Beat the Heat: Best Iced Drinks to Try in Boise This Summer

Boise summers get hot, and the last thing you want is a drink that doesn't cool you down. Whether you're craving something rich and caffeinated or fruity and cold, this town has a lot more to offer than the usual iced latte.

We'll start with our own favorites, then point you toward some of the best iced drinks and spots to order them around the Treasure Valley: because a good summer deserves more than one go-to order.

Cool Off at Food Land Market

Food Land's café menu leans into both the flavors you grew up with and the flavors you’ll fall in love with for the first time. (Even better, it’s more than just a drink stop: Food Land Market was recently featured by It's a Boise Thing for its international grocery, café, bakery, and restaurant all in one place!)

Iced Turkish Coffee is the one to try first. It's brewed the traditional way, over hot sand in a cezve, then poured over ice for something strong, smooth, and completely different from a regular iced coffee. If you've never had it before, expect a bolder, more layered flavor than a typical drip coffee. Don't be surprised if the first sip surprises you, in a good way.

Iced Arabic Latte is a gentler option if you want something creamy and a little sweet. They’re often finished with a touch of cardamom. It's the kind of drink that tastes cozy even when it's served cold.

Looking for something without caffeine? Cold mint tea is light, refreshing, and pairs well with a plate of hummus or falafel on a hot afternoon.

The market shelves here are worth a look, too. You'll find fun imported sodas and drink mixes you won't spot at a regular Boise grocery store.

You don't need to know exactly what you want before you walk in. Our team is happy to walk you through the menu and help you find something you'll love, whether it's your first time trying Middle Eastern coffee or your hundredth. Check out our full café menu to see what's pouring right now.

7 More Boise Spots Worth a Cold Drink Run

Boise's coffee and drink scene has grown a lot in recent years, and there are some genuinely great spots worth adding to your summer rotation.

1. Push & Pour (Latah)

Located at 13 S Latah St, Push & Pour is open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., with a big outdoor patio and fire pit that make it an easy stop any time of day. Their iced lattes and cold brew are local favorites, and the espresso menu covers everything from cortados to matcha lattes.

2. Flying M Coffee House

A Boise institution since 1992, Flying M is at 500 W Idaho St downtown and stays open late. Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Along with specialty iced coffee drinks, it's known for its quirky gift shop and rotating local art.

3. Primal Coffee (Latah)

Just down the street from Push & Pour at 20 N Latah St, Primal Coffee is open daily, generally from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Their house-made oat milk is a standout, and the Primal Latte, a rich blend with condensed milk and cinnamon-infused espresso, is a favorite for something cold and a little indulgent.

4. The Reef

Craving something tropical? The Reef, at 105 S 6th St downtown, is Boise's go-to for island-style cocktails like the huckleberry mojito and jalapeño margarita. Hours vary by day, generally opening around 3 p.m. and running later Friday and Saturday nights. It's best to check ahead if you're planning a visit!

5. Boise Boba

With several locations around the valley, including one at 212 N 9th St downtown, Boise Boba is the spot for classic bubble tea. Hours run Sunday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Friday and Saturday until 8 p.m. Popular picks include the Purple Velvet and Honeydew Milk Tea.

6. Fanci Freez (State Street)

A Boise favorite since 1947, Fanci Freez at 1402 W State St is the place for milkshakes and ice cream floats when you want something sweet instead of caffeinated. It's open Monday through Thursday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

7. Jitters by Jayne

Tucked near Freak Alley at 208 N 9th St, this locally owned shop is known for its coffee flights and dirty sodas, with drinks named after local Boise landmarks. It's open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Make It a Boise Cold Drink Tour

Part of what makes Boise's food and drink scene fun in the summer is how much variety is packed into a few square miles. You could start your day with an iced Turkish coffee at Food Land, grab boba downtown in the afternoon, and end the night with a cocktail on The Reef's rooftop patio, all without driving very far.

If you haven't tried Middle Eastern coffee before, this summer is a good time to start. Stop by Food Land Market for an iced Turkish coffee or Arabic latte and see what you’ve been missing!