There’s something truly special about a glass of cold brew coffee. Its smooth, less acidic character makes it the perfect base for a whole world of delicious drinks. While you can certainly buy it at a cafe, making your own at home is surprisingly simple and opens up a universe of possibilities. With just a little bit of planning, you can have a pitcher of rich, concentrated coffee ready to transform into your new favorite beverage.
Whether you prefer your coffee strong and black or sweet and creamy, cold brew is incredibly versatile. It’s not just for hot summer days; it’s a year-round treat that you can customize to your exact liking. Let’s look at how you can make your own cold brew concentrate and then use it to create twenty different drinks that will keep your taste buds happy.
Your Simple Cold Brew Foundation
The beauty of cold brew lies in its simplicity. To make a basic concentrate, you only need coarsely ground coffee and cold water. A good starting ratio is 1 cup of coffee grounds to 4 cups of water. Combine them in a large jar or pitcher, stir gently to ensure all the grounds are wet, cover, 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. Once it’s done, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve or a coffee filter. This concentrate is your blank canvas and will keep in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Classic Cold Brew Creations
Sometimes, you just can’t improve on a classic. These straightforward drinks highlight the pure, smooth flavor of your homemade cold brew.
The Straight Shooter: Simply dilute your concentrate with an equal part of cold water or milk over ice. Adjust the ratio to suit your preferred strength.
Café au Lait: A French classic, reimagined. Fill a glass with ice, add equal parts cold brew concentrate and chilled milk.
Vanilla Bean Sweet Cream: Stir a teaspoon of vanilla extract and a touch of simple syrup into your glass of cold brew before adding milk. It’s simple and consistently good.
Iced Mocha: Whisk a tablespoon of cocoa powder and a teaspoon of sugar with a splash of hot water to create a syrup. Let it cool, then add to your glass with cold brew and milk.
Fruity and Refreshing Twists
For a brighter, more vibrant coffee experience, fruit flavors can add a wonderful dimension. These are perfect for a sunny afternoon.
Citrus Sparkler: Pour cold brew concentrate over ice, then top with club soda and a squeeze of fresh orange or grapefruit juice.
Coconut Pineapple Cooler: Mix cold brew with pineapple juice and a splash of coconut milk. It’s like a tropical vacation in a glass.
Strawberry Basil Smash: Muddle a few fresh strawberries and basil leaves in the bottom of your glass. Add ice and cold brew, then top with a bit of soda water.
Honey-Lemon Iced Coffee: A combination that might sound unusual but is utterly refreshing. Sweeten your cold brew with honey and add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Creamy and Decadent Blends
When you’re in the mood for something a little more luxurious, these creamy options feel like a real treat.
Salted Caramel Cold Brew: Drizzle the inside of your glass with store-bought or homemade caramel sauce. Add cold brew, milk, and a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt.
Toasted Almond Shake: Blend cold brew concentrate with a frozen banana, a tablespoon of almond butter, and a handful of ice until smooth.
Chai-Spiced Latte: Steep a chai tea bag in a half-cup of warm milk for 5 minutes. Remove the bag, let the milk cool, and then combine it with cold brew over ice.
Cookie Butter Bliss: Blend a teaspoon of biscoff or speculoos cookie butter into your milk before adding it to the coffee. It’s as good as it sounds.
Spiced and Seasonal Favorites
Cold brew isn’t just for summer. With a few warming spices, you can enjoy it all year round.
Cinnamon Roll Coffee: Add a dash of cinnamon and a drop of vanilla extract to your milk before combining it with cold brew. Sweeten with maple syrup for a bakery-inspired flavor.
Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew: Whisk together a tablespoon of pumpkin puree, a splash of milk, a pinch of pumpkin pie spice, and a little sugar. Pour your cold brew over ice and gently top with the pumpkin cream.
Peppermint Mocha: A year-round classic that’s especially nice during the holidays. Add a little cocoa powder and a drop of peppermint extract to your glass.
Maple Pecan Iced Coffee: Sweeten your drink with real maple syrup and garnish with a few toasted pecans for a nutty, autumnal flavor.
Boozy Coffee Concoctions
For a sophisticated evening drink, cold brew makes an excellent mixer for a coffee cocktail.
Cold Brew Irish Coffee: Add a shot of Irish whiskey and a teaspoon of brown sugar to a glass. Stir until the sugar dissolves, add cold brew concentrate, and top with lightly whipped cream.
Espresso Martini at Home: Shake one part cold brew concentrate, one part vodka, and a half-part coffee liqueur with ice. Strain into a chilled glass.
Bourbon Vanilla Shakerato: In a cocktail shaker with ice, combine cold brew, a shot of bourbon, and a dash of vanilla syrup. Shake vigorously until cold and frothy, then strain into a glass.
Your Home Coffee Bar Awaits
The best part about making these drinks at home is the freedom to experiment. Start with these ideas as inspiration and adjust the sweetness, creaminess, and flavor intensity to create the perfect drink for you. With a pitcher of cold brew concentrate in your refrigerator, a delicious and refreshing coffee drink is never more than a moment away. Happy brewing!