Cold brew coffee has taken the coffee world by storm, and for good reason. Its smooth, rich flavor and low acidity make it the perfect base for creative coffee drinks. Our Cinnamon Caramel Cream Cold Brew Recipe adds a cozy twist with warm cinnamon and sweet caramel notes that blend beautifully with the bold cold brew.
This refreshing yet indulgent drink is easy to make at home and perfect for any time of day. Whether you’re looking to elevate your morning routine or enjoy a chilled treat, this recipe brings café-quality flavor straight to your kitchen. Let’s dive into crafting this deliciously creamy and spiced cold brew that’s sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients
To make our Cinnamon Caramel Cream Cold Brew with authentic café quality, we gather fresh and flavorful ingredients. Each component is essential for balancing the smooth cold brew, warm cinnamon, and sweet caramel cream.
For the Cold Brew Coffee
We start with a rich cold brew base that anchors this recipe.
- ½ cup coarsely ground coffee beans (preferably medium-dark roast)
- 4 cups cold filtered water
For the Cinnamon Caramel Cream
This silky cream combines warm spices with luscious caramel for a perfect flavor contrast.
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons caramel sauce (preferably homemade or high quality store-bought)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings and Add-ins
Customize your drink with these extras for extra flair and flavor.
- Whipped cream
- Drizzle of caramel sauce
- Sprinkle of ground cinnamon or cinnamon sticks
- Ice cubes
- Pinch of sea salt (to enhance caramel)
| Ingredient Group | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Cold Brew Coffee | ½ cup coarsely ground coffee beans, 4 cups cold filtered water |
| Cinnamon Caramel Cream | 1 cup heavy whipping cream, 2 tablespoons caramel sauce, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 tbsp powdered sugar, ½ tsp vanilla extract |
| Optional Toppings/Add-ins | Whipped cream, caramel drizzle, ground cinnamon, cinnamon sticks, ice cubes, pinch of sea salt |
Equipment Needed
To make our Cinnamon Caramel Cream Cold Brew perfectly at home, having the right equipment is essential. Here’s what we need to prepare this delicious, smooth, and flavorful drink:
- Cold Brew Coffee Maker or Large Jar
For steeping the coarsely ground coffee beans with cold water. A dedicated cold brew maker simplifies the process but a large glass jar with a tight lid works just as well.
- Fine Mesh Strainer or Cheesecloth
To filter the steeped coffee concentrate, ensuring a smooth cold brew base free from grounds.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Precise measurement of coffee, water, cream, spices, and sweeteners is key to achieving consistent taste.
- Mixing Bowl
To combine the Cinnamon Caramel Cream ingredients like heavy whipping cream, caramel sauce, ground cinnamon, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Whisk or Electric Mixer
To whip the cream mixture into a luscious, frothy topping that enhances the cold brew’s texture.
- Tall Glass or Serving Glass
For assembling and serving the cold brew, allowing enough space for ice and cream.
- Spoon or Stirrer
To layer the cream over the cold brew and mix flavors if desired.
- Ice Cube Tray
If using ice cubes, always have fresh ice prepared to chill the drink without diluting the flavor.
| Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Cold Brew Coffee Maker | Steeping medium-dark roasted coffee |
| Large Glass Jar | Alternative steeping container |
| Fine Mesh Strainer | Filtering coffee concentrate |
| Measuring Cups & Spoons | Accurate ingredient measurements |
| Mixing Bowl | Combining cream and flavorings |
| Whisk/Electric Mixer | Whipping the cinnamon caramel cream |
| Tall Glass | Serving and presentation |
| Spoon/Stirrer | Mixing and layering |
| Ice Cube Tray | Creating chilled ice cubes |
Having these tools ready streamlines our preparation of the Cinnamon Caramel Cream Cold Brew making it enjoyable, efficient, and achieves that café-quality taste we love.
Instructions
Follow these clear step-by-step instructions to make our Cinnamon Caramel Cream Cold Brew at home, delivering a perfect balance of smooth cold brew coffee with rich, spiced cream.
Making the Cold Brew Coffee
- Measure and grind coffee: Use ½ cup of coarsely ground medium-dark roast coffee beans.
