11 Must-Try Cold Brew Coffee Drinks (Easy Recipes)

Last updated on April 11th, 2025 at 01:58 pm

Are you tired of the same old hot coffee routine, especially as the weather gets warmer? Regular iced coffee often ends up watered down and weak.

What if you could enjoy a variety of refreshing, bold, and delicious coffee drinks that are perfect for any season? Imagine sipping on a smooth, rich, cold brew that keeps its flavor. But where do you start with so many options?

In this guide, I’ve rounded up 11 must-try cold brew coffee drinks that will take your coffee experience to the next level.

From classic cold brew to sweet caramel and spiced versions. These recipes are easy to make and incredibly enjoyable. So, keep reading to discover your new favorite coffee drink!

1 – Classic Cold Brew

The Classic Cold Brew is where it all begins—a simple, straightforward coffee that’s smooth, refreshing, and perfect for any time of day. It’s the foundation for many other cold brew variations. However, it’s still a great smooth coffee to drink on its own.

Ingredients

• Coarse-ground coffee
• Cold water

Preparation

1 – Measure Your Coffee and Water: Use a 1:4 ratio of coffee to water. For example, combine 1 cup of coarse-ground coffee with 4 cups of cold water. Adjust this ratio to work for your taste.

2 – Combine and Steep: Add the ground coffee and cold water to a large jar or pitcher. Stir gently to ensure all the coffee grounds are saturated. Cover the container and let it steep. The steeping time can range from 12 to 24 hours. A longer steeping time will result in a stronger brew.

3 – Strain the Coffee: After steeping, strain the coffee to remove the grounds. You can use a fine-mesh sieve, a coffee filter, or a special cold-brew coffee maker with a built-in filter.

4 – Serve and Enjoy: Pour your cold brew concentrate over ice. You can dilute it with water or milk to taste if it’s too strong. Add sweeteners or flavorings as desired.

Tips for the Perfect Cold Brew

• Choose the Right Coffee: For a richer flavor, opt for a medium to dark roast. One excellent brand I enjoy is Intelligentsia Coffee.
• Use Fresh Coffee Grounds: Freshly ground coffee beans taste best.
• Cold Water is Key: Always use cold or room temperature water to avoid extracting bitter flavors.
• Experiment with Steeping Time: Find your perfect strength by experimenting with different steeping times.

Enjoy your Classic Cold Brew as is, or use it as a base to explore other exciting cold brew variations!

2 – Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew

One of my favorites, the Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew, is a creamy and sweet twist on the classic cold brew. It’s great if you enjoy a little treat without masking the coffee’s taste.

Ingredients

• Cold brew coffee
• Vanilla syrup
• Sweet cream

Preparation

1 – Prepare the Cold Brew Base: Start with your favorite cold-brew coffee. If you need a recipe, check out our section on making Classic Cold Brew.

2 – Make the Sweet Cream: Combine equal parts heavy cream and milk. For a richer taste, use more heavy cream. Add a splash of vanilla syrup to this mixture and whisk until it’s slightly frothy.

3 – Mix and Layer: Fill a glass with ice and pour in the cold brew coffee, leaving some space at the top. Add the vanilla syrup directly to the coffee. Start with one to two tablespoons and adjust to your taste.

4 – Top with Sweet Cream: Gently pour the sweet cream over the back of a spoon to create a beautiful layered effect. Watch as it slowly cascades into the cold brew, creating a marbled look.

Serving Suggestions

• Stir Before Drinking: Give your drink a gentle stir to mix the flavors, or sip it as is to experience the layers.
• Adjust Sweetness: If you like it sweeter, add more vanilla syrup.
• Garnish: For an extra touch, sprinkle some vanilla bean powder or cinnamon.

This Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew is a delicious way to enjoy coffee. The sweet cream blends perfectly with the smooth cold brew, making it a refreshing treat any time of day.

3 – Cold Brew Mocha

If you’re a fan of chocolate and coffee, then the Cold Brew Mocha is a must-try. I love this chocolaty cold brew for a treat. The rich cocoa flavor perfectly complements cold brew coffee’s smooth, bold taste.

Ingredients

• Cold brew coffee
• Chocolate syrup
• Milk or cream

Preparation

1 – Start with the Cold Brew: Use your favorite cold-brew coffee as the base. If you don’t have a recipe, our Classic Cold Brew guide can help you get started.

