Seven easy iced drinks you can make at home — Perfect for Kenya’s hot season
Iced drinks have become especially popular among young people and homemakers seeking affordable, café-style treats without the high prices often found in hotels and restaurants.
As the sunny season settles over Kenya, more families are finding comfort in chilled refreshments made right at home.
Iced drinks have become especially popular among young people and homemakers seeking affordable, café-style treats without the high prices often found in hotels and restaurants. These drinks are sweet, memorable, and, most importantly, easy to make with minimal ingredients — all from the comfort of your kitchen.
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Here are seven refreshing iced drinks that bring the modern café experience right to your home — perfect for friends, family, or a relaxed weekend afternoon.
1. Iced caramel macchiato
Taste profile: Sweet, creamy, and smooth
This popular café drink is simple to prepare at home. Mix one cup of cold milk, a shot of espresso or strong instant coffee, and a tablespoon of vanilla syrup for that delicious flavour. Pour the coffee slowly over the milk and ice to achieve that café-style layered look, then drizzle caramel sauce on top for a rich, sweet finish.
Tip: For those who do not take dairy, use camel milk or oat milk — both add a light, nutty flavour.
2. Homemade cold brew coffee
Taste profile: Bold and smooth
Cold brew is perfect for Kenya’s warm afternoons. Combine coarsely ground coffee with cold water (one part coffee to eight parts water) and let it rest overnight in the fridge.
In the morning, strain and serve over ice with milk or a spoonful of brown sugar. Cold brew is smooth, less acidic, and keeps you energised throughout the day — ideal for early mornings in Eastleigh or late nights in Mombasa.
3. Iced matcha latte
Taste profile: Earthy, light, and refreshing
Matcha, a powdered green tea from Japan, has become both a global and local favourite, gaining popularity in Nairobi’s cafés.
To make it, whisk one teaspoon of matcha powder with a few tablespoons of hot water. Add ice to a glass, pour in cold milk, and sweeten with honey.
Besides its bright green colour, matcha is rich in antioxidants, making it a healthy pick for anyone avoiding sugary sodas.
4. Iced strawberry latte
Taste profile: Fruity and creamy
For those who love flavour and colour, this drink is a hit. Start by blending fresh strawberries, sugar, and a little water to make a syrup. Pour the syrup into a glass, add ice, then layer milk and coffee on top.
The pink and brown layers are as delightful to the eyes as they are to the taste buds.
5. Iced chai latte
Taste profile: Spicy, aromatic, and comforting
Kenyans and Somalis love their chai, and this version gives it a refreshing twist for hot days. Brew strong black tea with spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves. Mix with cold milk and a little honey, then pour over ice.
Sprinkle cinnamon on top if you like. It’s a taste of home — with a cool, modern twist perfect for guests or afternoon snacks.
6. Dalgona coffee
Taste profile: Fluffy, rich, and indulgent
Born in South Korea but now loved worldwide, Dalgona coffee became a viral sensation — and it’s easy to see why.
Whisk together two tablespoons each of instant coffee, sugar, and hot water until light and fluffy. Spoon this golden foam over a glass of cold milk with ice and stir gently.
The creamy coffee foam floating above the milk gives a luxurious café look — perfect for serving guests or snapping photos to share online.
7. Passion mojito (non-alcoholic)
Taste profile: Tangy, tropical, and refreshing
This tropical twist on the classic mojito celebrates Kenya’s love for passion fruit. In a glass, muddle fresh mint leaves, one tablespoon of sugar, and a squeeze of lime. Add two tablespoons of fresh passion fruit pulp, then top with ice and sparkling water or soda. Stir well and garnish with mint and a lime slice.
With these seven simple recipes, there’s no need to visit an expensive café to enjoy quality iced drinks.
Using local ingredients — milk, tea, fruit, and a little creativity — anyone can prepare café-style refreshers right in their own kitchen.
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