As summer approaches and temperatures begin to rise, there’s nothing quite as refreshing as a cold, smooth coffee beverage. One of the best ways to achieve that perfect rich, smooth taste is through cold brewing. And the best part is, you don’t need any fancy equipment to make it happen. With just a little bit of patience and the right ingredients, you can easily make cold brew at home. In this article, we’ll explore some delicious cold brew drink recipes that are sure to quench your thirst and satisfy your cravings. From classic iced coffee to innovative variations, we’ve got you covered with a variety of options that will keep you cool and caffeinated all summer long.
First, let’s talk about how to make cold brew, regardless of the flavor you want in it.
Table of Contents
How to Make Cold Brew
To make cold brew, you’ll need a few basic ingredients: coarsely ground coffee beans, water, and a container to steep the coffee in. Here’s how to make it:
1. Measure out about 1 cup of coarsely ground coffee beans into your glass jar.
2. Add 4 cups of cold water to the jar and stir gently to make sure all the coffee grounds are submerged.
3. Cover the jar with a lid or plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for 12-24 hours.
4. After the coffee has steeped, strain it through a filter or cheesecloth to remove any grounds.
5. Transfer the cold brew to a clean jar or bottle and refrigerate for up to a week.
6. Serve cold over ice with your favorite additions, such as cream, sweetener, or flavorings.
Enjoy your homemade cold brew!
30 Cold Brew Drink Recipes
Here are 30 quick cold brew drink recipes you can put together in no time:
- Vanilla Cold Brew: Mix cold brew coffee, a splash of vanilla extract, and a splash of cream; serve over ice.
- Hazelnut Cold Brew: Blend cold brew coffee, hazelnut syrup, and cream; pour over ice.
- Caramel Cold Brew: Combine cold brew coffee, caramel syrup, cream, and ice; stir well.
- Mocha Cold Brew: Mix cold brew coffee, chocolate syrup, and cream; serve over ice.
- Cashew Cold Brew: Blend cold brew coffee with cashew milk and a splash of cream; pour over ice.
- Coconut Cold Brew: Mix cold brew coffee, coconut cream, and a splash of cream; serve over ice.
- Almond Milk Cold Brew: Combine cold brew coffee, almond milk, and a splash of cream; pour over ice.
- Honey Cinnamon Cold Brew: Stir together cold brew coffee, honey, cinnamon, and cream; serve over ice.
- Mint Mojito Cold Brew: Mix cold brew coffee, mint leaves, a splash of cream, and a dash of simple syrup; serve over ice.
- Lavender and Honey Cold Brew: Combine cold brew coffee, lavender syrup, honey, and cream; pour over ice.
- Iced Oat Milk Latte: Blend cold brew coffee, oat milk, and a splash of cream; serve over ice.
- Cold Brew with Maple Syrup: Mix cold brew coffee, maple syrup, and cream; serve over ice.
- Peanut Butter Cold Brew: Blend cold brew coffee, peanut butter, and cream; pour over ice.
- S’mores Cold Brew: Mix cold brew coffee, chocolate syrup, marshmallow fluff, and cream; serve over ice.
- Orange Zest Cold Brew: Combine cold brew coffee, orange zest, and cream; pour over ice.
- Matcha Cold Brew: Whisk matcha powder with cold brew coffee and cream; serve over ice.
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cold Brew: Blend cold brew coffee, cookie dough syrup, and cream; pour over ice.
- Cold Brew with Whipped Cream: Pour cold brew coffee over ice, top with whipped cream and a drizzle of cream.
- Gingerbread Cold Brew: Mix cold brew coffee, gingerbread syrup, and cream; serve over ice.
- Snickerdoodle Cold Brew: Combine cold brew coffee, cinnamon, and cream; pour over ice.
- Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew: Mix cold brew coffee, pumpkin spice syrup, and cream; serve over ice.
- Salted Caramel Cold Brew: Blend cold brew coffee, salted caramel syrup, and cream; pour over ice.
- Lemonade Cold Brew: Combine cold brew coffee, lemonade, and a splash of cream; pour over ice.
- Cherry Cola Cold Brew: Mix cold brew coffee, cherry cola, and a splash of cream; serve over ice.
- Irish Cream Cold Brew: Combine cold brew coffee, Irish cream liqueur, and cream; pour over ice.
