There's something about the first sip of Tiramisu Iced Coffee that instantly transports you to a cozy Italian café. The creamy layers, the deep espresso flavor, and the hint of cocoa come together in a drink that's both indulgent and refreshingly cool.

I came up with this recipe one sweltering afternoon when I was craving tiramisu but couldn't bear the thought of turning on the oven. One experiment led to another, and before long, this dessert-meets-cold-brew concoction became my summer obsession.

If you're looking for a quick pick-me-up that tastes like a decadent treat, you're going to love what comes next.

Why You'll Love This Tiramisu Iced Coffee

There are iced coffees, and then there's Tiramisu Iced Coffee. This isn't your average cup of joe – it's dessert and caffeine all in one, made for people who like their beverages fancy, fun, and full of flavor.

It’s incredibly easy to make. No fancy equipment needed here. If you have a blender, a jar, or even just a spoon, you can whip this up in minutes.

It saves you money. Forget those $7 specialty drinks from the coffee shop. With a few basic ingredients, you can enjoy the same luxurious taste from your own kitchen.

It’s totally customizable. Want it dairy-free? No problem. Prefer decaf? Go for it. You can adjust the sweetness, the strength of the coffee, even the toppings, to suit your tastes.

It feels like a treat without the effort of baking. All the flavors of a classic tiramisu – coffee, mascarpone, cocoa, and a hint of liqueur – without ever turning on the oven.

This recipe is perfect for brunches, afternoon pick-me-ups, or whenever you want to wow your tastebuds with minimal effort.

Ingredients Notes

You don't need a long grocery list to pull off this coffeehouse-level drink. Each ingredient is selected to mimic the classic layers of tiramisu in a sip-able form.

Cold brew coffee is the heart of this recipe. It brings bold flavor without any bitterness. You can use store-bought or brew your own overnight. If you're short on time, chilled espresso or strong brewed coffee will also work.

Mascarpone cheese gives the drink its signature richness and creamy texture. It blends beautifully into the coffee and mimics the tiramisu filling. If you can’t find mascarpone, a mix of cream cheese and heavy cream works in a pinch.

Sweetened condensed milk is our sweetener and adds an indulgent layer of smooth, caramel-like sweetness. It blends perfectly with the coffee and mascarpone for a velvety finish.

Coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa) adds depth and a subtle boozy note that elevates the drink into true dessert territory. If you're avoiding alcohol, just leave it out or use coffee extract instead.

Cocoa powder and whipped cream top it all off. These mimic the dusting of cocoa on traditional tiramisu and add visual flair, making each glass feel a little more special.

No fancy tools are required – just a blender or a mason jar with a lid for shaking, and your favorite glass for serving.

How To Make This Tiramisu Iced Coffee

Crafting this iced coffee masterpiece is simpler than you might expect, and the payoff is well worth the few minutes it takes to mix it all up.

Start by preparing your cold brew or strong coffee. If you're using freshly brewed coffee, make sure it's completely chilled before you begin to prevent the mascarpone from curdling.

In a small bowl, whisk together mascarpone, sweetened condensed milk, and a splash of coffee liqueur until smooth and pourable. This forms the creamy "tiramisu" layer of your drink.

Fill a tall glass with ice, then pour in your cold brew coffee, leaving room at the top for your creamy mixture. Stir in an extra dash of liqueur or coffee syrup if you like it strong.

Gently spoon the mascarpone mixture over the iced coffee. It will begin to swirl and blend slightly – the contrast in color is beautiful.

Top with a generous swirl of whipped cream, then dust with unsweetened cocoa powder. For an extra touch, you can grate a bit of dark chocolate on top or even add ladyfinger cookie crumbles.

From start to finish, the whole process takes about 10 minutes. The result? A layered, luscious iced coffee that tastes like your favorite dessert in a glass.

Storage Options

Tiramisu Iced Coffee is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep parts of it ahead of time to make your mornings smoother.

Store the mascarpone-sweetened milk mixture in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 3 days. Give it a good stir or shake before using, as it may settle or thicken.

You can also keep a batch of cold brew on hand in the refrigerator for up to a week. This means you can have a fancy iced coffee at the ready any time the craving hits.

If you mix the full drink and want to store it, skip the whipped cream and cocoa topping until just before serving. Keep the coffee and cream mixture in a sealed container in the fridge and give it a stir before pouring over fresh ice.

When reheating isn’t an option (this is iced coffee, after all), just keep all components chilled and assemble when ready.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is super flexible, making it easy to adjust based on dietary needs or what you have on hand.

Dairy-free version: Use a plant-based cream cheese (like almond or cashew) and coconut condensed milk. Coconut cream makes a great whipped topping substitute.

No liqueur option: Swap out the coffee liqueur for a teaspoon of coffee extract or vanilla extract. You'll still get depth of flavor without the alcohol.

Vegan-friendly tweak: Along with the dairy-free swaps, opt for a dairy-free whipped cream and double-check that your cocoa powder and condensed milk alternatives are vegan-certified.

Extra rich variation: Blend the mascarpone and condensed milk with a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half for a thicker, more decadent cream layer.

Make it a frappe: Toss all the ingredients into a blender with a handful of ice for a frozen, milkshake-like version that's perfect for hot days.