While I’m usually a hot coffee drinker, it won’t be long before the Texas heat eliminates anything sweat-inducing from my routine. And I love a steaming cup in my hand in the morning, I refuse to let the weather stop me fix my coffee. So I started looking for easy cold brew recipes that might get me excited about the transition. From my research, I found that people like to receive get creative with their coffee, and our particular way of blending and concocting is completely unique. While I’m trying to be more attentive to afternoon coffee I was here recently at 4:30 on a weekday afternoon, wanting to enjoy one of these easy cold brew recipes. From brewing tea bags with cold water to adding your caffeinated favorite to a smoothie, I now have a list of cold brewing techniques I’ve been wanting to try.
Not only are there many interesting uses for cold brew, but the taste is refreshing and delicious. But I have to say, a few recipes left me scratching my head. Coffee lemonade? Tonic coffee? Comment below if I’m wrong, but I think I’ll stick with flavors like cinnamon and vanilla for now….
Featured images from Brewing Happiness.
Among my friends, it was Starbucks who coined the term “cold brew” and led in its popularity. But I’ve never quite understood the difference between a chilled latte and a good stale iced coffee. In Cookie + KateWith a simple cold brew recipe (linked below), she shares a few standout cold brewing facts before diving into these easy cold brew recipes:
- Cold brew coffee is less acidic than regular coffee.
- It is aged in cold water (hence the name), so the incubation time is longer.
- Cold water makes it less bitter and naturally sweeter.
- If you want hot coffee, you can warm up a cold brew!
- The basic ratio for cold brew is ½ cup of ground coffee to 1 cup of water.
With fun facts archived, let’s dive into the easy cold brew recipes on my cold-brew list.
12 easy cold brew recipes to keep you cool
Cold brew coffee from Cookie + Kate
Why we love it: Consider this recipe your Easy Cold Brew Guide. If you want to make a simple cold brew concentrate from scratch, then this post will not only walk you through the steps but also give you all the tips and tricks you need to feel like a true barista. . The hardest part was waiting 12-18 hours for it to go downhill. But after that, it should stay good in your fridge for up to two weeks, so you can get creative with the rest of these recipes.
Hero composition: Any coffee you like.
Get the recipe for Cold brew coffee.
Lavender Cold Brew Latte from The Wooden Skillet
Why we love it: Now this is the kind of creative coffee drink I can achieve. The lavender syrup gives it the perfect amount of sweetness and the almond (or oat) milk makes it dairy-free. Be sure to buy or make lavender syrup in bulk — this drink will quickly become your summertime addiction.
Hero composition: Lavender has gone from my favorite color to my favorite coffee flavor.
Get the recipe for Lavender Cold Brew Latte.
Cinnamon Vanilla Cold Brew Coconut Ice Cream from Danilicious
Why we love it: Starbucks Sweet Cream Cold Brew fans, let me introduce you to this healthier, homemade alternative. The homemade ice cream is made with coconut cream, vanilla, cinnamon, stevia and monk fruit sweetener and is the perfect topping for your favorite pre-made or homemade cold brew. This is your signal to stop spending money on Starbucks and start making your own Starbucks using clean, pure ingredients.
Hero composition: A little vanilla will go a long way.
Get the recipe for Coconut Ice Cream Cinnamon Vanilla Cold Brew.
Easy Lavender Rose Cold Brew from Brewing Happiness
Why we love it: If you’ve ever ordered and loved a rose latte, this is a must try. Instead of adding flavor to your drink with a topping, this easy cold brew recipe infuses flavors directly into the drink with the tea bag. It’s just an extra step that makes all the difference. The lavender and rose tea bags add the perfect springtime freshness that I crave for this time of year. It is also fully Instagramable.
Hero composition: Must be a rose, I suppose.
Get the recipe for Easy Lavender Rose Cold Brew.
Vanilla Bottle Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew from Half-Naked Harvest
Why we love it: Don’t @ me for suggesting springtime pumpkin flavored drinks. While some of you may have burned PSLs from the fall, this girl can drink/eat pumpkins all year long. This recipe also includes ice, so by default Yes is a spring/summer drink, right? Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew has been my go-to drink for a while, but this vanilla’s performance is just too good. Don’t let the vanilla syrup scare you away. If I can do it, so can you.
