If you’ve ever wished for an iced espresso drink that stays bold no matter how hot the day gets, then our beloved Freddo Espresso is the drink you’ll fall in love with. We like to describe it as espresso’s cool, breezy alter ego. It has the same depth and character but is smoother and somehow even more exciting.
As coffee lovers who are making versions of iced beverages all year long, we can’t help but smile every time we shake up a Freddo, as it always hits the spot.
So let’s walk you through what makes it so cherished to why it tastes so good, and how you can make a barista-style version in your kitchen.
What Is Freddo Espresso?
A Freddo Espresso is a chilled, shaken espresso drink made by pouring fresh shots of espresso on ice (and sometimes sugar), and shaking until frothy. That’s the whole secret. The shaking creates a silky foam on top, almost like someone blended espresso with a cloud.
So if you’re thinking what it is in one line:
It is just 2 shots of espresso vigorously shaken with ice until cold and creamy.
We admire it because it’s as strong as a regular espresso but has got velvety feel created by shaking. When you want espresso flavor without the heaviness of milk or cream; it’s the perfect drink.
Is Freddo Espresso Double Shot?
A lot of times, yes. A Freddo Espresso is usually made from a double shot, and there’s a very good reason for that.
When hot espresso is shaken with ice vigorously, the flavor becomes milder. A single shot often loses too much of its richness, but a double shot remains bold and balanced. That’s why cafés almost always use two shots, and honestly, we do too.
Our barista likes to pull the espresso on a bit longer side or use a darker roast because iced drinks tend to mute delicate notes. A bit more depth helps the final drink shine.
Is Freddo Espresso Sweet or Bitter?
By default, a Freddo Espresso is more toward the bitter side as it’s pure espresso with no milk. But don’t think of the bitterness to punch you in the face, as the shaking process makes a foam that softens the edges, making the drink smoother. Freddo Espresso is usually bitter but smoother and rounder.
If you crave for sweetness, you can add sugar or syrup while the espresso is still hot, as we mostly add just half a tsp when someone wants a gentler taste. And we also love it plain yet bold.
What Is the Difference Between Freddo Espresso and Freddo Cappuccino?
Freddo Espresso has no milk; Freddo Cappuccino has cold frothed milk on top. If you’re confused, then you’re not alone as even regular café customers mix them up. Just to make it more clear, here’s a comparison:
| Feature | Freddo Espresso | Freddo Cappuccino |
| Base | Double espresso | Double espresso |
| Milk | None | Yes — cold frothed milk |
| Texture | Icy, foamy, light | Creamy, layered |
| Flavor | Strong & bold | Smooth & milkier |
| Best For | Pure espresso lovers | Fans of iced creamy drinks |
If you’re looking for something intense but refreshing, then the only espresso version wins every time.
How Does a Freddo Espresso Differ from Iced Latte?
A Freddo Espresso is strong and ice-forward. An iced latte is mostly milk.
Here’s how we like to break it down:
- Freddo Espresso:
Cold, foamy, and espresso-heavy. Zero milk.
- Iced Latte:
70% milk, 30% espresso, very smooth and light.
So the question in one line, what’s the difference?
Freddo Espresso = bold and refreshing, while Iced latte = creamy and mild.
When you want something light for sipping, go latte. But when you want to taste the espresso, Freddo always delivers.
Is Freddo Espresso Stronger Than Regular Espresso?
Yes, in flavor, as cold temperatures sharpen espresso’s deeper notes. Even though the caffeine is the same still the experience feels stronger.
Here’s the quick answer:
Freddo Espresso tastes stronger than a regular espresso because cold enhances bold flavors.
Also, remember most Freddos use a double shot, which naturally brings more intensity.
How Is a Freddo Espresso Made?

Let’s walk you through the process because we want you to feel like you’re standing right next to us behind the counter:
Ingredients
- 2 shots fresh espresso
- Ice (a generous amount)
- 1 tsp sugar or syrup; optional
Instructions
- Pull two shots of espresso using freshly ground beans
- If you’re adding sugar, then mix it immediately into the hot espresso
- Then add ice cubes to the cocktail shaker
- After that, pour the espresso over the ice
- Shake firmly for 10–15 seconds — this is where the magic happens
- Strain into a tall glass with fresh ice
Our barista recommends:
Prefer large cubes of ice, as they slowly melt while keeping the drink crisp.
Why Is Freddo Espresso So Good?
But let us gush a little more. The shaking process introduces thousands of micro-bubbles into the espresso, making a rich foam without any milk. You get a drink that feels luxurious without adding calories or heaviness.
In one line:
It’s bold espresso flavor delivered in a chilled, silky, smooth form.
We often call it the “summer version of espresso,” because it brings all the comfort of your favorite coffee without any heat.
Freddo Espresso Calories
The reason we adore this drink is how naturally light it is, so, here’s the calorie breakdown in a simple table:
| Ingredient | Calories |
| Double espresso | 5 |
| Sugar 1 tsp, optional | 20 |
| Ice | 0 |
| Total (no sugar) | 5 calories |
| Total (with sugar) | 25 calories |
If you’re watching calories but still want something satisfying and bold, this drink is a dream.
Freddo Espresso Caffeine
The caffeine content is based totally on the espresso used:
A Freddo Espresso usually contains 120–150 mg of caffeine because it’s made with a double shot. Cold espresso often feels even stronger because iced drinks highlight deeper flavor notes.
Our barista tip:
Go for a medium-dark roast if you want a smoother but more chocolatey iced espresso.
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