Specialty cafés are not just for coffee lovers. If you’re not into espresso or filter brews, there’s still a whole world of flavour waiting behind the bar. On our recent visit to Večerka in Brno, we asked co-founder Tomi Nguyen to show us their favourite non-coffee drinks – both hot and cold.
Here are 8 delicious options, complete with easy recipes that you can try at home or find in your favourite café.
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Hot Non-Coffee Drinks at Specialty Cafés
1. Matcha Latte
A creamy drink with a vibrant green colour and a calming caffeine kick.
Recipe:
- 2 g matcha powder
- 25 g hot water (80°C)
- 150 ml steamed milk (or plant-based alternative)
Method:
Sift matcha into a bowl, add hot water, and whisk until frothy. Pour into a latte cup and top with steamed milk and optional latte art.
2. Chai Latte
A spiced, comforting winter favourite that tastes like a cup of Christmas.
Recipe:
- 15 g chai powder or concentrate
- 25 g hot water
- 150 ml steamed milk (or plant-based)
Method:
Whisk chai with hot water to form a smooth base. Top with steamed milk and enjoy the rich aroma of spices like cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and clove.
3. Hot Chocolate
Perfect for kids and anyone craving something sweet and cozy.
Recipe:
- 50 g dark chocolate chips
- 60 g hot milk (to melt chocolate)
- 100 ml steamed milk (to top up)
Method:
Melt chocolate chips in hot milk, stir until smooth, and top with steamed milk for a creamy finish.
4. Loose Leaf Tea
Classic, simple, and satisfying. Served in a pot for proper steeping.
Recipe:
- 1 tea sachet or 2 g loose leaf tea
- 200–300 ml hot water (100°C for black tea, 80°C for green tea)
- Steep 3–5 minutes
Method:
Steep tea in a teapot with strainer. Serve with a glass cup.
Cold Non-Coffee Drinks at Specialty Cafés
5. Iced Matcha Latte (with Mango)
A tropical take on matcha, perfect for summer afternoons.
Recipe:
- 2 g matcha + 25 g hot water
- 20 g mango purée
- Ice cubes
- 100 ml milk mix (oat + coconut)
Method:
Prepare matcha, add mango purée to a glass, fill with ice, pour in milk mix, and finish with matcha on top. Stir before drinking.
6. Matcha Limo (Grapefruit Tonic)
A zingy, sparkling drink that swaps espresso for matcha.
Recipe:
- 2 g matcha + 25 g hot water
- 20 g lemon juice
- 20 g simple syrup
- 70 g grapefruit juice
- Ice + dried grapefruit slice
Method:
Fill glass with ice, add syrup and juices, stir, then gently pour matcha on top. Garnish with dried grapefruit.
7. Iced Green Tea with Lime
Crisp and citrusy, this one’s great for hydration with a bit of a kick.
Recipe:
- 100 ml strong brewed green tea (cooled)
- 20 g lime juice
- 20 g simple syrup
- Ice + dried lime slice
Method:
Combine all ingredients in a tall glass with ice and stir. Garnish with lime.
8. Coffee Kombucha (Bonus Pick)
Technically contains coffee, but no espresso – a fermented and fizzy gut-friendly drink.
Recipe:
- 100 ml cold coffee kombucha
- Ice
- Slice of orange for garnish
Method:
Shake bottle, pour slowly over ice, and garnish with orange.
