Montreal's summer sizzle has met its match with Montreal cafés serving up new iced drinks that are anything but ordinary. You can forget your basic iced coffee, these venues are mixing, topping, and swirling their way into the cool crowd.
Coffee lovers, smoothie addicts and matcha fans are sure to find their new signature summer drink. Here are ten Montreal must-trys that pack a punch and chill to thrill:
Caffè Crema at Café Olimpico
Where: Multiple locations
Reason to try: Café Olimpico is a classic Italian coffee and bakery spot that has been open since 1970. It is known for its beautiful interiors, late closing time (a cafe that closes at midnight is almost unheard of) and most recently, its viral Caffè Crema. The Caffè Crema at Olimpico is similar to an affogato. It's made with espresso and ice cream but is whipped into a heavenly coffee cream. You can find lots of videos on social media of people ordering and enjoying this perfect summer frozen coffee treat.
Fresh Fruit Four Seasons Spring Tea at Machi Machi
Where: 1241, rue Bishop
Reason to try: This aesthetic and tasty tea spot features bubble teas, fresh fruit drinks, and slush which is perfectly refreshing as is gets warmer outside. The Fresh Fruit Four Seasons Spring Tea is packed with citrus and a light tea flavour to quench your thirst and satisfy your want for something fruity and sweet.
Matcha Freddo at Alphabet Café
Where: 5765, rue Clark
Reason to try: The Freddo Matcha from Alphabet Café went viral this winter when the owners of the Greek-style cafe dyed the foam pink for Valentine's Day. The drink had people lining up, all wanting to snap a pic with the green and prink iced beverage. Alphabet Cafe is known for its Freddos which are a blend of whipped cold espresso and foam. The Freddo Matcha is by far the fan favourite and worth a try this summer if you’re in the Mile End neighbourhood (and they're serving it).
Iced Cloud Latté at Maison Sauvage
Where:162, rue Bernard Ouest
Reason to try: Also in the Mile End is Maison Sauvage, a cute and intimate café. Their signature drink is the Iced Cloud Latté, an iced coffee drink with an unexpected topping. Toasted meringue is added to the drink like a perfect cloud. The café is known for its signature meringue on other drinks but the latté is by far the most popular. Their cookies are good too, if you’re looking for a sweet treat.
Mount Etna at Forno West
Where: 1235, ave. Greene, Westmount, QC
Reason to try: If you’re looking to take your iced coffee to the next level consider stopping in at Forno West café in Westmount. Their new signature summer drink has been circulating on socials with a dreamy video of the espresso slush and caffè crema making the perfect combination of strong flavours with a sweet topping.
Le Mont Blanc at Café Gelato St-Laurent
Le Mont Blanc drinks in bright blue and red.
Where:737, boul. Saint Laurent
Reason to try: If you’re craving something cold that isn’t caffeinated, the new Mont Blanc from Cafe Gelato St-Laurent might be for you. Available in two flavours this drink mixes strawberry or blueberry slush with vanilla soft serve ice cream. The perfect drinkable dessert, the bright colours will make you feel like a kid again enjoying your favourite slushy.
Aloha Smoothie at Shaka Vibes
Where: 268, rue Saint-Antoine Ouest
Reason to try: Shaka Vibes offers some of the most beautifully-blended smoothies in the city. Created with specific benefits in mind, each smoothie contains ingredients to help your body in a certain way. The Aloha smoothie, a pink and white blend is formulated with digestive health in mind mixing strawberry, banana, coconut yogurt, flaxseed and glutamine to help your gut. You can choose to have the Aloha as a drink or smoothie bowl and can add additional toppings.
Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte Nous Sommes Café
Where: 180, rue Prince-Arthur Est
Reason to try: Just down the street from Square Saint-Louis is the minimalist and aesthetic Nous Sommes Café. The quaint café on a pedestrian-only street offers unique cold beverages like strawberry milk and in-house lemonade. But one of their most popular beverages is the Iced Strawberry Matcha Latté. The tri-coloured drink features a whole strawberry compote, white milk, and mixed matcha top. The blend of flavours is wonderful for those who like the taste of matcha with a sweet fruity kick.
Nuttin’ Better Smoothie from Margot
Where: 138, ave. Atwater
Reason to try: Located in the Atwater Market, Margot serves fresh juice and smoothies to patrons with a commitment to tasty and fresh ingredients. The Nuttin’ Better Smoothie mixes the frutiness of strawberries, blueberries, and bananas with the creaminess of almond butter. It’s reminiscent of the best PB & J of your child hood. Next time you’re at the market be sure to stop by Margot smoothie bar.
Raspberry Mint Lemonade from 5 Senses Restaurant
Where: 292, rue Saint-Catherine Ouest
Reason to try: 5 Senses is a beautiful and eclectic café. From the plants, to the mismatched tables, to the clutter core aesthetic, the restaurant has it all… including one of the best lemonades you'll ever try. The restaurants has three flavours of lemonade, strawberry kiwi, maracuja dragon fruit, and raspberry mint. You can order your drink at the counter and then take a seat at one of the many tables or couches available to guests. It's the perfect spot to meet friends for a casual hangout as there’s always ample space.