Okay, friends, let’s talk about my absolute favorite way to start a busy morning or just get a little afternoon pick-me-up: homemade caramel cold brew. Honestly, once you try making this yourself, you’ll wonder why you ever paid those coffee shop prices! It’s ridiculously simple to whip up a big batch, and the flavor? Oh my goodness. I remember the first time I nailed this recipe; I was sitting on my porch, the sun was just peeking over the trees, and that first sip of smooth, sweet, creamy coffee just made everything feel *right*. I’ve been making my own coffee at home for years, and this caramel cold brew is hands-down one of my proudest creations. It’s the perfect balance of rich coffee and sweet caramel, and it’s just so darn refreshing.

Why You’ll Love This Caramel Cold Brew Recipe

Seriously, making your own caramel cold brew at home is a total game-changer! You get all the deliciousness without the hefty price tag of your favorite cafe. Plus, you’re in complete control – want it sweeter? More caramel? Less creamy? You got it! It’s just so satisfying to whip up a batch that’s perfectly tailored to your taste buds. You’ll end up with a super rich, wonderfully smooth coffee that’s just begging to be enjoyed, especially when you need a little treat on a warm day (or, let’s be honest, any day!).

Save money compared to coffee shop prices.
Control the sweetness and creaminess.
Enjoy a rich, smooth coffee experience.
Perfect for hot days or anytime you need a treat.

Essential Ingredients for Your Caramel Cold Brew

Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of what you’ll need to make this dreamy caramel cold brew. It’s honestly pretty straightforward! You’ll start with 2 cups of coarse coffee grounds – and trust me, the grind size is super important, we’ll get to that in a sec. Then you’ll need 8 cups of cold water. I always go for filtered water if I have it, just because it makes the coffee taste that much cleaner, but regular cold tap water works too. For that irresistible caramel flavor, you’ll want about 1/2 cup of caramel sauce. You can totally use your favorite store-bought kind, or if you’re feeling fancy, a homemade one is amazing! And for that creamy finish, grab 1/2 cup of milk or cream. Whole milk or half-and-half gives it a lovely richness, but I’ve also used oat milk or almond milk with great results. And of course, don’t forget a big old pile of ice cubes for serving!

Coffee Grounds: The Foundation of Your Caramel Cold Brew

So, about that coffee grind! For cold brew, you absolutely want to use coarse grounds. Think of them looking like chunky sea salt. If you use too fine a grind, like you would for drip coffee, you’ll end up with a muddy, sludgy mess that’s super bitter. The coarse grind lets the water slowly extract all that lovely coffee flavor without pulling out all the bitter stuff. It’s key for that smooth, delicious caramel cold brew! For more on coffee brewing methods, check out different coffee preparation techniques.

Water: The Perfect Partner for Cold Brew Coffee

Water might seem simple, but it really does play a starring role here. Make sure you’re using cold water – hot water is for hot brewing! Cold water is what makes cold brew, well, *cold brew*, and it gently extracts the coffee’s flavor over time. I really do recommend filtered water if you can swing it, as it makes a subtle difference in the final taste, giving you a cleaner, brighter cup. It’s just one less thing to worry about affecting that perfect caramel cold brew flavor.

Sweetness and Creaminess: Caramel Sauce and Milk

The caramel sauce is where the magic really happens for our caramel cold brew! I usually reach for a good quality store-bought sauce that’s thick enough to drizzle but not so stiff it’s hard to mix. If you make your own, make sure it’s a pourable consistency. As for the milk or cream, it’s all about what you like! Whole milk or heavy cream will give you a super decadent, rich drink. But if you’re dairy-free, don’t sweat it! Oat milk, almond milk, or even soy milk work beautifully. You can totally play around with the amount here too – start with half a cup and add more until it tastes just right for you.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Caramel Cold Brew

Alright, let’s get this deliciousness made! It’s a two-part process: first, making the concentrate, and then assembling your perfect drink. It sounds like a lot, but trust me, it’s super easy and so worth it for that amazing caramel cold brew.

Combining and Steeping the Coffee

First things first, grab a big jar or a pitcher – something that can hold about 2 quarts. Toss in your 2 cups of coarse coffee grounds. Then, pour in all 8 cups of your cold water. Give it a good stir to make sure all those grounds are wet. Now, cover it up and let it sit on your counter or in the fridge for about 12 to 18 hours. I usually aim for around 16 hours. This is where the magic happens – the cold water slowly pulls all the yummy coffee flavor out. Any less time and it might be a bit weak, any more and it could get a tad bitter. So, 12-18 hours is your sweet spot for this caramel cold brew concentrate.

Straining for a Smooth Concentrate

Once your coffee has had its long, slow soak, it’s time to strain it. This is a crucial step for getting that super smooth texture. Grab another clean container, like a bowl or another pitcher. Place a fine-mesh sieve over the top, and then line that sieve with a couple of layers of cheesecloth. Slowly, slowly pour your coffee mixture through the cheesecloth-lined sieve. You might need to do this in batches. Let gravity do its thing! Once it’s all strained, carefully gather up the cheesecloth and give it a gentle squeeze to get out any last bits of liquid. Don’t squeeze too hard, though, or you might push some sediment through. Discard those coffee grounds – you’ve earned them!