Hero composition: Chai and pumpkin are a combo made in coffee heaven.
Get the recipe for Vanilla Bottle Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew.
Starbucks Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew Copycat from Coffee at Three
Why we love it: Does anyone else have a French press sitting around unused, jealous of your regular coffee machine? Well, this easy cold brew recipe will give your French press its standout moment. I never knew you could make cold foam in a French press, but it does take the place of shaking the ingredients in the pitcher (i.e., it saves you from a serious arm workout). Plus, the sea salt caramel flavor in this recipe simply can’t be beat. It’s sweet, savory, and gorgeous.
Hero composition: Did you know salt minimizes bitterness in coffee and brings out everything else?
Get the recipe for Starbucks Salted Caramel Cream Copycat Cold Brew.
Honey Almond Milk Cold Brew from Creators of Coffee
Why we love it: As far as simple cold brew recipes go, this one can give you the most intense flavor with the least amount of effort. Simply add some honey liquefied with hot water to your favorite homemade or bottled cold brew cup and add almond milk on top. A delicious, refreshing way to start your day without adding 20 minutes to your morning routine.
Hero composition: Baby, baby, make me flutter.
Get the recipe for Honey Almond Milk Cold Brew.
Cold Beer With Cinnamon Oat Milk Foam From CoffeeSphere
Why we love it: Here’s another simple delicious cold brew recipe that’s made simple. Except for vanilla syrup, that’s the exact method I use every morning. Did you know that cinnamon has antiviral properties, can support gut health, and can lower your blood sugar? It’s an ideal way to add both flavor and nutrients to your morning cup of coffee, hot or cold.
Hero composition: Once you whip the cinnamon into the milk, you’ll never go back.
Get the recipe for Cold beer with cinnamon oat milk foam.
Creamy Cold Brew Smoothie from Minimalist Baker
Why we love it: Pre-make this easy-to-make cold smoothie for those mornings when you have to roll out of bed and out the door. It features a frozen banana and coconut milk ice cubes for extra creaminess and flavor. The maple syrup and cocoa powder also made me feel like sipping on a chocolate coffee milkshake for breakfast, clearly a dream. I also like to add protein powder to make it a more hearty drink.
Hero composition: The addition of my favorite fruit makes this banana smoothie insanely creamy.
Get the recipe for Ice cream smoothie.
Cinnamon Mocha Cold Brew from Alice & Lois
Why we love it: I dipped my feet into the world of coffee with chocolate mocha for the first time, and to this day, they leave me watery in my mouth. I mean, who doesn’t love a bit of chocolate in their coffee? This simple cold brew recipe has all the flavor of a traditional mocha without the need for a coffee shop trip. It calls for a half and a half, but I like to sub for the oat milk so it’s a little more comfortable on my stomach.
Hero composition: Chocolate syrup – every adult’s childhood dream.
Get the recipe for Cinnamon Mocha Cold Brew.
Cold Brew Martini from Iowa Girl Eats
Why we love it: While I don’t recommend doing this first thing in the morning, I CANNOT share this cold brewed martini recipe. Perfect for any girl’s night out or first cup, this three-ingredient cocktail is delicious and fun. Just don’t forget to add three whole beans for good luck!
Hero composition: I’m not sure you can call vodka a hero, but it’s certainly just as powerful.
Get the recipe for Cold Brew Martini.
BONUS: Coffee Granita Vietnam
Why we love it: This recipe is possibly the most creative and delicious of all the simple cold brew recipes. If you’ve ever tasted Vietnamese coffee, you know that it’s rich, tasteless and sweet. It’s a delicious treat, but can be a bit too much to consume every day, which is what inspired Katie Wahlman to make it a dessert. She transforms cold drinks into smooth ice crystals, topped with homemade thick coconut milk, giving you all the flavor of a Vietnamese coffee with a delightful twist.
Hero composition: You’ll want to pour thick coconut milk over everything. Trust me.
Get the recipe for Vietnamese Granite Coffee.
