It’s not secret that Cold brew coffee is taking the coffee world by storm.
It’s smoother, less acidic, and perfect for hot days.
Unlike traditional hot brew, cold brew is steeped in cold water for hours, resulting in a rich, mellow flavor.
In this post, you’ll discover 21 unique and delicious cold brew recipes.
From classic brews to inventive flavors like pumpkin spice and Nutella, there’s something for everyone.
21 Best Cold Brew Coffee Recipes: At A Glance
- Classic Cold Brew
- Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew
- Mocha Cold Brew
- Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew
- Salted Caramel Cold Brew
- Coconut Cold Brew
- Lavender Cold Brew
- Mint Mocha Cold Brew
- Irish Cream Cold Brew
- Nutella Cold Brew
- Protein Cold Brew
- Maple Pecan Cold Brew
- Cold Brew Lemonade
- Bourbon Cold Brew Cocktail
- Cold Brew Smoothie
- French Press Cold Brew
- Nitro Cold Brew
- S’mores Cold Brew
- Pandan Cold Brew
- Honey Cinnamon Cold Brew
- Decaf Cold Brew
What is Cold Brew Coffee?
Cold brew coffee is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in cold water for an extended period, usually 12 to 24 hours.
Unlike iced coffee, which is brewed hot and then chilled, cold brew is never exposed to heat.
This process results in a smoother, less acidic beverage with a naturally sweeter taste.
The difference between cold brew and iced coffee lies in the brewing method and flavor profile.
Cold brew has a rich, mellow flavor, whereas iced coffee can sometimes taste bitter or watered down.
The benefits of cold brew coffee include its lower acidity, making it gentler on the stomach, and its smoother taste, which can be enjoyed black or with minimal additives.
Additionally, cold brew is versatile and can be served over ice, with milk, or as part of a creative coffee concoction.
How to Make Cold Brew Coffee at Home
Essential Equipment and Ingredients
To make cold brew coffee at home, you need a few basic items:
- Coffee beans: Coarsely ground, about 1 cup.
- Water: Filtered, 4 cups.
- Container: A mason jar or a French press.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Measuring Coffee and Water
Start by measuring out your ingredients.
Use a ratio of 1 cup of coarsely ground coffee beans to 4 cups of filtered water.
This ratio can be adjusted to make a stronger or weaker brew according to your preference.
Step 2: Mixing and Steeping
Add the coarsely ground coffee beans to your container.
Pour the filtered water over the coffee grounds, ensuring all the grounds are fully saturated.
Stir gently to combine.
Cover the container and let it steep at room temperature or in the refrigerator for 12 to 24 hours.
The longer it steeps, the stronger the flavor will be.
Step 3: Straining and Storing
After the steeping period, strain the coffee to remove the grounds.
If using a French press, simply press the plunger down.
For a mason jar, pour the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into another container.
Transfer the strained cold brew concentrate to a clean jar and store it in the refrigerator.
It can be kept for up to two weeks.
To serve, dilute the concentrate with water or milk to your taste and enjoy it over ice.
Tips for Perfect Cold Brew
Best Coffee Bean Types for Cold Brew
For the best cold brew, choose medium to dark roast coffee beans.
These beans bring out the rich, chocolatey, and nutty flavors that complement the cold brewing process.
Light roasts can be too acidic and fruity, which might not yield the smooth, mellow taste typical of cold brew.
Freshly roasted beans are ideal for the best flavor.
Ideal Coffee-to-Water Ratio
The ideal coffee-to-water ratio for cold brew is 1:4.
This means using 1 cup of coarsely ground coffee beans for every 4 cups of filtered water.
This ratio provides a strong, concentrated brew that can be diluted to taste when served.
For a lighter brew, you can adjust the ratio to 1:5 or even 1:6.
Recommended Steeping Time and Temperature
Steeping time and temperature are crucial for a perfect cold brew.
The recommended steeping time is between 12 to 24 hours.
Steeping for at least 12 hours ensures that the coffee grounds are fully extracted, producing a rich and flavorful brew.
However, letting it steep for up to 24 hours will yield a stronger, more concentrated flavor.
The steeping temperature should be at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
Steeping at room temperature speeds up the extraction process, while refrigerating it provides a smoother, less acidic brew.
21 Best Cold Brew Coffee Recipes
1. Classic Cold Brew
Combine coarsely ground coffee with filtered water in a 1:4 ratio.
Let it steep for 12 to 24 hours at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
Strain and serve over ice or diluted with water or milk.
2. Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew
Make a simple vanilla sweet cream by mixing heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a bit of sugar.
Pour over your cold brew for a sweet, creamy touch.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cold brew concentrate
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp sugar
3. Mocha Cold Brew
Mix cold brew coffee with chocolate syrup and milk.
Stir well and serve over ice for a rich mocha flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cold brew concentrate
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tbsp chocolate syrup
4. Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew
Combine cold brew with a homemade pumpkin spice cream made from pumpkin puree, spices, vanilla extract, and milk.
This recipe is perfect for autumn!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cold brew concentrate
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tbsp pumpkin puree
- 1/2 tsp pumpkin spice
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
5. Salted Caramel Cold Brew
Add salted caramel syrup to your cold brew and top with a salted caramel cold foam for a delicious treat.
Simply mix the caramel syrup with cold brew. Top with milk frothed with sea salt.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cold brew concentrate
- 2 tbsp caramel syrup
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
6. Coconut Cold Brew
Mix cold brew coffee with coconut milk and a sweetener of your choice.
Enjoy a tropical flavor with every sip.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cold brew concentrate
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1 tbsp sugar
7. Lavender Cold Brew
Make lavender syrup by simmering lavender flowers with sugar and water.
