Einen Icekaffee bitte? *insert a poorly mimed pouring motion*
Eight times out of ten, this question is met with a sharp “nein” and a sympathetically confused smile. As for the other two, the answer is, “ja! Ice cappuccino?”
As a barista (in America at least), ordering an iced cappuccino proves you know nothing about coffee. Yet, in Munich, it means you are ordering the only iced drink on the menu. Thus I am actively trying to fight the instinct to roll my eyes and instead appreciate the fact that I am getting ice in my drink. A small sacrifice for the sake of staying cool.
Perhaps it is the American in me or simply my infantile refusal to burn my tongue on a piping hot cup. Either way, the outcome is the same: an essential hunt for caffeine over ice! It must be done.
Before my arrival in Europe, I knew I was kissing my beloved 32ounce Dunkin iced coffee goodbye; and that ice in anything other than a cocktail would be hard to find.
I digress. I have done the work (very hard work I know), and below is my first guide to discovering the best places for iced coffee in steamed espresso-loving Munich.
With an eclectic spread of vintage furniture and decorations, the Kolonial serves ambiance with a side of high-quality espresso. Much to my excitement, their menu includes an excellent iced cappuccino and a small selection of pastry items.
If you forgot to bring your own entertainment- that is no problem here as there are more than enough vintage posters, intriguing fixtures, and engaging signs populating the walls. The most common type of posters displayed in the Kolonial are the old cigarette advertisements that hail from different countries and regions of Germany.
Though I loved looking at all of the colorful decorations inside of the cafe, my favorite part of this cafe exists outside. In the shape of a cigarette-smoking bird with a bouncing hat and beer in hand, the best of Kolonial greets you from the window adjacent to the very front door.
Sallis: Kaffeerosterei & Espressobar
A few blocks away from Kaffee Espresso Kolonial is Sallis, a charming spot for locally roasted espresso and light fare. If their selection of morning sweets weren’t enough to win me over, the chalkboard menus finished the job.
Locking eyes with the menu, I saw not only one choice of iced drinks but many. Cold brews, iced lattes, iced cappuccinos, and iced chai lattes are only the headliners.
Sallis is truly a cafe after my heart.
Even sweeter was the beautiful barista who made my iced latte and offered me a selection of apricot, raspberry, and vanilla-filled butter croissants. Opting for the raspberry croissant, I was not disappointed.
The flakey pastry paired with raspberry jam and perfectly roasted espresso quickly jumped to the top of my list of best ways to start the day.
Unrestrained from the “cafe” box of other coffee shops in the area, Sallis offers a wide selection of espresso beans and related products. For the coffee connoisseur who desires local espresso brewed at their own hands, Sallis has everything you need in one utterly charming shop.
Situated just outside the Rotkreuzplatz train station, this cafe is ideal for grabbing a quick coffee to go before boarding your train. That being said, Rischart also provides a lovely outdoor pavilion nestled under a vibrant awning of green, making the cafe a seemless extension of Munich’s tranquil blend of nature and community.
Inside, Rischart offers a wide selection of freshly-baked pastries, traditional sandwiches, and of course, iced coffee. After pursuing the spread, I decided on the Bavarian sandwich and asked for an iced coffee.
The barista immediately said yes, and poured my drink out of a pitcher of cooled coffee. Real iced coffee at last! I nearly jumped for joy. No mix of steamed milk that falls lukewarm over a sparing cluster of ice, Rischart keeps it simple. Just how I like it.
As I sat outside to enjoy the views of local farm stands, the soft flow of bike traffic, and the pavilion’s centerpiece fountain statue, I had no choice but to appreciate the quaint moment of urban serenity Rischart fosters. Taking a bite of my sandwich, I fell in love with this Bavarian staple.
Serving ham, tomato, lettuce, pickles, and mustard on a perfectly sized triangle of sesame seed bread, this classic sandwich exists across many bakeries and cafes in the city. Yet I’d wager that Rischart knows best. I could (and will) order this sandwich ten times over, and still, it will satisfy.
Cafe-Konditorei
On the quiet street of Blutenburgstraße, Cafe-Konditorei occupies a soft space for pastries, juices, wines, and coffee. Looking in, you are met with a vibrant window display of orange and yellow flowers and wooden butterflies dressed in violet.
Advertising its Geeister Latte Macchiato from outside, I was drawn in after translating the word Geeister into iced. An instant favorite, this drink is as rich as it is sweet, without being deeply bitter or sickeningly sugary.
If you, unlike me, want something other than coffee to drink, Konditorei still has you covered with a variety of juices and iced teas. Taking your beverage of choice to the tables out front, you are surrounded by modest apartment buildings and small local shops.
Konditorei stands as one of the only AM eateries in its immediate area; yet remains calm as locals, young and old, come and go. Watch bikers make their way down the cobblestone pavement aside young families pushing strollers and holding hands with their little ones, and you will become a part of the peaceful atmosphere this cafe promotes.
As my journey through Europe continues, there will surely be many additions to this series.
For now, I will leave you as I always do, with a poem.
Espresso Trist
swirls of milky white
meet eager browns.
as the penetrating aroma teases.
and it is all too easy
for me to fall in love.
again, with something
so constant it should capture no interest.
but still,
my breath is stolen from me
as i blush and stumble
through our first conversation.
my hands grasp
chilled plastic
and we sweetly graze
lips in our first
kiss.
the pounding- buzzing- overwhelming
chatter of the world
is silenced.
in quiet observation
of our love affair.
but our touch vanishes.
every drop pulled
through loving lips drains you.
my sweet distraction
torn from my clear-cupped soul.
yet
there it is again.
the deep aroma
tugging me in a familiar direction.
Nomadic Thread 