Assembling Your Delicious Caramel Cold Brew

Now for the best part – making your actual drink! Grab a tall glass and fill it up with ice. Pour in about 1 part of your glorious caramel cold brew concentrate. Then, add 1 part of your milk or cream. If you like it stronger, use more concentrate; if you prefer it milder, add more milk. Next, drizzle in that caramel sauce. Start with a tablespoon or two and stir it all up really well. Taste it! Want more caramel? Add more! Too strong? A splash more milk. Keep adjusting until it’s exactly how you like it. Give it one final stir and enjoy your fantastic homemade caramel cold brew!

Tips for Crafting the Best Caramel Cold Brew

Okay, so you’ve got the basic recipe down, but let’s talk about taking your caramel cold brew from good to absolutely *spectacular*. First off, the beans really do matter! Always try to use fresh, good-quality coffee beans. If you can grind them yourself right before brewing, even better! It makes a world of difference in flavor. Also, don’t be afraid to play around with the steeping times. While 12-18 hours is the sweet spot, depending on your beans and how strong you like it, you might find you prefer 14 hours or even 20. Just keep notes on what works for you! And one last thing, make sure you chill that concentrate really well before you serve it. Serving your caramel cold brew over ice with a nice, cold concentrate just makes it taste so much smoother and more refreshing. Trust me on this one!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Caramel Cold Brew

So, you’re ready to make some amazing caramel cold brew, but maybe you’re missing something or want to tweak it? No problem! If you don’t have a store-bought caramel sauce handy, you can totally whip up your own. Just melt down some sugar with a little water until it’s amber, then carefully whisk in some butter and cream until it’s smooth and delicious. It adds such a lovely homemade touch! As for the milk or cream, the world is your oyster! Whole milk or heavy cream will give you that super rich, decadent texture we love. But if you’re dairy-free or just prefer something lighter, almond milk, oat milk, or even soy milk work like a charm. Just remember that different milks will change the creaminess a bit, so adjust the amount until it tastes just right for your perfect cup of caramel cold brew.

Frequently Asked Questions About Caramel Cold Brew

Got questions about whipping up your own caramel cold brew? I’ve got answers! A lot of people ask if they can use pre-ground coffee, and honestly, while you *can*, it’s really not ideal. Pre-ground coffee is usually too fine for cold brew, which can lead to a bitter, muddy result. It’s best to get coarse grounds or grind your own beans. And what about making it without the caramel? Absolutely! You can totally skip the caramel sauce and just enjoy a delicious, smooth cold brew with milk or cream. It’s still amazing! You can always add sweeteners like simple syrup or maple syrup if you like.

Storing Your Caramel Cold Brew Concentrate

Once you’ve gone through the trouble of making that glorious caramel cold brew concentrate, you’ll want to store it properly so you can enjoy it later. The best way is to pour it into an airtight container, like a mason jar or a sealed pitcher. Pop that into the refrigerator, and it should stay fresh for about 2 weeks. I find it tastes best within the first week, though! Just give it a little shake before you use it, as things can sometimes settle a bit. Remember, this is just the concentrate, so you’ll still mix it with milk and caramel when you’re ready to drink it.

Estimated Nutritional Information for Caramel Cold Brew

Just a heads-up, the nutrition facts for this delicious caramel cold brew are estimates, and they can totally change depending on how much caramel sauce and milk you add, and even the type of coffee beans you use! But, as a general idea, one serving (about 1 cup of the mixed drink) usually clocks in around 150 calories. You’re looking at roughly 8g of fat, 3g of protein, and about 22g of carbohydrates, with maybe 20g of that being sugar from the caramel and milk. It’s a treat, for sure, but oh-so-worth-it!

Share Your Caramel Cold Brew Creations!

Alright, now that you’ve got the lowdown on making the most amazing caramel cold brew, I want to see YOUR creations! Did you try it? Did you add a little something extra? Snap a pic and share it with me in the comments below! I absolutely love hearing about your kitchen adventures and seeing how you put your own spin on my recipes. And if you loved this drink as much as I do, please consider leaving a rating – it really helps other coffee lovers find this gem! For more delicious recipes, check out our recipe collection.

Amazing Caramel Cold Brew: 1 sensational treat

Author: feeltasty
Total Time: 12-18 hours (steeping time)
Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A simple recipe for homemade caramel cold brew coffee.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups coarse coffee grounds
8 cups cold water
1/2 cup caramel sauce
1/2 cup milk or cream
Ice cubes

Instructions

Combine coffee grounds and cold water in a large jar or pitcher.
Stir well and let it steep at room temperature for 12-18 hours.
Strain the coffee concentrate through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth into another container. Discard the grounds.
To serve, fill a glass with ice.
Pour in 1 part cold brew concentrate and 1 part milk or cream.
Stir in caramel sauce to your desired sweetness.
Enjoy your caramel cold brew.

Notes

For a stronger coffee flavor, use a higher coffee to water ratio.
Adjust the amount of caramel sauce and milk to your preference.
Store cold brew concentrate in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Beverage
Method: Cold Brew
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 150
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 50mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: caramel cold brew, iced coffee, homemade coffee, easy coffee recipe, sweet coffee