Cold brew coffee has taken the world by storm, becoming a favorite among coffee lovers due to its smooth, rich flavor and refreshing coolness. Whether you’re an avid coffee drinker or just someone who enjoys trying out new recipes, a Brown Sugar Cinnamon Cold Brew is the perfect combination of flavors that will leave you craving more. This delightful iced coffee recipe combines the deep, bold taste of cold brew coffee with the sweetness of brown sugar and the warm, aromatic notes of cinnamon. It’s a drink that’s not only perfect for a hot summer day but also an ideal pick-me-up for any time of the year.
In this article, we will walk you through how to make Brown Sugar Cinnamon Cold Brew at home, provide some fun variations, and introduce other delicious coffee recipes with espresso to spice up your coffee routine.
What Is Cold Brew Coffee?
Before diving into the recipe, let’s talk a little bit about cold brew coffee. Cold brew is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in cold water for an extended period (usually 12 to 24 hours). Unlike regular iced coffee, where hot coffee is brewed and cooled down, home cold brew coffee has a smoother, less acidic taste due to the slow extraction process. The result is a coffee concentrate that you can dilute with water, milk, or any other liquid of your choice.
Cold brew is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways, from plain black to sweetened concoctions like this Brown Sugar Cinnamon Cold Brew. It’s an easy way to make healthy coffee drinks at home without needing to head to a café.
Ingredients for Brown Sugar Cinnamon Cold Brew
Here’s what you’ll need to make your own brown sugar cinnamon cold brew:
- Cold Brew Coffee: You can either make your own at home cold brew using coarsely ground coffee or buy pre-made cold brew concentrate from the store.
- Brown Sugar: The star of the show, brown sugar, will provide a rich, caramel-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon.
- Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon adds a touch of spice that blends perfectly with the sweetness of the brown sugar.
- Milk or Cream: To make the drink creamy, you can choose dairy milk, almond milk, oat milk, or any milk alternative you prefer.
- Ice: To keep your cold brew chilled and refreshing.
Optional Toppings
- Whipped Cream: For an indulgent twist.
- Extra Cinnamon: For garnish.
- Caramel Syrup: If you want to amp up the sweetness.
Instructions for Brown Sugar Cinnamon Cold Brew
Step 1: Prepare the Cold Brew Coffee
If you don’t already have cold brew coffee prepared, you can easily make your own home cold brew coffee. Start by adding coarsely ground coffee (about 1 cup) to 4 cups of cold or room-temperature water. Let the mixture steep in the refrigerator for 12 to 24 hours. After the steeping period, strain the coffee using a fine mesh sieve or a coffee filter to remove the coffee grounds.
Alternatively, you can also buy pre-made cold brew concentrate or coffee recipes with espresso if you prefer a stronger flavor. Just make sure you dilute the concentrate with water or milk as needed to adjust the strength of your coffee.
Step 2: Make the Brown Sugar Syrup
In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of water with 1/2 cup of brown sugar. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved. Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and stir to combine. Let the syrup simmer for 1-2 minutes before removing it from the heat.
Allow the brown sugar cinnamon syrup to cool to room temperature. This syrup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week and can be used for other coffee recipes with syrup or even recipes with espresso if you want to add a touch of sweetness to your favorite coffee drink.
Step 3: Assemble Your Brown Sugar Cinnamon Cold Brew
Fill a glass with ice cubes. Pour 3/4 cup of your cold brew coffee into the glass. Add 2 tablespoons of the brown sugar cinnamon syrup (or more if you prefer it sweeter). Stir well to ensure the syrup mixes evenly with the cold brew.
If you like your cold brew creamier, add 1/4 cup of milk or your preferred milk alternative. Stir again and taste. If you want a stronger cinnamon flavor, feel free to add a pinch of ground cinnamon directly into the drink and mix it in.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Top your drink with whipped cream for a decadent touch, and dust a bit of cinnamon on top for garnish. Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing, sweet, and spicy flavors of your Brown Sugar Cinnamon Cold Brew.
Variations of Brown Sugar Cinnamon Cold Brew
Once you have mastered the basic recipe, you can get creative with variations. Here are a few ideas to take your healthy coffee drinks to the next level:
Iced Brown Sugar Cinnamon Latte
For a creamier, espresso-style twist, add a shot of espresso to the cold brew mixture. The combination of espresso and cold brew creates a bold and robust flavor that’s perfect for those who love an intense coffee experience. You can use a milk frother to create a foamy texture and top it off with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Brown Sugar Cinnamon Cold Brew Float
Turn your Brown Sugar Cinnamon Cold Brew into a dessert by adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. This indulgent treat is a great way to enjoy coffee with a sweet, frosty finish. The cold brew provides a smooth, strong base while the ice cream adds richness and creaminess to every sip.
Vegan Brown Sugar Cinnamon Cold Brew
For a vegan-friendly version, simply swap out the milk for almond milk, oat milk, or any other dairy-free milk. You can also use a plant-based whipped cream or skip the whipped topping altogether for a lighter, yet equally delicious, version of this drink.
Brown Sugar Cinnamon Cold Brew with Chocolate
If you’re a fan of chocolate, try adding a teaspoon of cocoa powder or a drizzle of chocolate syrup to your drink. The combination of chocolate, cinnamon, and brown sugar with cold brew creates a decadent, dessert-like coffee experience.
Other Recipes with Espresso to Try
While Brown Sugar Cinnamon Cold Brew is a fantastic choice for coffee lovers, there are plenty of other recipes with espresso that can bring variety and excitement to your coffee routine. Here are a few coffee recipes at home to explore:
Iced Cinnamon Espresso
Combine a shot of espresso with 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and a little sugar. Pour the espresso over a glass of ice and top with cold milk or a milk alternative. Stir to combine and enjoy the bold, spiced flavor.
Espresso Tonic
If you enjoy a refreshing twist on your coffee, try an espresso tonic. Fill a glass with ice, add a shot of espresso, and top with tonic water. Garnish with a slice of lemon for a citrusy finish. It’s a delightful, effervescent take on the traditional espresso.
Affogato
For a simple yet indulgent dessert, an affogato is a perfect choice. Just scoop some vanilla ice cream into a bowl and pour a hot shot of espresso over it. The contrast of the hot espresso and cold ice cream creates a mouthwatering treat.
Mocha Espresso
Combine 1 shot of espresso with 2 tablespoons of chocolate syrup. Pour the mixture over a glass of ice and top with milk. Stir to combine for a sweet and creamy mocha flavor.
Conclusion
The Brown Sugar Cinnamon Cold Brew is a delightful and versatile coffee drink that can easily be made at home with a few simple ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing summer drink or a cozy beverage to enjoy year-round, this recipe provides the perfect balance of sweetness and spice with the bold flavor of cold brew coffee.
By experimenting with different variations and combining it with other coffee recipes with espresso or recipes with syrup, you can create a customized coffee experience that suits your preferences. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy healthy coffee drinks at home without needing to step foot in a café. So, grab your favorite cold brew, some brown sugar, and cinnamon, and get ready to indulge in a delicious, refreshing coffee treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
