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Kyoto-Style Espresso: A New Dawn for Iced Espresso Drinks

Blue Bottle Coffee has unveiled a groundbreaking innovation in the realm of iced espresso beverages with the introduction of the Kyoto-Style Espresso. This new creation draws inspiration from Kyoto's meticulous water drip culture, where patience and craftsmanship are paramount in coffee preparation. Starting from June 16, 2026, customers at Blue Bottle Coffee's Shibuya, Harajuku, and Kamakura cafes will be among the first to experience this unique offering.

At Blue Bottle Coffee, the philosophy has always been that “delicious coffee makes life more beautiful.” Since its inception, the brand has dedicated itself to the pursuit of coffee perfection, constantly evaluating not only extraction methods but also the overall guest experience. As iced coffee and iced café lattes gain popularity across the globe, the brand has been committed to exploring new horizons for delivering a truly delightful iced espresso drink.

Traditionally, iced espresso drinks have relied on the approach of brewing hot espresso and then chilling it over ice. However, this method often compromises the delicate balance of aromas and sweetness, leaving behind a smoky impression that detracts from the intended flavor. In light of this, Blue Bottle Coffee has developed the Kyoto-Style Espresso, adhering to the concept of “Cold by Design”, meaning it is specifically engineered for iced drinks from the outset.

Adopting the cold extraction method associated with Kyoto's water drip coffee tradition, the Kyoto-Style Espresso meticulously brews coffee with cold water over an extended period. This process skillfully avoids the abrupt temperature changes that typically lead to a breakdown in flavor and excessive bitterness. The result is an espresso that boasts a smooth mouthfeel, natural sweetness, and clarity of taste that has not been seen in previous iced espresso offerings.

New Standards in Iced Espresso
The Kyoto-Style Espresso sets a new benchmark in flavor experience and extraction processes in iced espresso drinks. The menu features a total of eight different variations, from the classic iced café latte and iced mocha to the trendy shakerato, which blends espresso with aromatic syrups, and seasonal beverages that celebrate the tastes of each season.

Guests are invited to savor a thoughtfully crafted cup that embodies both the careful craftsmanship and the respect for Japan’s café culture.

First on the list is the Cold Shaken Espresso—prepared with Blue Bottle’s signature Hayes Valley Espresso, shaken meticulously to enhance its rich character while offering creamy textures. The Espresso Tonic presents a refreshing combination of effervescence, beautifully marrying citrus and herb notes with the espresso's smooth tones. Finally, the Vanilla Bean Shakerato brings a delightful twist by combining the smooth Kyoto-Style Espresso with aromatic vanilla bean syrup for an irresistible drinking experience.

Insights from the Innovators
Kevin Thaxton, the Director of Global Product Development at Blue Bottle Coffee, elaborates on the vision behind the Kyoto-Style Espresso. “After daily coffee tastings and exploring the intricacies of roasting and recipe development, we recognized a gap within the iced espresso segment. There had been a lack of significant innovation despite the enduring popularity of iced café lattes,” he explains. The development journey for Kyoto-Style Espresso began with a goal: to pioneer a new iced espresso that was inherently designed to be enjoyed chilled, rather than simply cooling down a hot brew.

As innovative techniques have evolved, the once challenging feat of extracting espresso-level concentrations at cold temperatures has become attainable. This opens up new avenues in how iced espresso drinks can be appreciated.

Explore Kyoto-Style Espresso
Ultimately, Kyoto-Style Espresso is not just a beverage—it represents a fresh perspective on what iced coffee can be. Starting from June 16, immerse yourself in this novel iced espresso experience crafted especially for a wide range of drink enthusiasts.

Enjoy a moment of reflection with a delightfully balanced Iced Mocha, using carefully blended chocolate ganache alongside Kyoto-Style Espresso. Allow your taste buds to dance with the seasonal Sweet Blossom Shakerato, featuring floral notes enhanced with citrus oils.

Experience the culmination of time-honored craftsmanship and bold flavors with Blue Bottle Coffee's Kyoto-Style Espresso.

Whether you are easing into your day with an invigorating Iced Café Latte or seeking an afternoon pick-me-up with a Chilled Shaken Espresso, Kyoto-Style Espresso provides endless possibilities for enjoyment. Celebrate this new standard in iced espresso drinks, where every sip leads to new coffee discoveries.