Where to Get (Real) Iced Coffee in Copenhagen

When I moved to Denmark for the first time in 2008, I could not find an iced coffee to save my life. Given the level of my caffeine-consumption at the time, there were moments I thought I actually might die as a result. The typical cold coffee drink in Denmark is the “Is Latte,” which is expresso, ice, lots of milk and flavored syrup. For those of us who don’t drink milk, or those who simply do not always want their thirst quenched by an almost-milkshake, the options have seemed dismal in the past.

Now, and I assume this is due to my aggressive multi-platform pro-iced coffee campaign, you can find both cold brew and iced filter coffee in a number of locations around the city. Add milk or don’t; it’s finally real coffee!

Here’s where we get our cold caffeine fix:

Cold Brew

Cold brew coffee is ground coffee brewed with room temperature or cold water for an extended period (approximately 24 hours). The resulting coffee is extremely concentrated and is then cut with water at a 1:1 ratio. The taste is mellow and less bitter than hot coffee or traditionally-brewed iced coffee.

Risteriet

Risteriet has its own roastery and the results are uniformly delicious. Every cup of coffee and espresso is expertly-made, and their cold brew is no different. Bonus: it comes in a nice big cup, so you’re getting a hefty amount of coffee for your 35 DKK.

Risteriet images above

Iced Filter Coffee

In traditional iced filter coffee, you brew coffee as you normally would, but with approximately 2x the amount of coffee. Then you cool & refrigerate the coffee and serve over ice. For this reason, iced coffee is generally much stronger than regular hot coffee; it’s the gradual melting of the ice that’s meant to act as a buffer. But honestly, when was the last time you waited for your ice to melt before finishing your iced coffee? The answer, for me, is: “never.”

The Coffee Collective

CC can brew a mean aeropress and their Is Press is no different. This is their regular ground aeropress coffee, but slowly pressed over ice. The process can take a few minutes but really worth it!

Fætter Fætter

Just regular filter coffee, brewed, put in the fridge and poured over ice. Add their homemade vanilla syrup or milk if you like. At 15 DKK a cup, it’s a treat and a bargain.

Griffenfeldsgade 17

2200 København N

Opening hours:
Tues – Sat 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
Sun 11:00 am – 8:00 pm

Souls

A Østerbro-based vegetarian cafe focused on fresh, beautiful food and high quality, we’re particularly drawn to the iced coconut lattes, but you can also get regular iced coffee and add the milk of your choice (or nothing at all, like a boss).

Melchiors Plads 3

2100 København Ø

Opening hours:
Mon – Fri 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
Sat 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Sun 9:00 am – 8:00 pm

Zaggis

A cute little cafe on the city side of Dronning Louises Bro, Zaggis offers everything in their cafe at 15 DKK. That means your delicious iced coffee, too! One of the best deals you’ll find in the centre of Copenhagen.

Frederiksborggade 43
1371 København K

Dunkin Donuts

I know, I know. But they serve iced coffee and, damnit, it’s refreshing! I grew up with Dunkin Donuts on the East Coast of the United States so for me there’s a nostalgia factor as well. Go get a big ‘ole American iced cuppa joe (and a donut, if you’re feeling raunchy).

Københavns Hovedbanegård

Bernstorffsgade 16
1570 København V

Opening hours:
Mon – Fri 6:00 am – 10:30 pm
Sat & Sun 7:00 am – 10:30 pm

Did you know!

The colder a beverage is, the harder it is for your taste buds to interpret “sweet” tastes and the more noticeable “bitter” tastes become. That’s why many will opt for a sweetener or milk in their iced coffee when they wouldn’t have it in a hot coffee! FASCINATING.

Need more coffee? Of course you do. See our six favorite coffee spots in Copenhagen.