Enjoy Delicious and Refreshing Cold Coffee Drinks This Winter Season

Enjoy Delicious and Refreshing Cold Coffee Drinks This Winter

When the weather turns cold, there's nothing quite like curling up with a hot cup of coffee. But sometimes, even during the winter months, a refreshing cold coffee drink can really hit the spot!

Cold coffee drinks have been growing in popularity over the past few years. During warmer months, iced coffee provides a cooling, caffeine-filled beverage. However, creative cold coffee concoctions using ingredients like coffee ice cubes, whipped coffee, and cold foam can be just as satisfying during the colder months.

Keep reading for tips on making delicious cold coffee drinks at home this winter. We'll cover how to make healthier versions with less added sugar than some coffee shop favorites. Get ready to discover new cold coffee drink recipes you can enjoy all season long!

Differences Between Cold Brew and Iced Coffee

Before diving into recipes, let's cover the main differences between cold brew and iced coffee. Understanding this will help you make the best cold coffee drinks.

Cold brew coffee is brewed slowly by steeping coffee grounds in cold or room temperature water for 12-24 hours. This long steeping time extracts flavors and caffeine while resulting in a naturally sweeter, smoother flavor.

Iced coffee begins with regular hot coffee that is quickly cooled down either at room temperature or over ice. It has a flavor more similar to regular hot coffee since it is brewed using the same hot water process.

Keep these differences in mind when deciding which method to use for your cold coffee drinks. Cold brew offers a smoother, mildly sweeter flavor, while iced coffee has a more traditional coffee taste.

Tips for Making Cold Coffee Drinks at Home

Ready to start experimenting with delicious cold coffee beverages? Here are some helpful tips:

• Use high quality, fresh coffee beans and grind them just before brewing for maximum flavor.
• Brew coffee stronger than normal since ice will dilute the flavor.
• Chill coffee quickly by pouring it over ice or using coffee ice cubes.
• Store cold brew or iced coffee in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
• Add your favorite milk or cream for a smoother, creamier drink.
• Flavor with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla.
• Sweeten with just a drizzle of honey or maple syrup instead of sugar.
• Top with whipped cream, frothy milk, or cold foam.
• Garnish with spices, chocolate shavings, or fresh fruit.

6 Delicious Cold Coffee Recipes

Now for the fun part, try out these enticing cold coffee drinks you can make in your own kitchen:

1. Vanilla Iced Coffee

This simple iced coffee gets a flavor boost from vanilla syrup or extract. The vanilla adds a subtle sweetness and aromatics.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups strongly brewed coffee, chilled
• 1/4 cup milk of choice
• 2-3 tablespoons vanilla syrup or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Ice cubes
• Whipped cream (optional)

Instructions:

1. Brew coffee using your preferred method. Allow it to chill completely.
2. Fill a glass with ice cubes. Add milk, vanilla, and coffee. Stir to combine.
3. Top with whipped cream if desired. Enjoy immediately.

2. Mexican Iced Coffee (Caf de Olla)

This Latin American-inspired coffee gets warm spice flavors from cinnamon and sweetness from piloncillo sugar.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups strongly brewed coffee, chilled
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 tablespoons piloncillo or brown sugar
• 1 star anise pod (optional)
• Ice cubes
• Whipped cream (optional)

Instructions:

1. Brew coffee and let chill completely.
2. Heat cinnamon stick, sugar, and star anise with 2 tablespoons water until sugar dissolves. Cool completely.
3. Fill a glass with ice. Add coffee and sugar mixture. Top with whipped cream if desired. Enjoy!

3. Mocha Frappe

This creamy, chocolatey frapp feels like a decadent treat but contains less sugar than coffeehouse versions. The coconut milk adds healthy fats.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup strongly brewed coffee, chilled
• 1/4 cup canned coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of sea salt
• Handful of ice

Instructions:

1. Brew coffee and chill completely.
2. Blend all ingredients until thick and frothy.
3. Pour into a glass and enjoy with a straw.

4. Matcha Latte

For the green tea lovers, this energizing matcha latte contains the earthy flavor of matcha balanced by the sweetness of maple syrup.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon matcha powder
• 1 tablespoon hot water
• 1 cup cold milk of choice
• 2 teaspoons maple syrup
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Whisk matcha powder and hot water until frothy.
2. Fill glass with ice and add milk and maple syrup.
3. Pour in matcha mixture and stir gently.

5. Strawberry Basil Lemonade

For a refreshing, non-coffee drink, try this strawberry lemonade spiked with cold brew! The basil adds an herbal note.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cold brew coffee
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 10 strawberries, sliced
• 5 fresh basil leaves
• Lemon slices for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a blender, combine coffee, water, lemon juice, honey, strawberries and basil. Blend until smooth.
2. Pour into glasses over ice. Garnish with lemon slices. Enjoy!

6. Coffee Fros

Can't decide between coffee or ros? Enjoy both in this fun, boozy blend of ros wine and cold brew coffee over ice. It's perfect for relaxing weekends.

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces dry ros wine
• 1 ounce cold brew coffee
• 1 ounce simple syrup
• Squeeze of lemon juice
• Ice cubes
• Orange twist for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a wine glass with ice.
2. Add wine, coffee, simple syrup, and lemon juice. Stir gently.
3. Garnish with an orange twist. Enjoy!

Tips for Choosing the Healthiest Cold Coffee Drinks

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.