Nespresso brought iced coffee culture to life in the heart of Sandton this weekend, transforming Nelson Mandela Square into a high-energy summer playground that fused coffee, movement and music. The three-day, 90s-inspired Summer Pop-Up offered Joburgers a fresh way to start the year, celebrating wellness, community and the growing iced coffee trend.
Open to the public and free to attend, the activation ran from Friday, 30 January to Sunday, 01 February 2026, drawing steady crowds across the weekend. From immersive tasting moments to fitness-led experiences, the pop-up positioned iced coffee as a lifestyle ritual, with Saturday’s Coffee Run and Rave, hosted in partnership with the Vault Strength Club (VSC) emerging as one of the standout experiences.
“We set out to create an experience that didn’t just showcase our summer collection but activated the culture around iced coffee - blending flavour, fitness and community in a way that only Nespresso can. The turnout and enthusiasm we saw proves that coffee culture here is vibrant, evolving and ready to be celebrated in new ways. Sandton came alive, and that’s exactly the spirit we set out to energise,” said Nerika Singh, Brand Manager Nespresso South Africa.
Standout interactive touchpoints included the dedicated Iced Coffee Tasting Bar serving seasonal favourites, a nostalgic ice cream truck serving affogatos, a retro-inspired content hotspot, interactive gaming opportunities and branded displays showcasing Nespresso’s summer collection of machines and accessories. South African creators, cultural voices and style leaders such as Barbara Moagi, Sarah Langa and Thandiwe Gama rose to the occasion and amplified the experience across social platforms, extending the activation’s reach well beyond the Square.
Easy Ways to Enjoy Your Iced Coffee This Summer
No barista skills? No problem. Nespresso’s iced range is designed to shine at cold temperatures, just add milk and ice and let the flavours bloom.
Simple Iced Coffee (Original or Vertuo)
- Add a handful of ice cubes to your glass.
- Brew your capsule directly over the ice.
- Top up with cold water or cold milk if desired.
Iced Latte
- ¾ glass of ice
- Brew your favourite Over Ice capsule
- Add cold milk (oat, almond, dairy — anything goes!)
- Optional: a drizzle of vanilla syrup or a sprinkle of coconut flakes
Summer Mocktail Style Coffee
Try the Coconut & Vanilla capsules:
- Just add ice
- Coconut Water / Sparkling water
- A hint of mint with fresh mint leaves
- Optional: A dash of syrup (vanilla, caramel, pistachio - you choose)
Tips for Better Homemade Iced Coffee
- Bigger ice cubes melt slower - preserving flavour.
- Chill your glass first for that café style experience.
- Use plant-based milk for extra creaminess, especially oat or almond.
- Try the Barista Shaker or Ice Cube Tray to elevate texture and chill factor.
From pistachio indulgence to coconut kissed refreshment, this year’s Nespresso Summer Collection is bursting with flavour, colour, and joyful urban energy. This summer, take a sip… and Press Play. Shop for the limited-edition summer coffee capsules, machines and accessories.
