Cold brew coffee has become an increasingly popular way to get your caffeine fix during the hot summer months. Unlike traditional iced coffee, which is simply hot coffee that has been cooled down. This lends itself perfectly to being transformed into delicious cold coffee drinks.
To help you beat the heat this summer and get your daily dose of caffeine, here are the top 5 best cold brew coffee drinks you need to try:
What is Cold Brew Coffee Drinks?
This type of coffee is a method of making coffee in which coffee grounds are steeped in cold water for an extended period of time, typically 12-24 hours. The resulting coffee concentrate is diluted with water (or milk) and served cold. This method produces a coffee that is less acidic and often smoother than traditionally brewed hot coffee that’s then cooled down.
Advantages of Cold Brew Coffee:
- Less Acidic: the coffee is often described as being less acidic than its hot-brewed counterpart. This can be gentler on the stomach and give the coffee a smoother taste.
- Highly Caffeinated: Depending on how it’s made, it can be more concentrated and, therefore, might contain more caffeine per cup than regular coffee.
- Versatility: its concentrate can be used in various drinks, from simple iced coffee to more elaborate coffee cocktails.
- Long Shelf Life: The concentrate can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, making it a convenient option for those who want a quick and easy coffee fix.
Top 5 Best Cold Brew Coffee Drinks
1. Classic Cold Brew
You can’t go wrong with the simple perfection of black cold brew coffee. By steeping coffee grounds in cool water for an extended period, anywhere from 12-24 hours, you get a smooth concentrated coffee extract. Dilute this cold brew concentrate with water or milk and enjoy it straight up for an intensely caffeinated and refreshing beverage.
The classic cold brew highlights the nuanced coffee flavors, offering tasting notes like chocolate and caramel. Free of the bitterness associated with hot coffee, it provides a clean coffee taste that isn’t overwhelmed by acidity. Sip it straight or enjoy it over ice for an invigorating caffeine boost any time of day.
2. Cold Brew Latte
For a cozy, creamy iced coffee drink, you can’t beat the Cold Brew Latte. Much like a traditional latte, this drink combines freshly brewed espresso with steamed milk. But by swapping in cold brew instead, you get a drink that is gentler on the stomach and smooth rather than bitter.
To make it, mix the coffee concentrate with chilled milk. The milk provides a sweet, silky backdrop that complements the strong coffee flavor. The amount of milk can be adjusted based on your preferences. Top with frothy milk foam and a cinnamon or cocoa powder dusting for a pretty presentation.
3. Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew
One of the most popular ways to enjoy a cold brew is with a dollop of sweet vanilla cold foam on top. The pairing of the bittersweet coffee and the light, sweet cream is heavenly.
To make the vanilla sweet cream, blend together heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a bit of sugar or sweetener until frothy and thick. Pour the cold brew coffee over ice and top with the swirl of vanilla cream. The cream adds a lovely milky flavor and luscious texture that cuts through the intensity of the coffee.
The vanilla sweet cream foam literally elevates this drink to new heights! As you sip through the silky cream, the bold brew coffee flavors take center stage. It’s a perfectly balanced cold coffee drink that feels like a treat.
4. Cold Brew Mocha
What do you get when you combine coffee and chocolate? A brilliant mashup called the Cold Brew Mocha. It offers the best of both worlds – plus a rich, creamy mocha flavor.
Like a regular mocha, it’s made by blending together chocolate syrup and milk or cream. Then cold brew concentrate is added in place of espresso. The chocolate notes intermingle with the coffee for an extra decadent drink. Top with chocolate drizzle, cocoa powder, or chocolate shavings for even more chocolate overload!
It is ideal for chocolate lovers who want something icy and energizing. The cracked ice helps mellow out the chocolate richness, while the cold brew provides a bold coffee backbone. This twist on a coffee shop classic will satisfy any sweet tooth.
5. Cold Brew Matcha Latte
If you love the grassy, earthy taste of matcha green tea, try mixing it with a cold brew for a caffeinated match made in heaven. The beverage combines the antioxidants and intensity of matcha with the deep coffee flavors of cold brew.
To make it, simply whisk matcha powder into your favorite milk until frothy and incorporated. Then combine the matcha milk with cold brew concentrate over ice. The result is a lovely layered effect as the matcha milk and coffee swirl together. You get the creaminess of milk complementing the botanical notes of matcha and the roast of the coffee.
Matcha and coffee might seem like an unlikely pairing, but they work surprisingly well together. The light astringency of the tea contrasts with the smooth coffee for a drink that energizes you while delivering healthy benefits. Try customizing your drink with toppings like honey, cinnamon, or vanilla.