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, cold brew undergoes a long steeping process that results in a smooth, naturally sweet coffee concentrate. 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?
Cold brew coffee is a method of making coffee that involves steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in cold water for an extended period, typically 12 to 24 hours. Unlike traditional coffee brewing methods, which use hot water and produce a cup of hot coffee relatively quickly, cold brew is made with cold or room temperature water and requires a longer steeping time.
Cold brew coffee is known for its smooth, less acidic flavor profile compared to hot-brewed coffee. It’s often enjoyed for its refreshing qualities, especially during hot weather, and can be customized to suit individual tastes by adjusting the strength and flavorings. It’s important to note that cold-brew coffee is typically more concentrated than hot-brewed coffee, so it’s often diluted before serving to achieve the desired strength.
Top 5 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 cold brew 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 dusting of cinnamon or cocoa powder for a pretty presentation.
The Cold Brew Latte is delightfully customizable as well. Try versions like:
- Caramel Cold Brew Latte – topped with buttery caramel sauce
- Honey Cinnamon Cold Brew Latte – featuring honey and cinnamon for a cozy flavor
- Mocha Cold Brew Latte – with chocolate syrup and chocolate shavings
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 cold brew.
The vanilla sweet cream foam literally elevates this drink to new heights! As you sip through the silky cream, the bold cold-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 cold brew coffee and chocolate? A brilliant mashup called the Cold Brew Mocha. It offers the best of both worlds – refreshing cold brew plus 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!
The Cold Brew Mocha 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 cold brew for a caffeinated match made in heaven. The Cold Brew Matcha Latte 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 cold brew.
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 Cold Brew Matcha Latte with toppings like honey, cinnamon, or vanilla.