Cold Brew Cocktails: A Caffeinated Twist on Summer Drinks
Cold brew concentrate is the perfect base for a variety of refreshing cocktails.
Discover how to transform your favorite summer drinks into caffeinated masterpieces with these cold brew cocktail recipes.
Find the perfect cold brew coffee drinks to serve poolside, on the patio, or at your next brunch!
Imagine sipping on refreshing cocktails that combine the rich, complex flavors of cold brew with your favorite spirits. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or a casual home bartender, cold brew cocktails are a fun and easy way to impress your guests and cool down on a hot summer day. (Or even warm up on a cold winter night!)
Cold brew coffee has taken the coffee world by storm. Its smooth, less acidic profile and bold flavor have made it a beloved beverage for coffee enthusiasts everywhere, and by leaving behind some of the acids and bitter compounds, cold brew highlights the smooth rich flavors in all types of coffee beans. But why stop at a simple glass of cold brew coffee over ice? Let’s make it a party with these refreshing summer drinks featuring boozy cold brew!
In this post, we’ll explore four delicious cold brew cocktail recipes that are perfect for any occasion. From classic to tropical, there’s something for everyone. So grab your shaker, gather your ingredients, and let’s dive spice things up with cold brew cocktails.
Why Cold Brew Makes the Perfect Base for Refreshing Cocktails
Coffee cocktails have long been a staple of dessert menus and drink lists, and as coffee culture continues to evolve, bartenders are finding more creative ways to incorporate coffee into their mixology repertoires. Cold brew coffee, with its smooth, less acidic profile, is the perfect canvas for a variety of cocktail concoctions. Its concentrated flavor can hold its own alongside stronger spirits, making it a versatile ingredient for both professional and home bartenders.
Here are a few things we love about using cold brew as a base for refreshing cocktails:
- Smooth and Less Acidic: Cold brew’s lower acidity makes it easier on the stomach, especially when mixed with other ingredients, and the perfect canvas for a variety of cocktail concoctions.
- Versatile Flavor Profile: Its bold, yet smooth flavor pairs well with a wide range of spirits and mixers.
- Concentrated: A small amount of cold brew concentrate can pack a punch, allowing you to experiment with different ratios to achieve specific flavor profiles, without watering down your refreshing cocktails.
The best part? While you can buy ready-made cold brew concentrate, whipping up your own homemade cold brew couldn’t be easier! It’s as simple as choosing your favorite whole bean coffee, grinding to a coarse consistency, and letting the grounds steep on the counter overnight.
Here’s our step-by-step guide so you can make cold brew at home!
Whether you buy your concentrate or make it yourself, here are four delicious cold brew cocktail recipes to help you take the plunge into delightfully boozy cold brew coffee drinks!
Bubbly & Boozy Cold Brew
A classic cold brew cocktail. The smooth, bold flavor of cold brew pairs beautifully with the crisp, clean taste of vodka and the hint of sweetness from the simple syrup, creating a harmonious blend that’s both refreshing and sophisticated. The carbonation makes it light and refreshing, making this the perfect drink for a warm summer evening on the porch or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz cold brew coffee
- 1 oz vodka
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- A splash of club soda
- Orange peel, for garnish
Instructions:
- Combine cold brew, vodka, and simple syrup in a rocks glass filled with ice.
- Top with a splash of club soda.
- Garnish with an orange peel.
Cold Brew Martini
We love an espresso martini, but let’s face it, hauling your burr grinder, electric kettle, and espresso maker to the pool is not the easy-breezy summer vibe we’re trying to embrace. Enter this laid-back twist on a classic cocktail. Cold brew concentrate holds its own against the sweetness of the coffee liqueur, and there’s no waiting for your espresso shot to cool, making this recipe a breeze to whip up at your next summer party!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz cold brew coffee
- 1 oz vodka
- 0.5 oz coffee liqueur
- A dash of chocolate bitters
Instructions:
- Shake all ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
The Coffee Sunrise
A vibrant and fruity cocktail perfect for a hot summer day. The rich, complex flavor of cold brew plays perfectly with the bright, tropical flavors of pineapple and the tangy citrus notes of lime. It’s a refreshing and invigorating drink that’s perfect for sipping on a patio or at a warm-weather brunch.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz cold brew coffee
- 1 oz white rum
- 0.5 oz lime juice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- 2–3 pineapple chunks
- A few sprigs of mint
Instructions:
- Muddle pineapple chunks and mint leaves in a cocktail shaker.
- Add cold brew, rum, lime juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake with ice and strain into a highball glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a pineapple wedge and a sprig of mint.
The Dark ’n Dreamy
A bold and spicy cocktail for those who love a bit of heat, this Dark ‘n Stormy with a caffeinated twist is the perfect way to warm up on a cool summer’s night. The rich, complex flavor of cold brew pairs beautifully with the spicy ginger beer and the dark, robust flavor of rum. It’s a comforting and satisfying drink that’s perfect for toasting around a bonfire.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz cold brew coffee
- 2 oz dark rum
- 4 oz ginger beer
- Lime wedge, for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a highball glass with ice.
- Pour in cold brew and dark rum.
- Top with ginger beer.
- Garnish with a lime wedge.
Looking for more coffee recipes to add to your repertoire? Find some of our favorites here!
Refreshing Cocktails and Cold Brew: A Perfect Blend
Remember, the beauty of cold brew cocktails is their versatility. Feel free to experiment with different spirits, mixers, and garnishes to create your own signature drink. And don’t forget to elevate your cold brew game with what we think is the best cold brew maker.
Cheers to you for diving deep into the world of coffee with us! U3 Coffee exists to create the most meaningful coffee experience for millions of mindful, motivated humans like you. Let’s learn, empower, and celebrate the journey from bean to cup. Because here, we’re United by Coffee.
Related posts
- Dec 2024 Confused about how to choose coffee blends? Our coffee tasting guide makes it simple, from understanding flavor profiles to choosing the best coffee blend.
- Nov 2024 Elevate your daily coffee routine with our coffee recipe ideas! From classic latte recipes to innovative cold brew recipes, learn to brew creative coffee drinks.