- Combine coffee and water: In a cold brew coffee maker or large jar, add the ground coffee and 4 cups of cold filtered water.
- Stir gently: Mix to ensure all grounds are saturated.
- Steep: Cover and let steep in the refrigerator for 12 to 16 hours to extract smooth flavors.
- Strain: Using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, filter the coffee concentrate into a clean container.
- Store: Keep the cold brew concentrate refrigerated until ready to use.
Preparing the Cinnamon Caramel Cream
- Combine ingredients: In a mixing bowl, add:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons caramel sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Whip the cream: Using a whisk or electric mixer, whip the mixture until soft peaks form—this will create a velvety, spiced cream with a rich caramel undertone.
- Refrigerate: Keep the cream chilled until assembly.
Assembling the Cinnamon Caramel Cream Cold Brew
- Prepare the glass: Fill a tall glass with ice cubes.
- Add cold brew: Pour ¾ cup of cold brew coffee concentrate into the glass.
- Top with cream: Spoon 3 to 4 tablespoons of the Cinnamon Caramel Cream gently over the coffee.
- Optional garnishes: Add a dollop of whipped cream, drizzle caramel sauce, and sprinkle ground cinnamon or a pinch of sea salt to enhance flavor.
- Serve immediately: Insert a spoon or stirrer to blend as desired and enjoy the luxurious cold brew experience.
| Step | Key Detail | Quantity / Time |
|---|---|---|
| Cold Brew Coffee | Coffee Grounds | ½ cup coarse |
| Water | 4 cups cold filtered | |
| Steep Time | 12 to 16 hours | |
| Cinnamon Caramel Cream | Heavy Cream | 1 cup |
| Caramel Sauce | 2 tablespoons | |
| Ground Cinnamon | 1 teaspoon | |
| Powdered Sugar | 1 tablespoon | |
| Vanilla Extract | ½ teaspoon | |
| Assembly | Cold Brew Coffee | ¾ cup |
| Cinnamon Caramel Cream | 3 to 4 tablespoons |
Tips for the Perfect Cold Brew
To master our Cinnamon Caramel Cream Cold Brew, we need to focus on key elements that elevate the flavor and texture of our drink. Here are the essential Tips for the Perfect Cold Brew:
Choose the Right Coffee Beans
We recommend using medium-dark roast coffee beans with a coarse grind. This grind size allows for optimal extraction during the long steeping process, producing that smooth flavor and low acidity cold brew is famous for.
Maintain Accurate Ratios
Consistency is key. Use the precise ratio of ½ cup coarsely ground coffee to 4 cups cold filtered water. This balance ensures rich coffee concentration without bitterness or dilution.
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Coarsely ground coffee | ½ cup | Base flavor and body |
| Cold filtered water | 4 cups | Extraction medium |
Steeping Time and Temperature
Steep your coffee in the refrigerator or at room temperature for 12 to 16 hours. Shorter steeping leads to weaker coffee; longer may introduce bitterness. Keeping the steep cold preserves the smooth, mellow notes.
“Patience is a virtue, especially in cold brew. Letting it steep fully unlocks its rich, subtle flavor.”
Straining Thoroughly
Use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to filter the grounds completely. A clean cold brew delivers a silky texture free of sediment, perfect for layering with our Cinnamon Caramel Cream.
Assemble Immediately for Best Texture
When combining the cold brew with the cream, ensure the Cinnamon Caramel Cream is chilled and whipped to soft peaks. Pour over fresh ice cubes to maintain temperature without watering down the drink.
Enhance Flavors with Complementary Toppings
Add a drizzle of caramel sauce, a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. A pinch of sea salt balances sweetness and deepens the caramel notes.
Summary Table: Cold Brew Essentials
| Step | Key Action | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee grind | Coarse, medium-dark roast | Avoid fine grinds to prevent over-extraction |
| Coffee-to-water ratio | ½ cup coffee to 4 cups water | Measure precisely for consistent strength |
| Steeping time | 12–16 hours | Longer steeping intensifies flavor |
| Straining | Use fine mesh or cheesecloth | Filter thoroughly to remove sediment |
| Cream preparation | Whip heavy cream with spices & sugar | Chill and whip to soft peaks for texture |
| Assembly | Layer cold brew, ice, cream | Serve immediately to preserve texture |
By following these expert cold brew tips we can consistently craft a Cinnamon Caramel Cream Cold Brew that tastes like it’s fresh from the café. Our attention to detail in every step brings out a perfectly balanced, creamy, and aromatic beverage that delights every sip.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To enjoy our Cinnamon Caramel Cream Cold Brew anytime, preparing key components in advance makes your experience effortless and ensures maximum flavor. Here’s how we can efficiently make ahead each part of the recipe.
