New Summer Drinks at Caffè Umbria

Chicago saw a rollercoaster of cool and warm weather this spring, but with July on the horizon and recent highs in the 80's and low 90's, the city is bracing itself for a toasty summer. From beaches to rooftops, ice cream to salads, people will do what they can to stay cool. Luckily for residents and workers in The Loop and River North, Caffè Umbria (346 N. Clark St.), recently released a line of summer drinks aimed at keeping Chicagoans cool and caffeinated all summer long.

As a third-generation artisan coffee roasting company with roots in Italy, it's only fitting that Caffè Umbria would offer granita, a semi-frozen drink that originated in Sicily. Guests can enjoy an Espresso Granita ($4.25 medium, $4.75 large) or a rotating fruit granita, currently a refreshing Grapefruit Granita ($4.25 medium, $4.75 large).

For those looking for something bolder, Caffè Umbria offers Espresso Shakerato ($3.50) featuring a double shot of espresso, simple syrup, and ice combined in a cocktail shaker, shaken for about 15 seconds, then strained into a sugar-rimmed martini glass. Plus, the presentation of this drink is just bellissimo.

Caffè Umbria also has Cold Brew Coffee ($3.50 medium, $3.75 large). The cafè uses a Yama Tower for brewing, which slowly drips ice cold water through the grounds of their signature Italian coffee blends. 

Caffè Umbria is a third-generation artisan coffee roasting company based in Seattle. The River North cafè is their first Midwest and Chicago location and offers their signature blends, pastries as well as bakery items provided by Floriole Bakery. 

Equipped with a state-of-the-art roaster and a great passion for blending and roasting, Caffè Umbria captures the true essence of Italian espresso and coffee, combined with the personal service and attention to detail of a local roaster. 

Caffè Umbria is open every Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is closed on Sundays.