It’s official: cold brew season is upon us. As the weather warms up and we crave something refreshing and energizing, iced coffee becomes a go-to beverage.
But let’s be real, plain old iced coffee can get a little boring after a while. That’s where cold brew flavor pairings come in!
If you’re unfamiliar with cold brew, it’s a method of making coffee by steeping coarsely ground beans in cold water for an extended period (usually around 12-24 hours). The result is a smoother, less acidic coffee perfect for sipping on ice.
Now, onto the fun part: adding flavors to your cold brew. Whether you’re a fan of sweet, savory, or spicy, there’s a flavor pairing out there for you.
Here are some of my favorite combinations to try:
Cold Brew + Chocolate
Chocolate and coffee are a classic flavor pairing for a reason.
The rich, chocolatey notes in cold brew pair perfectly with a touch of cocoa or chocolate syrup. Bonus points if you add a splash of cream for a decadent twist.
Cold Brew + Mint
Looking for something refreshing? Add a sprig of mint or a few drops of peppermint extract to your cold brew. The excellent, crisp flavor of mint pairs perfectly with the smoothness of cold-brew coffee.
Cold Brew + Cinnamon
Cinnamon and coffee might sound like an unconventional pairing, but trust us on this one.
The warm, spicy notes of cinnamon pair beautifully with the bold flavor of cold brew. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon to your cold brew, or opt for a cinnamon-flavored syrup for an extra sweet kick.
Cold Brew + Vanilla
Vanilla and coffee is a flavor combination that can’t be beaten. The sweet, creamy flavor of vanilla complements the smoothness of cold brew coffee perfectly.
Splash some vanilla extract or a drizzle of vanilla syrup to your cold brew for a delicious twist.
Cold Brew + Caramel
Caramel and coffee are a match made in heaven. The rich, buttery flavor of caramel pairs perfectly with the boldness of cold brew.
Add a drizzle of caramel sauce to your cold brew, or opt for a caramel-flavored syrup for an extra sweet kick.
Cold Brew + Spices
For a spicy twist on your cold brew, try adding a pinch of spices like cardamom, cloves, or allspice. These warm, aromatic spices pair beautifully with the bold flavor of cold-brew coffee.
Cold Brew + Fruit
Fruit and coffee might seem like an unlikely pairing, but trust us, it works!
Add a splash of fruit juice (like orange or raspberry) to your cold brew for a refreshing twist. Or, opt for a fruit-flavored syrup (like cherry or blueberry) for a sweeter option.
There you have it – a guide to cold brew flavor pairings that will take your iced coffee game to the next level. Whether you’re a fan of sweet, savory, or spicy, there’s a flavor combination out there for you. So go ahead and try these pairings – I promise you won’t be disappointed!
Happy cold brew sipping!
