Cold brew coffee has become an increasingly popular drink in recent years. Unlike traditional iced coffee, which is brewed hot before being chilled, cold brew coffee is brewed by steeping coffee grounds in room temperature or cold water for an extended period of time. This slow steeping process results in a smooth, naturally sweet coffee concentrate that many coffee lovers prefer over regular iced coffee.
One popular way to enjoy cold brew is by adding cream, milk, or other flavors to create a creamy, sweetened cold brew drink. But what exactly goes into making a cream cold brew? Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients and process behind this tasty beverage.
The Cold Brew Coffee Base
The foundation of any good cream cold brew is, of course, high-quality cold brew coffee concentrate. Cold brew can be made from any type of coffee beans, but typically medium or dark roasts are used since they produce a smoother, less acidic flavor profile. Some popular beans for cold brew include Colombian, Ethiopian, Sumatran, and Brazilian.
To brew cold brew, coarse coffee grounds are combined with cool or room temperature water at a ratio of around 1:4 to 1:8 coffee to water. So for example, to make a cold brew concentrate you would use 1 cup of coarse ground coffee for every 4 to 8 cups of water. The grounds steep in the water for 12-24 hours before being strained out, resulting in a smooth concentrate.
When making cold brew for cream cold brews, it’s best to dilute the concentrate with water, milk or cream to avoid an overly strong or bitter flavor. Many coffee shops use a 1:1 ratio of cold brew concentrate to water or milk when making their cream cold brew drinks.
Cream
What really gives a cream cold brew its signature creamy texture is, of course, the addition of cream. Any type of cream or milk can be used, but here are some of the most popular options:
- Heavy cream – Thick and rich, heavy cream adds a smooth, velvety texture and subtle sweetness.
- Whole milk – Not as thick as heavy cream but adds rich dairy flavor and creamy body.
- 2% or skim milk – For a lighter texture but still with creaminess.
- Non-dairy milks – Such as almond, oat or soy work well for non-dairy versions.
- Sweetened condensed milk – Adds a decadent, sugary richness and sweetness.
The amount of cream added depends on personal preference, but a good starting point is a 1:1 ratio of cold brew to cream. Adjust to taste based on desired richness and sweetness.
Sweeteners
To balance out the slight bitterness of coffee and add an extra layer of flavor, most cream cold brews incorporate a sweetener. Here are some popular options:
- White sugar – The classic choice, adds straightforward sweetness.
- Brown sugar – Deeper, almost caramel-like sweetness.
- Honey – Natural option with floral, fruity notes.
- Maple syrup – Unique richness and earthy, woodsy flavor.
- Vanilla syrup – Enhances creamy vanilla notes.
- Flavored syrups – Such as hazelnut, caramel, almond, etc for extra flavor dimensions.
1-2 tablespoons of sweetener per 8-12 oz drink is usually sufficient. Taste as you go to find desired sweetness level.
Mix-Ins
Beyond the coffee, cream and sweetener base, creative mix-ins can take a cream cold brew to the next level. Here are some tasty additions to try:
- Whipped cream – A dollop adds sweet creaminess.
- Chocolate sauce or shavings – For mocha flavor.
- Cinnamon – Warming spice complements coffee.
- Nutmeg – Another cozy spice pair.
- Vanilla extract – Touch of rich vanilla.
- Sea salt – A pinch enhancesflavors.
- Caramel sauce – Drizzle overtop or blend in for caramel notes.
Get creative with mixes of spices, extracts, sauces and toppings to invent your own signature cream cold brew!
The Process
Now that we’ve looked at the key ingredients in a cream cold brew, let’s review the simple process for assembling this delicious drink:
- Brew cold brew coffee concentrate if starting from scratch. Or dilute pre-made concentrate with water.
- Add cream and sweetener to chilled cold brew concentrate and mix well.
- Adjust amounts of cream and sweetener to taste preferences.
- Pour over ice and add any toppings/mix-ins as desired.
- Sit back and enjoy your creamy, sweet cold brew creation!
Part of the fun of cream cold brews is customizing with different ingredient amounts and add-ins until you invent your perfect version. It’s also easy to scale up a recipe to make a larger batch for sharing. Simply multiply the ingredient amounts for a crowd-pleasing cold brew you can enjoy all week long.
