Coffee is more than just a drink; it's an experience that evolves with the seasons. Whether you're craving a warming brew to combat the chill of winter or a refreshing iced coffee to cool you down in the summer, there’s a Santa Lucia Coffee blend perfectly suited for every season. From cozy pumpkin spice lattes to crisp iced macchiatos, we’ve got you covered with delicious seasonal coffee recipes that pair perfectly with our premium Nicaraguan coffees.
Winter: Hot and Smooth Without the Sweetness
When the temperature drops and the cold winter air sets in, it's the perfect time for a warm, robust coffee that’s not overly sweet. For the winter months, we suggest trying a Black Americano made with Santa Lucia Espresso. The strong, bold coffee flavor with a touch of sweetness from the natural caramel notes makes for a perfectly balanced, smooth drink.
Black Americano Recipe (Winter Warmth)
Ingredients:
- 1 shot of Santa Lucia Espresso
- 6 oz hot water
Instructions:
- Brew a shot of Santa Lucia Espresso.
- In a separate cup, heat 6 oz of water until hot (but not boiling).
- Pour the hot water over the espresso shot, creating a smooth and bold Americano.
- Enjoy the clean, strong flavors with no added sweetness.
Spring: Light, Refreshing Nitro Brew for a Burst of Energy
As the weather warms and flowers start to bloom, spring is the time to enjoy something cool and refreshing. For this season, we recommend Nitro Brew—a nitrogen-infused coffee that delivers a smooth, creamy texture and a naturally sweet flavor profile. Nitro Brew is great on its own but also makes for a fantastic base for a Nitro Cold Brew Iced Latte. The nitro infusion gives the coffee a smooth mouthfeel, making it ideal for spring when you need an energizing pick-me-up.
Nitro Cold Brew Iced Latte Recipe (Spring Energy)
Ingredients:
- 1 can or draft of Santa Lucia Nitro Brew (or cold brew)
- 1 cup of cold milk (or dairy-free alternative)
- Ice
Instructions:
- Pour Santa Lucia Nitro Brew into a glass filled with ice.
- Add cold milk (dairy or non-dairy) to your taste—this can be anywhere from a splash to a full cup.
- Stir gently to combine and enjoy the creamy, smooth, nitrogen-infused brew.
The Nitro Brew has a naturally smooth texture that pairs beautifully with the cold milk, creating a refreshing, energizing beverage perfect for a sunny spring afternoon.
Summer: Cool and Refreshing Iced Coffees
When summer hits and the heat is on, you’ll want something cool and energizing. Iced Macchiatos and Iced Lattes are the perfect summer coffee drinks, especially when brewed with a smooth, well-balanced coffee like our Santa Lucia Espresso or Vienna Roast. Both are bold yet smooth, making them the perfect base for a refreshing iced drink to keep you cool all day long.
Iced Macchiato Recipe (Summer Refresher)
Ingredients:
- 1 shot of Santa Lucia Espresso
- 1 cup of cold milk (or dairy-free alternative)
- Ice
- 1 tsp vanilla syrup (optional)
Instructions:
- Brew a shot of Santa Lucia Espresso (or use Vienna Roast for a slightly richer flavor).
- Fill a glass with ice and pour cold milk over the ice.
- Slowly pour the espresso over the milk, allowing it to "mark" the milk for a beautiful layered effect.
- Add a splash of vanilla syrup for sweetness if desired.
The Santa Lucia Espresso adds a rich, caramel sweetness that pairs beautifully with the cold milk, creating a smooth, refreshing iced macchiato that’s perfect for a hot summer day.
Iced Latte Recipe (Summer Classic)
Ingredients:
- 1 shot of Santa Lucia Espresso
- 1 cup of cold milk (or dairy-free alternative)
- Ice
- 1 tbsp simple syrup (optional)
Instructions:
- Brew a shot of Santa Lucia Espresso.
- Fill a glass with ice and pour cold milk over the ice.
- Pour the espresso over the milk and ice mixture.
- Stir in simple syrup to taste.
The Santa Lucia Espresso has a smooth and rich finish, making it the perfect base for a summer iced latte. You’ll enjoy its deep caramel sweetness and slight fruitiness, paired with the coolness of the iced milk.
Fall: Crisp, Bold, and Cozy Brews to Welcome the Season
As the weather cools down and leaves begin to change, fall calls for rich, full-bodied coffees that bring warmth without relying on sweet flavors. For this season, we suggest our Vienna Roast—a bold, full-bodied brew with deep chocolate and roasted nut flavors. This coffee is perfect for pairing with hearty, savory dishes or for making a comforting, non-sweet drink like the Café au Lait. It’s a simple yet delicious drink that highlights the quality and richness of the coffee.
Café au Lait Recipe (Fall Comfort)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup brewed Santa Lucia Vienna Roast
- 1 cup steamed milk (or dairy-free alternative)
- A pinch of cinnamon (optional)
Instructions:
- Brew a cup of Vienna Roast coffee—strong, rich, and full-bodied.
- Steam your milk of choice until hot and frothy.
- Combine the hot coffee and steamed milk in a mug, with a ratio of 1:1 (or adjust to taste).
- Top with a pinch of cinnamon for a warm, aromatic finish.
The Vienna Roast's deep chocolate and roasted nut notes are perfectly balanced with the smooth creaminess of the steamed milk, offering a satisfying drink for those cooler fall mornings.
Conclusion: Coffee for Every Season
Santa Lucia Coffee’s diverse range of blends makes it easy to find the perfect brew for any season. From the rich, bold Vienna Roast in the fall to the smooth, creamy Nitro Brew in the spring, each blend can be transformed into a seasonal coffee creation that suits your mood and the weather. Whether you’re cozying up with a Café au Lait in the fall, sipping a simple Black Americano to stay warm in the winter, or enjoying a refreshing Nitro Cold Brew Iced Latte in the spring, there’s a Santa Lucia Coffee recipe for every time of year.
So, why wait? Grab your favorite Santa Lucia blend and start brewing the perfect seasonal coffee today.