Icetino: Drink Born from Innovation at Ewha University

In the bustling city of Seoul, a refreshing new coffee drink called the “Icetino” has taken the coffee scene by storm. Created by a group of students from Ewha Womans University, this innovative beverage has captured the hearts and taste buds of coffee lovers across South Korea. It’s a simple yet delightful combination of peach ice tea and espresso, but the magic lies in how these two distinct flavors come together to create something truly special.

The Birth of Icetino

The origin story of the Icetino is one that speaks to the creativity and boldness of Ewha Womans University students. Looking for a new way to enjoy both the refreshing sweetness of peach ice tea and the robust depth of espresso, the students came up with the idea to combine the two. What followed was an instant hit among their peers, and it wasn’t long before the drink spread beyond the university and became a popular choice in cafes throughout Seoul. Its refreshing yet invigorating flavor made it a perfect summer drink, offering a unique twist on traditional coffee beverages.

What Is Icetino?

At its core, an Icetino is a simple yet flavorful concoction made up of one or two shots of espresso poured over a chilled peach ice tea. The sweetness of the peach tea pairs surprisingly well with the rich, bold flavor of the espresso, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. The result is a cool, slightly sweet, and energizing drink that is perfect for those who enjoy both fruity and coffee flavors.

While the original idea was born in Seoul, you can now find Icetino in many cafes across South Korea. Some variations even add a splash of milk or cream to soften the bitterness of the espresso, while others stick to the classic combination of peach tea and coffee. The beauty of the Icetino is in its flexibility—whether you prefer it with just peach tea and espresso or with a twist, the drink can be customized to suit your taste.

Global Appeal: A Drink for Everyone

The concept of combining fruit tea with coffee has caught on beyond South Korea. The Icetino is now a popular drink in various cafes and coffee chains, not just in Seoul but also in other parts of Asia. It’s easy to find a version of it in any coffee shop that offers peach ice tea and espresso, especially in major metropolitan areas.

However, despite the growing popularity of the Icetino, there’s a significant challenge when it comes to recreating the drink outside of South Korea, particularly in places like Tokyo. In Tokyo, finding peach ice tea can be a real challenge. Most tea served in Japanese cafes tends to be non-sweetened, offering a more delicate and refined flavor that differs vastly from the bold, sweet peach tea used in the Icetino. In fact, even global coffee chains like Starbucks don’t typically offer peach ice tea, which makes it harder to recreate the drink outside of regions that specialize in it.

This presents an interesting cultural contrast—while in Seoul, peach ice tea is easily accessible and regularly incorporated into drinks, Tokyo’s love for non-sweetened teas makes it difficult for a drink like the Icetino to thrive. For those in Tokyo who are craving the refreshing taste of the Icetino, it may take some creativity to find a substitute, or they may have to settle for a different, more locally adapted version of the drink.

The Appeal to Coffee Lovers Everywhere

Despite the difficulty in finding peach ice tea in certain regions, the Icetino’s appeal remains undeniable. It has captured the hearts of many, including my girlfriend, who absolutely loves the drink. For her, it’s a perfect blend of refreshing fruitiness and energizing coffee, making it the ideal beverage for any time of the day. The balance of the two flavors creates a light yet satisfying experience that feels both indulgent and refreshing, making it a standout drink among the many coffee offerings available.

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Author

Max
Max lives in Tokyo, where he's studying Computer Science while also exploring the world through travel. His adventures lead him to discover new cultures and experiences.