The Best Iced Coffees in Montreal: Places to celebrate summer
To share a sneak peek into our writing process, we decided to write this list last year while Montreal was in the midst of a heat wave, and we were all craving an iced coffee. Currently, Montrealers are standing before the brink of the intense summer weather, so we wanted to be a little better prepared this time around! This is our list of the best iced coffees you can find in the city, so you too can be better equipped to tackle summer 2019.
When you’re in the middle of the city, refreshing yourself isn’t always as easy as jumping in the lake or ocean – you have to be a bit more resourceful. We figured that as temperatures outside increase, the temperature of our daily morning beverage should decrease. For this reason, we are expressing to you our fond love for delicious and well executed iced coffee!
Coffee is as essential as it is delicious. If we try and pinpoint the exact time when iced coffee became so widely accepted as a warm weather staple, we’re left with few answers. That being said, there are some stories and myths that recount the beginnings of this cold drink, in which iced coffee would be at least 400 years old. In some of these stories, people refer to Mazagran, a cold drink made from coffee brewed in Algeria approximately around 1840. Others will speak to more contemporary times, arguing that iced coffee is the result of Japan’s trade opening with the Netherlands. In this scenario, the Dutch brought coffee beans with them and the Japanese adopted the cold-brew technique that they used to make tea for their coffee brewing. Regardless, we are forever grateful that iced coffee has made its way to our neck of the woods.
Now that we have a bit of the background story, the next step is to know where to go in order to find the best iced coffees in Montreal. For those who’d rather fight fire with fire, we also have a list of the best Italian coffee in Montreal. If coffee isn’t your thing at all, but you’re still in need of a weapon against the heat, we have a list of the best ice cream in Montreal!
Campanelli
With its charm and history, the Campanelli has built itself a permanent home in the heart of St-Henri. As a small family business, everything they do feels personalized. Their coffee uses a unique blend, specially designed by the in house Barista. With one of the best Italian coffees in Montreal, it is no surprise that Campanelli’s iced coffee is just as good. Perfectly refreshing, it goes very well with one of the shops sweet treats which are prepared fresh every morning. The address is a nice stop on a hot and sunny day. Alison Slattery —
Montréal
Café Olimpico
To say that Café Olimpico is a Montreal institution is almost an understatement. On par with the suspected excellence of fine Italian coffee, Olimpico is one of our favourite spots to grab an iced coffee. Located in the Mile End, Café Olimpico serves coffee that is based on the personal recipe of Rocco Furfaro, who was the owner of the establishment until it was taken over by his daughters Rossana and Victoria. This café is full of charm, yet also maintains an air of simplicity. It goes without saying that it is worth a visit, whether that is just to enjoy a good iced drink, or to soak in their history as a Montreal institution! Alison Slattery —
Montréal
Dispatch Café
Located right on St-Laurent Boulevard, Dispatch Café is a popular caffein spot for those who work nearby, enjoy the ultra-chic minimalist aesthetic, and of course, for those who like good coffee. Our favourites on the menu here in the summertime are the Black Cold Brew (no milk) and the White Cold Brew (with milk), both of which are very reffreshing. At the bottom of the menu, resurfacing each summer, you will notice the Affogato; an espresso shot, milk, and a magnificent scoop of vanilla ice cream. There is no need to choose between ice cream and coffee at Dispatch, because they’ve got it all.
Montréal
Pikolo Espresso Bar
There are few places that are as quaint and modest as Pikolo is, all while serving some of the most delicious coffee beverages around! With high ceilings, a super narrow layout, and a very organic aesthetic, Pikolo is one of the most beautiful cafés in Montreal. We come here for the impressive variety of coffee based beverages that they serve, all of which come from Phil & Sebastian coffee company. Their iced coffee is ideal for the summer and is served with a delicious croissant by Hof Kelsten – another one of our favourites!
Montréal
Station W
Station W, a café on Rue Wellington, is not only a contender on this list of the best iced coffees in Montreal, but they are also on our list of the best grilled cheese in the city! Station W is ideal for enjoying a simple but tasty brunch, or to quickly work while sipping on an iced coffee. Using the coffee beans from Montreal’s own Kittel Compagnie, the iced coffee at Station W is a signature summer beverage. When you’re in Verdun, there’s nothing better than an iced coffee from Station W. Photo Station W
Montréal
Café Pista
We have been entangled in a love affair with Café Pista for a while now, and we are not complaining. This spot is adorable and suits the bright and sunny spirit of summer perfectly! Using coffee beans roasted in Montreal’s Rosemont Petite Patrie area by the Kittel roasting Compagnie, Pista’s cold brew iced coffee is served with milk, and it is delicious. Photo Café Pista
Montréal
Café Ferlucci
Café Ferlucci is a new addition to Montreal’s roster of Italian cafés, and it is quickly becoming one of our favourites! The abundance of knick knacks around the space, greenery and bright colours all contribute to the café’s overall casual and friendly feeling. As Italian coffee enthusiasts, the owners created a menu that reflected both the traditional and contemporary aspects of coffee culture. A few highlights you may want to consider, especially during the summer, is their decadent Nutelatte as well as their cold brew ice cream latte. Alison Slattery —
Montréal
La brume dans mes lunettes
La Brume dans mes Lunettes is a unique hybrid between coffee shop and tea room. The decor of the space is light, simple and warm, making it perfect to bring a book and read, or catch up with a friend. Although some may prefer iced tea, La Brume dans mes Lunettes serves a delicious iced coffee which we love. On the a menu of coffee variations, we especially like the cold brew coffee in the summer months. If you are looking for more of a treat, you can indulge in the special affogato, which is a blend of a shot of espresso, milk and ice cream – summer personified into a drink. Jérémy Dion
Montréal