2 – Add the Chocolate Syrup: Pour the cold brew coffee into a glass filled with ice. Add 2-3 tablespoons of chocolate syrup. Adjust based on how chocolatey you like it.

3 – Mix in the Milk or Cream: Add a splash of milk or cream to your chocolate cold brew. Whole milk or cream will give a richer flavor, but feel free to use your preferred milk alternative. Stir well until the chocolate syrup is fully dissolved and the drink is nicely blended.

Serving Suggestions

• Top with Whipped Cream: For an extra treat, top your Cold Brew Mocha with a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup.
• Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter drink, add a bit more chocolate syrup or a dash of vanilla extract.
• Garnish: Sprinkle some cocoa powder or chocolate shavings for an extra touch.

The smooth cold brew and rich chocolate make it a delicious and enjoyable choice. Whether you want it as an afternoon treat or a morning boost, this drink will surely hit the spot.

4 – Cold Brew Lemonade

Cold Brew Lemonade is a unique and refreshing twist that combines the boldness of coffee with the tangy zest of lemonade. This unexpected fusion creates a vibrant drink perfect for hot summer days.

Ingredients

• Cold brew coffee
• Fresh lemonade
• Simple syrup (optional)

Preparation

1 – Prepare the Cold Brew and Lemonade: Start with your favorite cold-brew coffee. Make sure it’s well-chilled. Use freshly squeezed lemonade for the best flavor. If you’re in a pinch, store-bought lemonade will work, too.

2 – Mix the Coffee and Lemonade: In a glass filled with ice, pour equal parts cold brew coffee and lemonade. Typically, a 1:1 ratio works well, but feel free to adjust according to your taste.

3 – Sweeten to Taste: If you prefer a sweeter drink, add a splash of simple syrup. Stir well to ensure it’s fully mixed.

Serving Suggestions

• Garnish: Add a slice of lemon or a sprig of mint for an extra touch of freshness.
• Adjust the Ratio: Increase the amount of cold brew for a stronger coffee flavor. For a more citrusy drink, add more lemonade.
• Experiment with Flavors: Try adding a dash of ginger or a few basil leaves for a unique twist.

If you’re looking for a refreshing drink, then this is fantastic option. I love to drink it by the poolside or midday when I want something zesty.

5 – Nitro Cold Brew

Nitro Cold Brew is a game-changer for coffee lovers. This frothy, nitrogen-infused cold brew offers a creamy texture and a smooth, velvety finish. If you have yet to try it, you’re in for a treat.

Ingredients

• Cold brew coffee
• Nitrogen gas (or premade nitro cold brew)

Preparation

1 – Start with Cold Brew Coffee: Begin with your favorite cold brew coffee. For a guide, refer to our Classic Cold Brew recipe.

2 – Infuse with Nitrogen (Using a Nitro Cold Brew Keg):

• Pour the cold brew into a nitro keg.
• Attach the nitrogen gas cartridge and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to infuse the coffee with nitrogen.
• Dispense the coffee through the tap, creating a cascading effect as the nitrogen mixes with the cold brew.

3 – Purchasing Ready-Made Nitro Cold Brew: You can buy ready-made nitro cold brew from the store if you prefer convenience. Look for brands like Stumptown Coffee Roasters for high-quality options.

4 – Serve and Enjoy: Pour the nitro cold brew into a glass. You’ll notice a rich, creamy head forming on top, similar to a stout beer. Serve immediately to enjoy the full, frothy texture.

Serving Suggestions

• Chill Your Glass: Chill your glass for an extra cold and refreshing drink before pouring the nitro cold brew.
• Add a Flavor Twist: While nitro cold brew is delicious, you can add a splash of vanilla syrup or a hint of caramel for extra flavor.
• Pair with Dessert: Nitro cold brew’s creamy texture pairs wonderfully with desserts like chocolate cake or brownies.

The nitrogen infusion creates tiny bubbles, giving the coffee a creamy mouthfeel without adding dairy. It feels a bit like drinking black beer, which I love, but without the alcoholic effects.

6 – Cold Brew Tonic

Cold Brew Tonic is a fizzy and unique cold brew drink that combines the boldness of coffee with the crispness of tonic water. This unexpected combo is perfect if you like the taste of tonic and coffee together.

