Rich, dark and strong artisan coffee isn’t something usually associated with summer, but since South Africa has caught the coffee bug – and it doesn’t seem to be going anywhere soon – we’ve searched for spots where you can get your java fix without steaming up your sunnies. Some are sweet and milky, some are fierce and some are pretty unusual… Behold our list of fabulous iced coffees.

The Bean Green (Glenwood)
The Bean Green uses a double shot of their house blend of organic Ethiopian beans with milk (and honey, should you require a touch of sweetness.) It’s served either over ice or blended (R20).

Café Jiran (Marine Parade)
At Café Jiran you are master of your own destiny. Any coffee, made from your choice of single-origin or blended Arabica beans from Africa, Costa Rica, Guatemala and Columbia, can be ordered over ice. Otherwise, opt for the frappe, which sees double espresso and a dose of organic honey served on ice.

The Corner Café (Berea)
Do you prefer your iced coffee green? The Corner Café serves an all-African coffee with a small carbon footprint in biodegradable takeaway cups. Choose to have your iced coffee (R23) with a single or double espresso, sweetened with honey or sugar, topped with milk, and splashed over ice.

The Corner Cafe. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Duke & Duchess (Umhlanga Rocks)
Duke & Duchess takes a slightly different approach to their iced coffee (R27), using frozen milk ice cubes. The regular version sees 50ml of espresso poured over ice and topped with a splash of milk; the cocoa option has a teaspoon of granules stirred in with the espresso.

The Factory Café (Glenwood)
This high-brow iced coffee is cold pressed, requiring 16 hours to extract three times, and then chilled and served with the option of milk and sugar. If you are specifically visiting for one of these specifically, call ahead the day before to avoid disappointment. You can, of course, get regular espresso-based iced coffees too (all R18).

Freedom Café (Greyville)
At Freedom Café, iced coffee (R16) is made with a single shot of their aggressive chocolate blend. Combined with milk, ice and sugar (if required), it’s served shaken or blended. Kick back and enjoy it alfresco at this cool urban café.

Freedom Cafe. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Love Coffee (Morningside)
Love Coffee has converted a single roadside garage into a quirky coffee paradise. Iced versions (R25) see a double shot of their unique blend of Ugandan and Ethiopian beans teamed with milk, sugar (to your taste) and ice.