Refreshing Cold Brew Coffee Recipes to Beat the Summer Heat

While a steaming cup of coffee might be perfect for a crisp morning, summer calls for something a little lighter—like cold brew coffee— to beat the heat.

Cold brew coffee is a smooth, less acidic, and incredibly versatile beverage that can be enjoyed on its own or as a base for a variety of summer cold brew coffee recipes. Let’s explore some easy and creative cold brew recipes to keep you cool and caffeinated all season long.

Easy Cold Brew Coffee Techniques

Cold brew coffee is renowned for its simplicity. Unlike traditional hot coffee brewing methods, cold brew steeps coarse ground coffee in cold water for an extended period, typically 12-24 hours. This slow extraction process results in a less acidic, smoother concentrate that can be diluted with water or milk and enjoyed over ice. To create a classic cold brew: 

1. Coarsely grind your favourite coffee beans. We recommend a medium to dark roast for a rich, full-bodied flavour. 
2. Combine the ground coffee with room temperature water in a 1:5 ratio (100g of coffee to 500ml of water) and stir gently. 
3. Cover the mixture and let it steep in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours, depending on your desired strength. 
4. Strain the concentrate through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth, and you're ready to create a variety of refreshing summer coffee drinks.

For purists who enjoy the DIY cold brew coffee approach, a simple French press or a dedicated cold brew pitcher are excellent tools for steeping coffee grounds. 

Homemade Cold Brew Recipes for Summer

Once you've mastered the basic cold brew technique, it's time to explore exciting summer cold brew coffee flavours. Here are a few iced coffee recipes to inspire you:

Iced Vanilla Latte

Try an iced vanilla latte made with cold brew concentrate for a creamy and indulgent treat. Fill a tall glass with ice, then add equal parts cold brew concentrate and milk of your choice (dairy, almond, oat, or coconut all work well). Stir in a splash of vanilla syrup or extract to taste, and enjoy the perfect balance of sweet and bold flavours.

Citrus Cold Brew Tonic

This chilled coffee recipe elevates your cold brew game with a zesty and effervescent citrus tonic. Fill a glass with ice and add a shot of cold brew concentrate. Squeeze in a wedge of fresh orange or grapefruit, then top with your favourite tonic water. 

Mocha Cold Brew Smoothie

Blend up a mocha cold brew smoothie for a nourishing and energising breakfast or post-workout treat. In a blender, combine a ripe banana, a handful of spinach, a tablespoon of cocoa powder, a splash of milk, and a shot of cold brew concentrate. Add a scoop of your favourite protein powder or nut butter for an extra boost, then blend until smooth and creamy. Pour into a glass and enjoy the perfect balance of caffeine and healthy goodness.

Spiced Cold Brew Chai

Give your cold brew an exotic twist with a spiced chai infusion. Steep a chai tea bag or a mixture of warming spices (like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves) in a shot of cold brew concentrate for 10-15 minutes. Remove the tea bag or strain out the spices, then add a splash of milk and a drizzle of honey to taste. Serve over ice for a deliciously aromatic and comforting summer beverage.

Fruity Cold Brew Sangria

For a fun and festive summer party drink, mix up a batch of cold brew sangria. For this fruity cold brew recipe, combine cold brew concentrate, sliced fresh fruit (like oranges, lemons, limes, and berries), and a splash of orange or pineapple juice in a large pitcher. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for a few hours to allow the flavours to meld, then serve over ice with a splash of soda water or sparkling wine for a bubbly kick.

Tips for Cold Brew Infusion Success

Below are our  top tips for cold brew excellence:

• Use high-quality, freshly roasted coffee beans for the best flavour.
• Experiment with cold brew variations. Use different coffee-to-water ratios to find your preferred strength.
• Steep your cold brew for at least 12 hours for optimal extraction and flavour.
• Strain your concentrate thoroughly to avoid any gritty sediment in your cold brew coffee mixtures.
• Store your cold brew concentrate in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
• Cold brew coffee is incredibly versatile, so enjoy it alongside a fruit salad or a slice of citrus cake for the perfect cold brew pairing.

Perfect Cold Brew Coffee Every Time

With these easy and creative cold brew coffee ideas, you can enjoy various delicious and invigorating coffee drinks that will help you beat the heat and stay energised all season long. Whether you prefer a classic iced latte, a zesty citrus tonic, or a fruity sangria, the possibilities are endless when it comes to cold brew coffee concoctions.