Prepare the Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate
- Coarsely grind ½ cup of medium-dark roast coffee beans.
- Combine the grounds with 4 cups of cold filtered water in your cold brew coffee maker or a large jar.
- Stir gently to saturate all grounds.
- Cover and steep in the refrigerator for 12 to 16 hours.
- Strain the coffee through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean container.
- Store the cold brew concentrate in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Whip the Cinnamon Caramel Cream in Advance
- In a mixing bowl combine 1 cup of heavy whipping cream, 2 tablespoons caramel sauce, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 tablespoon powdered sugar, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Whisk using an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
- Transfer the cream to a sealed container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- Before serving, gently re-whisk if needed to restore texture.
Ice Cubes and Garnishes Ready-to-Use
- Fill an ice cube tray with filtered water and freeze overnight.
- Prepare optional garnishes like extra caramel sauce and ground cinnamon in small containers for quick access.
| Component | Make-Ahead Tips | Storage Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Cold Brew Concentrate | Steep 12-16 hours, strain well | Up to 1 week refrigerated |
| Cinnamon Caramel Cream | Whip until soft peaks, seal tight | Up to 2 days refrigerated |
| Ice Cubes | Freeze filtered water in trays | Up to 1 month frozen |
| Garnishes | Pre-portion caramel and cinnamon | Keep airtight, room temp |
“Making each element beforehand lets us assemble a perfectly balanced Cinnamon Caramel Cream Cold Brew in minutes, so every sip is consistently fresh and flavorful.”
By following these make-ahead steps, we guarantee a smooth preparation flow and a glossy, aromatic cold brew ready to impress at any moment.
Conclusion
Crafting our own Cinnamon Caramel Cream Cold Brew lets us enjoy a rich and refreshing coffee experience anytime. With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, this drink brings cozy warmth and café-quality flavor right to our kitchen.
By following the tips and make-ahead suggestions, we can easily keep this indulgent treat ready for whenever a delicious pick-me-up is needed. It’s a perfect way to elevate our cold brew routine with a touch of sweet spice and creamy decadence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is cold brew coffee?
Cold brew coffee is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in cold water for 12 to 16 hours. This process results in a smooth, less acidic coffee concentrate.
What makes Cinnamon Caramel Cream Cold Brew special?
It combines smooth cold brew coffee with a whipped cream blend of cinnamon, caramel, powdered sugar, and vanilla for a cozy, café-quality drink.
What coffee beans are best for cold brew?
Medium-dark roast coffee beans with a coarse grind are ideal for cold brew, providing balanced flavor and optimal extraction.
How long should I steep cold brew coffee?
Steep coffee grounds between 12 to 16 hours in cold water for the best flavor and smoothness.
Can I prepare cold brew and cream ahead of time?
Yes, cold brew concentrate keeps up to a week refrigerated, and the Cinnamon Caramel Cream can be made and stored for up to two days.
What equipment do I need for making this drink?
You need a cold brew maker or large jar, strainer or cheesecloth, measuring tools, mixing bowl, whisk or mixer, tall glass, spoon, and ice cube tray.
How can I enhance the flavor of my cold brew?
Add toppings like whipped cream, caramel sauce, ground cinnamon, or a pinch of sea salt to elevate the taste and add indulgence.
What is the recommended coffee-to-water ratio?
Use ½ cup coarsely ground coffee with 4 cups cold filtered water for a well-balanced cold brew concentrate.
Can I drink Cinnamon Caramel Cream Cold Brew any time of day?
Yes, its smooth flavor and refreshing nature make it a great choice for any time, from morning to evening.
How should I store leftover cold brew?
Keep it refrigerated in a sealed container and consume within a week for freshness and quality.