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!
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!
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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
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
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Fill the Moka pot base with room-temperature water, up to the valve level.
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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.
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Assemble the Moka pot and place it on medium heat with the lid open.
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Wait for the rich espresso to gush out from the spout.
Prepare the Glass
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Fill a glass with the almond milk syrup and add the ice cubes.
Combine & Serve
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When, by eye and not letting it bubble, all the coffee is out, stir it with a teaspoon and pour it in the glass.
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Mix gently, allowing the coffee to cool and blend with the sweet almond flavors
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Sip slowly, enjoying the breeze, the sun, and the taste of Puglia.
Nothing beats Caffè Leccese on a hot summer day—whether you’re in Lecce, Puglia, or relaxing at home. Craving more authentic Italian recipes and travel stories? Explore Puglia’s rich culture, history, and flavors with Lecce’s Simposio—a travel cookbook for true Italophiles.
Buon caffè!
Claudia