Popular Cream Cold Brew Recipes
Now that you know the basics behind making a great cream cold brew, here are some recipe ideas to get your coffee creativity flowing:
Vanilla Cream Cold Brew
- 4 cups cold brew concentrate
- 2 cups vanilla almond milk
- 1-2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
- Whipped cream
- Vanilla syrup drizzle
Mix together cold brew, almond milk, brown sugar, vanilla and salt until well combined. Pour over ice and top with whipped cream and vanilla syrup drizzle.
Caramel Cream Cold Brew
- 4 cups cold brew concentrate
- 2 cups sweetened condensed milk
- 3 tbsp caramel sauce, plus more for drizzling
- Pinch of sea salt
- Cinnamon
Stir together cold brew, condensed milk, caramel sauce and sea salt. Pour over ice and drizzle with extra caramel sauce. Sprinkle with cinnamon.
Mocha Cream Cold Brew
- 4 cups cold brew concentrate
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chocolate syrup
- 1-2 tbsp white sugar
- Chocolate shavings
Whisk together cold brew, heavy cream, chocolate syrup and sugar. Pour over ice and top with chocolate shavings.
Get inspired by these recipes but also feel free to mix and match flavors to your liking – the possibilities are endless for rich, decadent cream cold brews!
Benefits of Cream Cold Brew
Why choose a creamy, sweetened cold brew over regular black cold brew or iced coffee? Here are some of the benefits that make cream cold brews so irresistible:
- Smooth, creamy mouthfeel – The addition of cream or milk creates a frothy, smooth, velvety texture that coats the tongue.
- Milder flavor – The cream helps mellow out the acidity of cold brew for a rounder, richer taste.
- Natural sweetness – The hint of sweetener balances and enhances the chocolate and caramel notes of the coffee.
- Endless customization – With different cream options, sweeteners and mix-ins, you can create your perfect flavor profile.
- Caffeine hit – Still gets that energizing caffeine kick of cold brew.
- Decadence – A touch of indulgence and treat for your tastebuds.
Sip after creamy, sweetened sip, it’s easy to see why cream cold brew is becoming so popular. It transforms an everyday cup of Joe into a luxurious, flavorful experience.
Potential Drawbacks
As delicious as cream cold brews are, it’s worth keeping in mind a few potential drawbacks before indulging:
- Higher in calories and fat – The cream and sweetener significantly increase calories and fat compared to black cold brew.
- Less caffeine – The added dairy and flavor dilutes the coffee, reducing caffeine levels per cup.
- Potential for overly sweet taste – Sweetener amounts should be balanced carefully to avoid an overly sugar-forward drink.
- Dairy concerns – Those with lactose intolerance may struggle with dairy-based cream options.
- Artificial flavors – Flavored syrups and sauces may contain lots of artificial additives.
Enjoying cream cold brew in moderation or selecting lighter dairy and sugar-free sweeteners can help reduce these downsides. But at the end of the day, sometimes you just need to indulge in an ultra creamy, dreamy cold brew!
Storing and Shelf Life
To get the most out of your batch of cream cold brew, it’s important to store it properly and drink within a certain window of time for best flavor. Here are some storage and shelf life tips:
- Store diluted cream cold brew concentrate in the fridge in an airtight container. It will keep for up to 2 weeks.
- Undiluted cream cold brew concentrates keep for up to 1 month in the fridge.
- For maximum freshness, aim to drink cream cold brews within 3-5 days of mixing.
- Cream cold brews with dairy degrade faster. Consume within 2 days for best quality.
- Always give cream cold brews a good stir or shake before drinking to recombine any separated ingredients.
Proper storage helps lock in that just-brewed taste and texture longer. But in general, cream cold brews are best consumed soon after making for the freshest flavor.
Conclusion
Cream cold brew coffee has skyrocketed in popularity thanks to its rich, smooth and endlessly customizable flavor possibilities. By combining high-quality cold brew concentrate with luscious dairy and touches of sweetness, you can craft a coffee drink that’s truly a treat for the tastebuds.
Understanding the ingredients, ratios and brewing methods allows you to make cafe-quality cream cold brews at home. Experiment with different creamers, sweeteners and mix-ins to dial in your perfect signature cream cold brew. Just be mindful of potential downsides like higher calories and artificial flavors in some recipes. Savor each velvety, sweet sip of this indulgent chilled coffee drink!