Cold brew lattes have become increasingly popular as a refreshing and delicious way to enjoy coffee. Combining the smooth, low-acidity taste of cold brew coffee with the creaminess of milk or a milk alternative, this beverage is perfect for those warm days or for anyone seeking a less intense coffee experience.
Creating a cold brew latte at home is simple, requiring just a few key ingredients and some basic techniques. By following a straightforward recipe, you can achieve the perfect balance of flavors and create a delightful latte tailored to your personal preferences. So, why not learn how to make your own cold brew latte and enjoy a satisfying, chilled coffee experience?
Table of Contents
What Is a Cold Brew Latte?
A cold brew latte is a refreshing and delicious iced coffee drink that combines cold brew coffee with cold, foamed milk. This popular beverage offers a smooth and balanced taste with a creamy texture, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy iced coffee but prefer a milder, less concentrated flavor compared to traditional cold brew.
Cold brew coffee, as the base of this drink, is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in cold water for an extended period, usually 12 to 24 hours. This method results in a smoother, less acidic coffee concentrate, which is then diluted with water or milk to create a cold brew latte. You can learn more about cold brew coffee in this comprehensive guide on What is cold brew coffee?.
To make a cold brew latte, you need equal parts cold brew coffee and cold foamed milk. The milk can be any type you prefer, such as whole, skim, or a non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk. Cold foaming the milk gives the latte its characteristic frothy texture and creamy taste. You can also add sweeteners, such as simple syrup or flavored syrups, to customize your drink to your taste preferences.
Cold brew lattes are highly customizable and can be made with a variety of flavorings and mix-ins. For example, you can use these cold brew drink recipes or try different types of cold brew concentrates, as described in this article on What is cold brew concentrate?. Additionally, you can experiment with various coffee beans, grind sizes, and brewing methods to discover your ideal cold brew latte, making sure to check the best grind size for cold brew to optimize the brewing process.
You might wonder how caffeinated your cold brew latte will be. The level of caffeine in cold brew coffee is generally higher than regular, hot-brewed coffee due to its longer steeping process. To learn more, read how caffeinated is cold brew.
Section 3: Ingredients and Equipment
Ingredients
Before diving into making a delicious cold brew latte, you will need the following ingredients:
- Cold brew coffee: 1/2 cup (120ml)
- Milk: 1/2 cup (120ml) – you can use any milk of your choice, such as almond, soy, or oat milk
- Ice cubes
- Sweetener (optional): such as sugar, maple syrup, or honey
Equipment
Having the right equipment is key to making a mouthwatering cold brew latte at home. Make sure to gather the following tools:
- Coffee beans: Choose a quality bean suitable for cold brewing
- Coffee grinder: Ensure you have a grinder capable of producing a coarse grind size
- Coffee press or filter: Choose a filter method, such as a French press, cold brew maker, or cold brew bags
- Measuring cup
- Milk frother or whisk: For foaming the milk (optional)
- Glass or mason jar: For serving the latte
Now that you have all the ingredients and equipment, let’s move on to making the cold brew coffee.
Preparing the Cold Brew Coffee
In this section, we’ll learn how to prepare the cold brew coffee needed for your cold brew latte. This involves grinding coffee beans, brewing the coffee, and filtering it. Let’s dive into each sub-section for a better understanding.
Grinding Coffee Beans
Start by selecting your preferred coffee beans suitable for cold brew. To make cold brew coffee, it’s important to grind the coffee beans coarsely, as this improves the extraction process during brewing. A manual grinder or an electric grinder can be used for this purpose:
- For a manual grinder, adjust the setting for coarse grind and rotate the handle until all the beans are ground.
- For an electric grinder, choose the coarse grind setting and grind the beans for a few seconds, checking periodically to ensure the right consistency.
It’s recommended to use freshly ground beans to maintain their flavor and aroma. Grind enough to yield approximately 3/4 cup of ground coffee for the brewing process.
Brewing Process
Once you have freshly ground coffee, move on to the brewing process. Follow these steps:
- In a large container or French press, mix 3/4 cup of coarsely ground coffee with 3 cups of cold, filtered water. (source)
- Stir the mixture to ensure that the coffee grounds are fully submerged in the water to facilitate even extraction of coffee flavors and oils.
- Cover the container with a lid, making sure it’s airtight to avoid any contaminants entering during the brewing process.
- Let the coffee steep for about 12 to 24 hours at room temperature or in the refrigerator. The longer the brew time, the stronger the coffee concentration will be. For a cold brew latte, a brewing time of at least 18-20 hours is recommended. (source)
After the brewing process is complete, it’s time to filter the coffee.
Filtering the Coffee
The filtration process removes coffee grounds from the brewed mixture, leaving a smooth and concentrated coffee base for your cold brew latte. Here is how you can filter the coffee:
- If you used a French press, press the plunger down slowly to separate the coffee grounds from the liquid. Pour the filtered coffee into a clean jar or container.
- If you used a container, use a fine mesh strainer or coffee filter to separate the coffee grounds from the liquid. Place the strainer or filter over another container and pour the brewed mixture through it to collect the filtered coffee.
Once the coffee is filtered, store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to make your cold brew latte.
In the following sections, we’ll discuss how to make a cold brew latte using your prepared cold brew coffee, along with other ingredients and techniques for a perfect cup of iced caffeinated goodness.
Creating the Latte
Choosing Your Milk or Milk Alternative
Before you start making your cold brew latte, consider the type of milk you want to use. You can use regular dairy milk, or opt for milk alternatives like almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. Consider the taste and texture preferences when choosing a milk alternative, as each type of milk will have distinct flavors and characteristics. Remember, the milk or milk alternative you choose will play a big role in the final flavor of your cold brew latte.