Mix with cold brew for a floral, aromatic coffee.
Finish by pouring the oat milk on top.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cold brew concentrate
- 2 tbsp lavender syrup
- 1/4 oat milk or almond milk
8. Mint Mocha Cold Brew
Add mint extract and chocolate syrup to cold brew.
Serve over ice for a refreshing mint mocha drink.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cold brew concentrate
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tbsp chocolate syrup
- 1/4 tsp mint extract
9. Irish Cream Cold Brew
Mix cold brew with a homemade Irish cream made from condensed milk, cream, coffee, and cocoa powder.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cold brew concentrate
- 1/4 cup half-and-half
- 1 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 tsp cocoa powder
10. Nutella Cold Brew
Blend Nutella with milk and mix it into your cold brew for a sweet, hazelnut-flavored coffee.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cold brew concentrate
- 2 tbsp Nutella
- 1/4 cup milk
11. Protein Cold Brew
Combine cold brew with your favorite protein powder and milk for an energizing and nutritious drink.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cold brew concentrate
- 1 scoop protein powder
- 1/2 cup milk
12. Maple Pecan Cold Brew
Mix cold brew with maple syrup and a few drops of pecan extract.
Serve over ice for a nutty, sweet coffee.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cold brew concentrate
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/4 tsp pecan extract
13. Cold Brew Lemonade
Combine equal parts cold brew and lemonade for a tangy, refreshing summer drink.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cold brew concentrate
- 1 cup lemonade
14. Bourbon Cold Brew Cocktail
Mix cold brew with a shot of bourbon, a splash of simple syrup, and a dash of bitters for an adult coffee treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cold brew concentrate
- 1 oz bourbon
- 1 tbsp simple syrup
- Dash of bitters
15. Cold Brew Smoothie
Blend cold brew with your favorite fruits, yogurt, and a sweetener for a delicious coffee smoothie.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cold brew concentrate
- 1 banana
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup milk
16. French Press Cold Brew
Make cold brew in a French press for an easy, smooth coffee.
Steep for 12 to 24 hours, then press and serve.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup coarsely ground coffee
- 4 cups water
17. Nitro Cold Brew
Use a nitro cold brew maker to infuse your coffee with nitrogen, creating a creamy, frothy texture.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cold brew concentrate
- Nitrogen gas (from a whipped cream dispenser or a nitro cold brew system)
- Ice
18. S’mores Cold Brew
Combine cold brew with chocolate syrup, top with marshmallow fluff, and sprinkle graham cracker crumbs for a fun s’mores flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cold brew concentrate
- 2 tbsp chocolate syrup
- 1 tbsp marshmallow fluff
- Crushed graham crackers
19. Pandan Cold Brew
Mix cold brew with pandan syrup for a unique, aromatic coffee experience.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cold brew concentrate
- 2 tbsp pandan syrup
20. Honey Cinnamon Cold Brew
Mix honey and cinnamon with cold brew concentrate.
Add milk and stir well.
Serve over ice.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cold brew concentrate
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
21. Decaf Cold Brew
Make decaf cold brew using decaffeinated coffee beans.
Enjoy all the flavors with less caffeine.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup decaf coffee beans, coarsely ground
- 4 cups water
Serving Suggestions
Creative Ways to Serve Cold Brew
Cold brew coffee is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in numerous ways.
One of the simplest methods is to serve it over ice.
This keeps the coffee refreshingly cold, perfect for hot days.
For a creamier texture, try adding a splash of milk or a non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk.
If you prefer a sweeter beverage, mix in some flavored syrups such as vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut.
Cold brew also works wonderfully in cocktails.
For a classic twist, combine it with a splash of bourbon or vodka.
You can even create a more complex drink by adding liqueurs like Kahlúa or Baileys.
For a non-alcoholic option, mix cold brew with tonic water or lemonade for a unique and refreshing treat.
Garnishes and Additional Flavor Enhancers
Garnishes and additional flavor enhancers can take your cold brew to the next level.
A dollop of whipped cream can add a delightful richness, while a sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder provides an aromatic boost.
For a more decadent experience, drizzle some caramel or chocolate sauce on top.
Herbs and spices can also enhance your cold brew.
A few mint leaves or a stick of cinnamon can infuse your drink with refreshing or warming notes.
For a floral touch, add a dash of lavender or rose water.
Storage Tips
Proper storage of cold brew concentrate is essential to maintain its freshness and flavor.
Once you’ve strained the cold brew concentrate, transfer it to an airtight container.
Glass jars with tight-fitting lids or sealed bottles work best.
Store the container in the refrigerator to keep the concentrate cold and fresh.
Cold brew concentrate can last up to two weeks when stored correctly.
To ensure it remains at its best, always keep the container tightly sealed to prevent exposure to air, which can cause the coffee to oxidize and lose its flavor.
Additionally, try to store the concentrate at a consistent temperature to avoid any fluctuations that might affect its quality.
For the freshest taste, consume your cold brew within the first week.
Over time, the flavor might start to degrade slightly, but it will still be drinkable.
If you notice any changes in taste or smell, it’s best to make a new batch.
Conclusion
Cold brew coffee offers a smooth, less acidic alternative to traditional coffee, making it a favorite for many.
Its versatility allows you to enjoy it in various ways, from classic cold brews to creative concoctions like mint mocha and bourbon cocktails.
We hope these 21 recipes inspire you to experiment and find your perfect cold brew.
Try different flavors, share your experiences, and enjoy the refreshing taste of cold brew coffee!
