Caffè Leccese is a refreshing Italian coffee drink from Salento, Puglia, made with strong espresso and sweet almond syrup. A perfect way to cool down on hot summer days, this Italian iced coffee is a must-try for Italophiles and coffee lovers alike!

While you sip your delicious Caffè Leccese, make the moment even more special.
Browse through the pages of Lecce’s Simposio and enjoy images, legends, and recipes from the land of sun, wind, and sea.

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What is Caffè Leccese?

Caffè Leccese is Salento’s signature summer coffee—a refreshing, sweetened espresso with almond syrup and ice, enjoyed at bars and seaside cafés throughout Puglia.

But Caffè Leccese is more than a drink—it’s a ritual.

When you order Caffè Leccese in Italy, the barista serves you:
A freshly brewed hot espresso

A separate glass with almond syrup and ice cubes

It’s up to you to pour the espresso over the ice, letting it chill instantly while blending with the sweet almond milk syrup, unlocking rich, nutty flavors.

Caffè Leccese – A Taste of Summer in Puglia

From the Italian Colors Newsletter:

“…But the beach day was amazing: the sea was turquoise—Puglia is known as the Caribbean of the South—and not too crowded as we had skipped the weekend. We had lunch under our ombrellone (beach umbrella), with delicious panini stuffed with local mozzarella, thinly sliced tomatoes seasoned with olive oil, salt, and oregano. And a Caffè Leccese at the bar…”

This is more than coffee—it’s a taste of the Italian dolce vita!

How to Make Caffè Leccese at Home

Making Caffè Leccese at home is surprisingly simple. All you need is:

A Moka pot (or an espresso machine)
High-quality ground coffee
Sweet almond milk syrup (latte di mandorla) – recipe here.
Ice cubes
A spoon

Once you have these key ingredients, preparing this Italian iced coffee takes just minutes!

Tools & Ingredients for the Perfect Caffè Leccese

THIS LIST INCLUDES AFFILIATE LINKS.

Ground Coffee – A high-quality Italian espresso blend
Almond Milk Syrup – The secret to Caffè Leccese’s unique sweetness
Moka Pot – The classic Italian stovetop espresso maker
Lecce’s Simposio – Your guide to Puglian flavors & traditions

Caffe Leccese Recipe

Caffè Leccese from Puglia

Course Drinks

Cuisine Italian

Servings 1 serving

Author Claudia Rinaldi

Ingredients

1 espresso coffee consider about 5 grams for each serving
2-3 tablespoons almond milk syrup - even four tablespoons!
2-3 ice cubes

Instructions

Brew the Espresso

Fill the Moka pot base with room-temperature water, up to the valve level.
Insert the filter, fill it with ground coffee, and distribute it evenly (tap lightly, but don’t press!). If you want precise measures: one gram of coffee per each ten grams of water.
Assemble the Moka pot and place it on medium heat with the lid open.
Wait for the rich espresso to gush out from the spout.

Prepare the Glass

Fill a glass with the almond milk syrup and add the ice cubes.

Combine & Serve

When, by eye and not letting it bubble, all the coffee is out, stir it with a teaspoon and pour it in the glass.
Mix gently, allowing the coffee to cool and blend with the sweet almond flavors
Sip slowly, savor, and wander: let Lecce’s Simposio transport you through stories, images, and recipes from the land of sun, wind, and sea. (Available on Amazon)

Caffè Leccese in hand, why not travel further?
Linger a little longer with Lecce’s Simposio—a collection of images, recipes, and stories from the land where the sun lingers too.