- Blueberry Lemonade Cold Brew: Mix cold brew coffee, blueberry lemonade, and cream; serve over ice.
- Peach Iced Tea Cold Brew: Blend cold brew coffee, peach iced tea, and cream; pour over ice.
- Cherry Chocolate Cold Brew: Mix cold brew coffee, cherry syrup, chocolate syrup, and cream; serve over ice.
- Fruit Punch Cold Brew: Combine cold brew coffee, fruit punch, and a splash of cream; pour over ice.
- Spiced Apple Cider Cold Brew: Mix cold brew coffee, spiced apple cider, and cream; serve over ice.
Do You Put Milk in Cold Brew?
As an experienced coffee drinker, I’ve tried nearly every combination of beans and accompaniments available. Through the years, I’ve developed a keen awareness for the subtleties in each brewing method and how they can affect the final cup’s taste. When it comes to cold brew, experimentation is key – including whether or not to add milk for that extra creamy kick!
My experience has been that the smooth and bold taste of cold brew coffee can be enhanced with milk, especially if you prefer a milder or creamier beverage. Cold brew is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in cold water for an extended period of time (usually 12-24 hours) which results in naturally sweet and low-acid cup that’s perfect for adding milk – whether whole, skim or non-dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk. Not only does the choice of milk affect texture and creaminess of your beverage but also alter flavor profiles – making it all personal preference!
However, some purists believe that adding milk to cold brew coffee dilutes its unique flavors and characteristics. They maintain that the lack of heat during brewing allows for a more nuanced extraction of flavors from coffee grounds, and adding milk could potentially obscure these delicate notes. For these coffee connoisseurs, enjoying cold brew in its purest form – black and undiluted – is the best way to truly appreciate its brewing method.
At the end of the day, whether to add milk to your cold brew coffee is entirely personal preference and taste. If you enjoy a creamy, rich texture with subtleties of flavor that milk can bring, then feel free to experiment with different types and amounts until finding your ideal cup. Alternatively, if you enjoy unadulterated cold brew coffee and want to explore its subtleties without added ingredients, then forgoing milk altogether would be ideal. Coffee’s appeal lies in its versatility – there’s no one way to enjoy it – only what brings you satisfaction!
What Can I Sweeten Cold Brew With?
- Simple Syrup: Made up of equal parts sugar and water that has been heated until the sugar has completely dissolved, simple syrup makes for an effortless sweetener in cold brew without the gritty residue left by undissolved sugar.
- Agave Syrup: Made from the agave plant, this natural sweetener has a mild flavor and dissolves quickly in cold beverages – making it an ideal choice for sweetening cold brew.
- Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup adds an earthy sweetness to cold brew and provides a subtle hint of its distinct maple flavor.
- Honey: Not only does honey sweeten your cold brew, it also adds a subtle floral or herbal note depending on the variety. Be mindful that it may take some stirring to dissolve honey into cold liquids.
- Stevia: This natural, zero-calorie sweetener comes from the stevia plant and is great for those watching their sugar intake. Just be mindful when using it as it has a much sweeter taste than sugar does.
- Monk Fruit Sweetener: Monk fruit extract is derived from a small green melon and offers an entirely sugar-free option without any bitterness.
- Coconut Sugar: Made from the sap of the coconut palm tree, this natural sweetener has a subtle caramel flavor that pairs perfectly with cold brew’s refreshing taste.
- Brown Sugar: Brown sugar’s higher molasses content gives it a richer, more complex flavor compared to white sugar, providing your cold brew with an inviting warmth.
- Vanilla Syrup: Flavored syrups like vanilla can add both sweetness and an extra layer of flavor to your cold brew, creating a more indulgent beverage.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Popular in Vietnamese iced coffee, sweetened condensed milk adds both sweetness and creaminess to your cold brew for a rich, velvety drink.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cold brew coffee is an incredibly versatile and refreshing beverage that can be enjoyed in countless ways. This article has provided you with various recipes tailored to different preferences, showing the potential of this brewing method. Whether you prefer classic iced coffee, something flavored, or experimenting with sweeteners and milk, there’s sure to be a delicious recipe out there for everyone.
As summer approaches, don’t hesitate to experiment with these delicious combinations or even create your own unique ones – the beauty of cold brew lies in its adaptability and the chance to discover your perfect cup – don’t hesitate – dive in and explore everything cold brew has to offer this summer!