Mixing Cold Brew and Milk
Once you’ve chosen your milk, it’s time to mix it with the cold brew coffee. In a tall glass, fill it halfway with ice cubes. Pour the cold brew coffee into the ice-filled glass (source). Next, froth your milk using a milk frother or a handheld whisk until you achieve a cold foam consistency. According to DripBeans, pour almost all of the milk into the glass, add a shot of cold brew concentrate, and top with the rest of the milk foam. Be sure not to overdo the milk, as this may dilute the coffee flavor. The perfect cold brew latte should have a balanced coffee and milk taste.
Optional Flavorings and Sweeteners
For those who prefer some extra flavor or sweetness in their cold brew lattes, there are various options to choose from. You can add maple syrup, brown sugar syrup, sugar substitutes, chai syrup, honey, or agave for sweetness (source). You may also explore other flavored syrups like caramel, vanilla, or hazelnut for a creative twist. For a different kind of ice, freeze some coffee in ice cube trays and use “coffee ice” instead of regular ice to prevent the melted ice from diluting your drink (source). Customize your cold brew latte to your taste preference and enjoy this refreshing, caffeinated beverage.
As you master the art of making the perfect cold brew latte, be sure to keep in mind the importance of what cold brew coffee is and how caffeinated cold brew coffee is in comparison to other types of coffee. Experiment with various milk options, sweeteners, and flavorings to create a unique cold brew latte experience that suits your taste buds perfectly.
Serving and Enjoying
Now that you’ve made your cold brew latte, it’s time to serve and enjoy it. In this section, we will explore a few ideas for garnishing and presenting your cold brew latte, as well as some pairing suggestions to help you get the most enjoyment out of your homemade beverage.
Garnishing and Presentation Ideas
There are many ways to make your cold brew latte look as good as it tastes. Here are some garnishing and presentation ideas to elevate your drink:
- Whipped cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream on top of your cold brew latte for a richer and creamier texture. Drizzle it with some caramel or chocolate syrup for added flavor.
- Cocoa powder or cinnamon: Lightly dust the top of your latte with cocoa powder or cinnamon for a hint of extra flavor and a visually appealing touch.
- Ice cubes: Experiment with coffee or milk ice cubes, as mentioned in this Kitchen Stories recipe, to add extra flavor while keeping your drink chilled.
- Glassware: Serve your cold brew latte in unique or decorative glasses to make it look even more inviting. For example, use mason jars or double-walled coffee glasses.
Pairing Suggestions
To enhance your cold brew latte experience, consider pairing your drink with delicious snacks. Here are some ideas:
- Breakfast pastries: Croissants, muffins, scones, or cinnamon rolls can be a satisfying companion for your cold brew latte in the morning or afternoon.
- Biscuits or cookies: Classic biscuits or cookies, like shortbread, biscotti, or chocolate chip cookies, can complement your beverage’s flavors and textures.
- Fruit: Fresh fruit, like strawberries, blueberries, or sliced apples, can add a refreshing contrast to your tasty cold brew latte.
- Light sandwiches: For a more substantial pairing, opt for a light sandwich with ingredients like avocado, turkey, or smoked salmon.
Preparing and serving your cold brew latte should be a delightful experience. By adding a touch of creativity and thoughtfulness to your garnishing and presentation, as well as considering delicious pairing possibilities, you can make the most of your homemade cold brew latte.
Storing and Using Leftover Cold Brew
There’s often leftover cold brew after making a delicious cold brew latte. Storing and using it properly is essential to ensure you can enjoy it in the future without compromising taste or quality.
The best way to store leftover cold brew is to use an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It’s important to note that cold brew shouldn’t be kept at room temperature for more than two hours, as it will lose freshness quickly. Refrigerating your cold brew as soon as possible ensures it remains fresh and flavorful.
One idea for using leftover cold brew is to make cold brew ice cubes. Follow these easy steps:
- Pour the cold brew into an ice tray
- Place the tray into the freezer
- Once frozen, pop the cold brew ice cubes out and use them in your favorite cold brew drinks
Using cold brew ice cubes in your drinks not only adds an extra coffee kick but also prevents your beverage from being diluted as the ice melts. You can also add these ice cubes to smoothies, shakes, or desserts for an interesting coffee twist.
Another great use for leftover cold brew is to incorporate it into various cold brew drink recipes. This can range from simple iced coffee to more elaborate or even flavored cold brew creations. Experimenting with different recipes allows you to transform your leftover cold brew into new, enjoyable drinks.
Remember, properly stored cold brew can last in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Keeping track of the storage duration helps you enjoy your cold brew at its peak freshness, ensuring a delicious and satisfying coffee experience each time.
Conclusion
By now, you have learned various methods on how to make a cold brew latte. We hope you enjoyed experimenting with different combinations, brew times, and sweeteners for your perfect cold brew latte. Thanks to the canned nitro cold brew and home nitro cold brew machines, you can create your cafe-style latte right in your kitchen.
Remember to choose the right coffee beans for your cold brew, as some roasts work best for it. You can check the best beans for cold brew for suggestions. Also, consider the best grind size for cold brew to ensure optimal flavors without compromising the taste profile of your latte.
Now that you know the difference between cold brew and iced coffee, and how caffeinated cold brew is, you can fully appreciate the unique taste and characteristics of cold-brewed coffee. So, next time you want to change up your coffee routine or cool down on a hot day, reach for a cold brew latte and enjoy every sip! Cheers to great coffee!