There’s something special about the smooth, rich flavor of cold brew coffee. Its low-acidity and naturally sweet profile make it an incredibly versatile ingredient, especially when you’re looking to create sophisticated cocktails at home. Moving beyond the standard cup of morning coffee, cold brew can be the star of your next gathering or a quiet evening on the patio. If you’re ready to experiment, we have a fantastic list of 10 tasty cold brew alcohol drinks to make at home that are sure to impress.
The beauty of using cold brew as a mixer is its ability to complement rather than overpower other flavors. It pairs wonderfully with a wide range of spirits, from whiskey and vodka to rum and liqueurs, allowing you to craft everything from strong after-dinner cocktails to refreshing afternoon sippers. Let’s look at how you can build a great foundation for your drinks and then get started with our favorite recipes.
Starting with a Great Base: Your Cold Brew Concentrate
Before you mix your first drink, the most important step is preparing your cold brew. For cocktails, using a cold brew concentrate is highly recommended. A concentrate is brewed with a higher coffee-to-water ratio, resulting in a stronger, more intense flavor that holds its own when mixed with alcohol and other ingredients. You can easily make your own by steeping one cup of coarsely ground coffee in four cups of cold water for 12-24 hours. Strain it, and you have a perfect base for your creations. This strong foundation is key to ensuring your cocktails have a robust coffee character.
10 Tasty Cold Brew Alcohol Drinks To Make At Home
Now for the main event. These recipes are simple, require minimal ingredients, and are easily customizable to your taste. Feel free to adjust the sweetness or strength to create your perfect drink.
The Classic Cold Brew Old Fashioned
A twist on the timeless cocktail, this version adds a deep coffee note. In a glass with a large ice cube, combine 2 ounces of bourbon, 1 ounce of cold brew concentrate, and a quarter ounce of maple syrup or simple syrup. Stir gently and garnish with an orange twist. The result is a sophisticated, spirit-forward drink with wonderful complexity.
Spiked Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew
If you enjoy creamy coffee drinks, this is for you. Fill a glass with ice and pour in 1.5 ounces of vodka or Kahlúa, followed by 4 ounces of cold brew concentrate. To make the sweet cream, vigorously shake 2 ounces of heavy cream, half an ounce of vanilla syrup, and a splash of milk until slightly frothy. Gently pour the cream mixture over the back of a spoon to float it on top of the coffee.
Coffee Rum Chill
Rum and coffee are a match made in heaven. Try this tropical-inspired option: combine 1.5 ounces of golden or dark rum, 3 ounces of cold brew concentrate, and 1 ounce of coconut water in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a tall glass filled with fresh ice. It’s incredibly refreshing and not too sweet.
The Salty Irish Cold Brew
This drink takes inspiration from the Irish coffee. Add 1.5 ounces of Irish whiskey and 4 ounces of cold brew concentrate to a warm mug. Stir in half an ounce of simple syrup to taste. Top with a float of lightly whipped cream that has a tiny pinch of sea salt mixed into it. The salty cream is a wonderful contrast to the sweet coffee below.
Mexican Coffee Cocktail
Bring some spice to your routine. Rim a glass with a mixture of sugar and a pinch of cinnamon and chili powder. Fill with ice and add 1.5 ounces of reposado tequila, 3 ounces of cold brew concentrate, and half an ounce of coffee liqueur. Give it a quick stir and enjoy the warm, spicy kick.
The Simple Cold Brew Martini
For a clean and potent cocktail, the martini is a go-to. In a shaker filled with ice, combine 2 ounces of vanilla vodka, 1 ounce of cold brew concentrate, and half an ounce of coffee liqueur. Shake until very cold and strain into a chilled martini glass. It’s smooth, strong, and effortlessly cool.
Hazelnut Cold Brew & Frangelico
This is a simple two-ingredient delight that feels luxurious. Fill a rocks glass with ice and pour over 1.5 ounces of Frangelico and 3 ounces of cold brew concentrate. Stir gently and garnish with a few toasted hazelnuts if you have them. It’s like a liquid dessert in the best way possible.
Boozy Iced Mocha
Revisit a childhood favorite with an adult twist. In a glass, mix 1.5 ounces of dark crème de cacao or chocolate liqueur with 4 ounces of cold brew concentrate. Add a splash of milk or cream and stir. For an extra treat, top with whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup.
Coffee Paloma with a Kick
This is a surprisingly refreshing combination. In a salt-rimmed glass filled with ice, combine 1.5 ounces of blanco tequila, 3 ounces of cold brew concentrate, and the juice of half a lime. Top with a splash of grapefruit soda and stir gently. The citrus and coffee create a unique and bright flavor profile.
The Bourbon Cream Float
Perfect for a lazy weekend. In a tall glass, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous pour of chilled vanilla creamer. Slowly pour 1.5 ounces of bourbon and 3 ounces of cold brew concentrate over the top. Let it sit for a minute before stirring it all together into a creamy, dreamy treat.
Tips for Crafting Your Perfect Drink
As you experiment with these cold brew alcohol drinks, remember that the best cocktail is the one you enjoy the most. Don’t be afraid to adjust the ratios. If you prefer a stronger coffee taste, add more concentrate. If you have a sweet tooth, a little extra simple syrup can make all the difference. Always use fresh, high-quality ingredients, especially when your recipe is as simple as coffee and spirits. The flavor of your cold brew will shine through, so make sure it’s a good one. Finally, presentation matters—a nice glass, a simple garnish, or a clear ice cube can make your homemade drink feel extra special.
Mixing cold brew coffee with alcohol opens up a world of flavor possibilities right in your own kitchen. From the bold and classic to the sweet and creamy, there’s a recipe here for every mood and occasion. The next time you have some cold brew concentrate ready, go beyond your usual routine and shake up one of these simple, satisfying cocktails. You might just find your new favorite drink.