Ingredients

• Cold brew coffee
• Tonic water
• Ice
• Citrus garnish (optional)

Preparation

1 – Mix the Cold Brew and Tonic: Fill a glass with ice. Pour in equal parts of cold brew coffee and tonic water. A 1:1 ratio is a good starting point, but you can adjust it to your preference.

2 – Add a Citrus Garnish: Enhance the flavor with a slice of citrus such as lemon, lime, or orange. This adds a bright note to the drink and makes it visually appealing.

3 – Serve and Enjoy: Stir gently to mix the cold brew and tonic without losing too much carbonation. Serve immediately to enjoy the fizzy, refreshing experience.

Tips for the Perfect Cold Brew Tonic

• Chill Your Ingredients: Before mixing, make sure both the cold brew and tonic water are well-chilled to keep your drink cold and refreshing.
• Experiment with Ratios: If you prefer a stronger coffee flavor, increase the amount of cold brew. For a lighter, more effervescent drink, add more tonic water.
• Garnish Options: In addition to citrus, you can experiment with other garnishes, such as mint or a twist of grapefruit peel.

I love the combination of bitter and sweet, making it a unique and fresh drink. This fizzy drink will surprise you, especially on warm days.

7 – Coconut Cold Brew

Coconut Cold Brew brings a tropical twist to your regular cold brew, infusing it with the rich, creamy flavors of coconut.

Ingredients

• Cold brew coffee
• Coconut milk or cream
• Sweetener (optional)

Preparation

1 – Combine Coffee and Coconut Milk: Start with your favorite cold brew coffee, which is well-chilled. In a glass filled with ice, pour in the cold brew coffee. Add coconut milk or cream to taste. Typically, a 1:1 ratio works well but adjust according to your preference for creaminess and coconut flavor.

2 – Sweeten If Desired: If you prefer a sweeter drink, add a sweetener of your choice. Options like simple syrup, honey, or coconut sugar complement the coconut flavor beautifully. Stir well to ensure the sweetener is fully dissolved.

3 – Serve and Enjoy: Give the drink a good stir to mix the coffee and coconut milk thoroughly. Serve immediately and savor the tropical flavors.

Serving Suggestions

• Chill Your Ingredients: For the best flavor and experience, ensure both the cold brew coffee and coconut milk are chilled.
• Experiment with Ratios: Adjust the coffee-to-coconut milk ratio to find your perfect balance of flavors.
• Garnish: For an extra tropical touch, sprinkle shredded coconut or a slice of fresh coconut on the rim of the glass.

The creamy coconut milk complements the smooth cold brew, creating a refreshing drink. This coffee variation is sure to become a favorite.

8 – Caramel Cold Brew

Caramel Cold Brew is a sweet and rich twist on the classic cold brew. The caramel adds an enjoyable sweetness that works well with the bold coffee flavors.

Ingredients

• Cold brew coffee
• Caramel syrup
• Milk or cream

Preparation

1 – Mix Caramel Syrup into Cold Brew: Start with a glass of ice. Pour cold brew coffee over the ice, filling the glass about three-quarters full. Add 2-3 tablespoons of caramel syrup to the coffee. Alter the amount based on your preferred level of sweetness.

2 – Add Milk or Cream: Top off your drink with milk or cream. Whole milk, half-and-half, or heavy cream will give a richer taste, but feel free to use your preferred dairy or non-dairy alternative. Stir well to ensure the caramel syrup is fully mixed and the milk or cream is evenly distributed.

3 – Serve and Enjoy: Give the drink a good stir to blend all the ingredients thoroughly. Serve immediately and enjoy the rich, sweet flavors.

Serving Suggestions

• Garnish: Drizzle some caramel syrup on top for an extra sweetness and visual appeal.
• Adjust Sweetness: If you like it sweeter, add more caramel syrup. For a lighter taste, reduce the amount of syrup or use less milk or cream.
• Add a Pinch of Salt: Add a small pinch of sea salt for a salted caramel twist to better the flavors.

It is one of my favorite cold brews. Especially with a pinch of salt, it takes the caramel flavor to the next level! While it’s perfect any time, something about the creamy texture hits the spot on a cold winter day.

9 – Cold Brew with Almond Milk

Cold Brew with Almond Milk is a nutty and smooth variation that’s both delicious and dairy-free. The almond milk adds a subtle, creamy flavor that works perfectly with the bold taste of cold brew coffee.

