Cold Brew Cocktails: 5 Recipes
Whether you’re trying to wind down after a long day or you’re trying to turn it up in the club with your friends, both are easy to do with a delicious cocktail in your hand. While most cocktails feature fruity flavors or warm spices, there is a special niche in the mixology world for coffee creations.
If you need a little dose of caffeine while you enjoy your drink, combining them both is easier than pie. Read on for five delicious cold brew cocktail recipes, as well as a few tips to help you wow your friends and tickle your tastebuds.
What Is Cold Brew Coffee?
Just to make sure we’re all on the same page, let’s start with a little intro to cold brew. Unlike your average drip coffee or espresso shot, cold brew takes its sweet time (literally).
Made by steeping coarse coffee grounds in cold water for 12 to 24 hours, it’s like slow cooking but for coffee. However, all of the waiting pays off when you get to enjoy the rich, concentrated coffee with low acidity and a velvety flavor.
Why is cold brew perfect for cocktails? Its bold flavor makes a beautiful pairing for strong spirits, while its smoothness tends to balance out bitter or sweet elements. Plus, it’s easy to customize the strength and flavor of your brew, which makes it incredibly easy to work with.
What Will You Need To Make a Cold Brew Cocktail?
Great cocktails start with great ingredients, and cold brew cocktails are no exception. First, you’ll need the star of the show: cold brew concentrate. Whether you brew your own or grab a high-quality store-bought option, make sure it’s strong and smooth.
Next, it’s time to add the liquor. Spirits like vodka, rum, and bourbon pair beautifully with cold brew’s boldness. Coffee liqueurs add depth, while syrups (like vanilla, caramel, or simple) sweeten the deal. Don’t forget cream, milk, or plant-based alternatives for cocktails that call for them (looking at you, white Russians).
Finally, you’ll need a cocktail shaker, strainer, jigger, and some snazzy glassware. You can also add garnishes like citrus peels or coffee beans to transform your living room into an upscale bar.
Quick Cold Brew Recipe
Sure, you can buy cold brew at the store — but where’s the fun in that? To really level up your drinks, make your own functional cold brew to use as a base.
Making your own cold brew can help you be in charge of both the flavor and strength of your cold brew. Plus, depending on what ingredients you use, you can even add some functional health benefits to your brew. That means your cocktails are basically health foods, right?
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Everyday Dose Mushroom Coffee+
- 4 cups cold, filtered water
Instructions:
- Measure and Combine: Add your mushroom coffee to a large jar or pitcher and pour in the water. Stir gently to combine.
- Steep: Cover the jar or pitcher and let it sit at room temperature or in the fridge for 12 to 24 hours. The longer it steeps, the stronger the flavor.
- Serve: Dilute the cold brew concentrate with equal parts water or milk (adjust to taste). Serve over ice and enjoy!
- Store: Keep your cold brew concentrate in a sealed container in the fridge for up to a week.
5 Cold Brew Cocktail Recipes
Now, it’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for. Read on for our top five cold brew cocktail recipes that will level up your evening.
1. Cold Brew Martini
An espresso martini, but make it unique.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz mushroom cold brew concentrate
- 1.5 oz vodka
- 0.5 oz coffee liqueur
- 0.5 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 3 coffee beans
Instructions:
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, then add the cold brew concentrate, vodka, coffee liqueur, and simple syrup. Shake it like you mean it for about 15 seconds until chilled. Strain into a chilled martini glass, and garnish with three coffee beans.
2. Coffee Negroni
A twist on the classic, the cold brew Negroni adds a caffeinated twist to an already iconic cocktail.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz mushroom cold brew concentrate
- 1 oz gin
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
Instructions:
In a mixing glass, combine cold brew concentrate, gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth with ice. Stir until well-chilled, about 20 seconds. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube. Garnish with an orange peel, twisting it to express its oils over the drink before dropping it in.
3. Old Fashioned Joe
It might seem a little silly to add a new twist to a drink called an “old fashioned,” but this drink truly does take this classic cocktail to the next level.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz bourbon
- 1 oz mushroom cold brew concentrate
- 0.5 oz brown sugar simple syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
Instructions:
In a rocks glass, muddle the brown sugar simple syrup with bitters. Add cold brew concentrate and bourbon, then stir to combine. Add a large ice cube and garnish with an orange twist or cherry (or both, if you’re feeling fancy).
4. Cold Brew Russian
White Russians are the standard for creamy cocktails, which makes them the perfect base for a brand-new coffee drink.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz cold brew concentrate
- 1 oz coffee liqueur
- 1.5 oz vodka
- 1 oz cream (or plant-based alternative)
Instructions:
Fill a rocks glass with ice. Pour the vodka, coffee liqueur, and cold brew concentrate over the ice, then gently float the cream on top. For a marbled effect, stir lightly before serving.
5. Coffee Coconut Twist
What’s better than a coffee at home in your comfy chair? A coffee cocktail on the beach, of course! Here’s a drink that will take you there with just one sip.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz bourbon
- 1 oz cold brew concentrate
- 1 oz coconut milk
- 0.5 oz honey syrup (honey dissolved in warm water)
Instructions:
Combine the bourbon, cold brew concentrate, coconut milk, and honey syrup in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well until frothy, about 20 seconds. Strain into a glass over ice, then garnish with a sprinkle of toasted coconut or a cinnamon stick to up the cozy factor.
Tips for Mastering the Perfect Mix
Crafting cold brew cocktails isn’t just a science. It’s an art — and a little bit of magic. The most important thing is to strike a balance. Cold brew is naturally bold, so pair it with spirits and mixers that won’t overwhelm its flavor. A touch of sweetness from syrups or liqueurs can tame any bitterness leftover from the coffee, while cream or milk can turn your cocktail into a decadent dessert.
Experimentation is key. Don’t be afraid to play around with different spirits (gin in your coffee? Trust us, it works) or try unconventional garnishes like a dash of cinnamon or a sprig of rosemary. The world of mixology is your playground. Who knows? You might stumble upon a new winning combo!
Finally, presentation is everything. Serve your creations in chic glassware, add a coffee bean or two for garnish, and maybe snap a pic for Instagram — you deserve the bragging rights.
The Bottom Line
Cold brew is known for its bold flavors, which makes it an essential cocktail mixer. Think about it — why use espresso when you could use rich, slow-extracted cold brew?
From cold brew martinis to tropical coffee twists, the world is your oyster when it comes to coffee cocktails. For more delicious coffee recipes and health insights, visit the Everyday Dose blog today!
Sources:
How to Nail the Famed Flamed Orange Twist | Serious Eats
Vegan Cocktails: Cream & Egg Alternatives — HOLLOW LEG | Chicago Mixology Classes
Whiskey History: The Origin of the Old Fashioned | Whiskey Rebellion
