Nothing beats a cold drink on a hot summer's day. From creative coffee blends to Cantonese-style desserts and Chinese-inspired gelato, here are standout options in Shanghai to cool you off this summer.

Fugui Xiangshan Shierling

The shop has put a new spin on coffee by blending it with traditional Chinese medicinal ingredients. Developed with a team of TCM experts, the two signature drinks — tangerine peel americano and hawthorn and black plum americano — offer a layered taste experience. The fruity notes come through first, followed by the rich coffee aroma, with a subtle herbal finish that lingers without overpowering the coffee.

Address: 1F, No 399 Middle Sichuan Road, Huangpu district

Shuangxi Laopu

Tucked away near People's Square, this Cantonese-style dessert shop feels like a step back in time, with its red-and-gold signage, wooden furniture, and traditional lanterns.

The chilled double-skin milk custard is a must-try. It is thick and smooth, with a rich, creamy texture that melts on the tongue. The mixed fruit sago pudding is cooked the old-fashioned way, slow-simmered to bring out a simple, comforting sweetness. Topped with fresh fruit, it is a refreshing way to beat the summer heat.

Address: No 513-2 Tianjin Road, Huangpu district

Honglou Gelato

With nine years of experience in artisanal Chinese gelato, Honglou Gelato has opened its first concept store, 3026 HongLou Future House, at the iapm mall in Xuhui district.

The brand is known for its C-elato, a fusion of Chinese and Italian gelato styles that highlights local ingredients and techniques. Popular choices include sticky rice gelato, which pairs chewy rice grains with a creamy base, and the water chestnut cooler, a blend of coconut milk, coconut ice cream, and assorted toppings that is both refreshing and satisfying.

Address: L1-165, iapm, Xuhui district

Cun Kou Ice Rice

This small shop is the first in Shanghai to serve specialty Guizhou-style ice rice. The drink is made by blending crushed ice with steamed glutinous rice, creating a texture that is both icy and chewy — more complex than that of regular smoothies.

The cucumber ice rice is a summer favorite, offering a clean, fresh flavor and a hint of rice grains for added texture. For those who prefer richer flavors, the black sesame ice rice is packed with nutty goodness and topped with soybean powder and crushed peanuts.

Address: No 549-5 North Shaanxi Road, Jing'an district

Muli

Muli started as a street cart and has operated for more than two decades. The shop keeps things simple with just a street-side window, a handwritten menu, and prices that have remained affordable.

The signature pear-flavored herbal jelly is crafted from pear and a kind of seaweed, simmered slowly to achieve a translucent, silky texture. Smooth and delicate, it melts effortlessly in the mouth, releasing a subtle pear fragrance and leaving a cool, soothing sensation in the throat.

Address: No 164A Benxi Road, Yangpu district

Sources: Huangpu and Xuhui district governments, thepaper, shops mentioned above