Ingredients

• Cold brew coffee
• Almond milk
• Sweetener (optional)

Preparation

1 – Combine Coffee and Almond Milk: Fill a glass with ice. Pour cold brew coffee over the ice, filling the glass about three-quarters full. Add almond milk to taste. Start with a 1:1 ratio of coffee to almond milk and adjust based on your preference for creaminess and flavor.

2 – Sweeten If Desired: Add your sweetener if you prefer a sweeter drink. Maple syrup, honey, or simple syrup works well with almond milk. Stir well to ensure the sweetener is fully dissolved and the drink is evenly mixed.

3 – Serve and Enjoy: Give the drink a good stir to blend the cold brew and almond milk thoroughly. Serve immediately and enjoy the smooth, nutty flavors.

Serving Suggestions

• Chill Your Ingredients: Ensure the cold brew coffee and almond milk are well-chilled for the best experience.
• Experiment with Flavors: Try flavored almond milk, such as vanilla or chocolate, for an extra twist.
• Garnish: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on top for a warm, spicy note.

If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, this cold brew is great!  

10 – Spiced Cold Brew

Spiced Cold Brew is one of my absolute favorite drinks to enjoy during the Christmas season. The cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves make it a cozy, flavorful drink that’s perfect for the holidays.

Ingredients

• Cold brew coffee
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Cloves
• Sweetener (optional)

Preparation

1 – Prepare the Spices: Mix 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, a pinch of ground nutmeg, and a pinch of ground cloves in a small bowl. Adjust the amounts based on your spice preference.

2 – Add Spices to Cold Brew: Fill a glass with ice. Pour cold brew coffee over the ice, filling the glass about three-quarters full. Sprinkle the spice mixture into the coffee. Stir well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.

3 – Sweeten If Desired: If you prefer a sweeter drink, add your choice of sweetener. Honey, maple syrup, or simple syrup complement the spices well. Stir thoroughly to dissolve the sweetener and blend the flavors.

4 – Serve and Enjoy: Give the drink a final stir to mix everything. Serve immediately and savor the warm, spiced flavors.

Serving Suggestions

• Chill Your Ingredients: Ensure the cold brew coffee is well-chilled for a refreshing drink.
• Adjust Spices: Feel free to adjust the spice levels to suit your taste. You can also experiment with other spices like cardamom or allspice.
• Garnish: Add a cinnamon stick or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon on top for an appealing presentation and extra flavor.

Nothing beats laying back on the sofa, looking at the fire, and savoring this delicious spiced brew. Enjoy the extra kick and the rich, complex flavors it brings to your coffee experience.

11 – Cold Brew Float

Like ice-cream? Then you’ll love this combo! The Cold Brew Float is a delicious dessert-like drink. It combines bold coffee flavors with creamy ice cream. You’ll love this treat for those hot days when you crave something sweet and refreshing.

Ingredients

• Cold brew coffee
• Vanilla ice cream
• Chocolate or caramel syrup (optional)

Preparation

1 – Prepare the Glass: Start with a tall glass. Add one or two generous scoops of vanilla ice cream to the bottom of the glass.

2 – Pour Cold Brew Over Ice Cream: Slowly pour cold brew coffee over the ice cream, allowing it to cascade around the scoops. Fill the glass, leaving a little room at the top for any syrup you want to add.

3 – Add Syrup If Desired: For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle chocolate or caramel syrup over the top. This is optional, but it adds a delicious layer of flavor.

4 – Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately with a spoon and a straw, allowing you to enjoy the creamy ice cream and the refreshing coffee.

Serving Suggestions

• Chill Your Cold Brew: Ensure the cold brew coffee is well-chilled for the best experience.
• Experiment with Flavors: Try different ice cream flavors, such as chocolate, coffee, or caramel, to create your own unique float.
• Garnish: Add a sprinkle of cocoa powder, a few coffee beans, or a drizzle of extra syrup for a decorative and tasty finish.

Enjoy the creamy, sweet, and refreshing experience of this coffee float!

Last Thoughts

So, we went through some of my favorite cold brew recipes. Each one offers something special from the tangy Cold Brew Lemonade to the frothy Nitro Cold Brew and the tropical Coconut Cold Brew.

These unique drinks let you enjoy a cold brew in fun new ways. Also, don’t be afraid to try different recipes and find your personal favorites.

Whether you like the classics or want to get creative, there’s a cold brew for everyone.

I’d love to hear about your cold brew creations and experiences. So, share your thoughts and recipes in the comments below. Happy brewing!