Leccese is also an essential local experience.

Unlike the general Italian preference for hot coffee, Caffè Leccese is one of the few widely accepted iced coffee drinks in the area, standing alongside Caffè Shakerato as an “exception” among Italian iced coffees. It not only showcases the culinary creativity of southern Italy but also cleverly incorporates local agricultural features.

The most distinctive feature of this coffee is the use of almond-flavored syrup, rather than adding actual almonds or almond milk directly. At first, many may be skeptical about such a combination — after all, almonds have a strong aroma, and if not handled properly, they can easily overpower the inherent flavors of coffee. However, when this syrup meets espresso, it surprisingly achieves a perfect balance, delivering a sweet taste reminiscent of almond chocolate.

When attempting to make this coffee, it is recommended to use20 grams of medium-dark roasted Italian-style blend coffee beans, extracted at a1:2 coffee-to-water ratio, over approximately30 seconds of brew time, yielding40 ml of espresso. If you prefer a coffee with more layers and crema, you can opt for an Italian blend containingabout 10% Robusta beans. These beans can enhance the richness and body of the coffee, making the overall flavor more complex.

The specific steps to make it are actually very simple: First, place about60 grams of ice cubesand10 ml of almond milk syrupin a cup, then pour the freshly brewed espresso directly into the cup, allowing the drink to naturally layer. Finally, gently stir with a spoon to enjoy this custom drink that combines almond sweetness with bold coffee flavor.

Beyond the basic Caffè Leccese, you can also try adding the same syrup to a latte to create an almond-flavored latte variation. Use40 ml of espresso,200 ml of milk,100 grams of ice cubes, and15 ml of almond milk syrup. This way, you get the smoothness of milk while adding the unique aroma of almonds — ideal for those who prefer a creamier, milk-forward drink.

It’s worth noting that most almond milk syrups currently available on the market come in1-liter bottles. For home users, unless you have other cooking uses for it, the quantity may be hard to manage, potentially leading to waste. Therefore, unless you’re using it commercially or are particularly fond of this flavor, it’s recommended to start with a small trial pack or look for other natural almond-flavored alternatives.

In summary, Caffè Leccese is an Italian iced coffee that blends regional character with innovative spirit. With simple ingredients and standardized brewing methods, you can easily recreate this southern Italian classic at home. Whether enjoyed on its own or reimagined as an almond-flavored latte, it offers a refreshing alternative to your summer coffee routine.

The above content is compiled by CoffeeHunters, a coffee news website.