Last Updated on June 16, 2024 by Lydia Martin
Cold brew alcohol drinks are sought after for their refreshing taste and smoothness, and these concoctions have taken the beverage scene by storm.
The combination of cold brew coffee’s bold flavor with various spirits creates a match in mixology heaven.
Embracing this trend, I’ve experimented with crafting the perfect cold brew cocktail recipes. Keep reading to learn the recipes.
Top 15 Cold Brew Alcoholic Drinks
1. Cold Brew Bourbon Cocktail – Coffee Cocktail
This cocktail is a harmonious blend of deep, smoky whiskey and coffee’s rich, robust notes. The result is a balanced and bold concoction with a hint of sweetness.
“Cold brew cocktails: where coffee and spirits dance in harmony.” – Liquor Laboratory
Overall Satisfaction Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 3 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1.25 oz bourbon whiskey
- 0.50 oz triple sec
- 2.50 oz strong cold brew coffee
- 0.50 oz maple syrup or sugar
- 1 oz heavy cream
- Orange peel (garnish)
Instructions: In a shaker, combine the cold brew coffee [1], bourbon whiskey, triple sec, and maple syrup with ice and shake vigorously to mix the ingredients thoroughly.
Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice. Gently pour the cream over the back of a spoon to let it float on top of the cold brew cocktail.
Finish the recipe with a twist of orange peel.
Serving: 1
2. Cold Brew Martini
Experience the marriage of smooth vodka with the essence of coffee with the Cold Brew Martini. This cold brew cocktail boasts a slightly bitter profile, with a touch of sweetness from any added sweet syrups.
It’s a modern twist on the classic cocktail recipe, perfect for coffee enthusiasts looking for a refined kick.
Check out our recommended vodkas for an Espresso Martini here.
Overall Satisfaction Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 3 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz cold brew concentrate
- 1.5 oz coffee cream liqueur
- 1.15 oz vodka
Instructions: Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice and add equal parts of the ingredients to the shaker.
Place the lid on the shaker and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds or until the cold brew Martini is icy, then strain the mixture into a chilled Martini glass.
Serving: 1
Bartender Tip: If you like an Espresso Martini, you can swap cold brew with hot coffee with simple syrup to the recipe.
3. Cold Brew Coffee Spritzer
This cold brew cocktail combines the fizziness of soda water with the delicious and rich flavor of the coffee.
Overall Satisfaction Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 peel orange zest
- ice
- 1/2 cup tonic or sparkling water
- 1/2 cup cold brew coffee concentrate (such as Trader Joe’s)
- Optional: vanilla extract, heavy cream or milk, coconut milk, flavored syrup
Instructions: Place a ribbon of orange zest in the bottom of a glass. Fill the glass with ice and pour in the tonic or sparkling water, followed by the coffee concentrate.
Add extra flavors like a vanilla extract splash, heavy cream or milk, coconut milk, or sweet syrup to the recipe.
Serving: 1
4. Cold Brew Brandy Alexander
Luxurious and indulgent, the Cold Brew Brandy Alexander merges the smoothness of brandy with the velvety texture of cold brew.
With hints of chocolate and vanilla, this cold brew cocktail resembles a decadent dessert.
Overall Satisfaction Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1.50 oz cognac
- 0.75 oz Mr. Black Cold Brew coffee liqueur
- 0.75 oz dark Crème De Cacao
- 0.50 oz heavy cream
- 3 coffee beans
Instructions: Combine the cognac [2], Mr. Black Cold Brew, dark Crème De Cacao, heavy cream, and a handful of cubed ice in a shaker.
Shake the mixture vigorously for 10-20 seconds. Pour the mixture into a cocktail glass using a strainer and garnish with coffee beans.
Serving: 1
5. Cold Brew Bourbon Mocha
This cocktail is an irresistible fusion of two beloved flavors – chocolate and coffee, combined with bourbon’s warmth. The cold brew cocktail balances the bitterness of cold brew with the sweetness of mocha.
Overall Satisfaction Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 2 minutes
Ingredients:
- 5 oz Cold Brew Coffee
- 1/8 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp chocolate syrup, plus more for swirling on your glass
- 2 oz bourbon
- 3 tbsp half & half
- whipped cream for garnish
- Cherry, for garnish
Instructions: Begin by drizzling chocolate syrup inside your glass. Combine the ingredients and shake them thoroughly.
Carefully pour the cocktail over the ice in your glass and top it off with a dollop of whipped cream and a cherry.
Serving: 1
6. Peanut Butter Coffee Cocktail
Unconventional yet delightful, this cold brew cocktail features the nutty allure of peanut butter mingling with the deep complexity of coffee.
It’s a unique combination offers a slightly creamy texture and a satisfying blend of savory and roasted flavors.
Overall Satisfaction Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Peanut Butter whiskey
- 1.5 oz coffee liqueur
- 6 oz coffee
- Milk (optional)
Instructions: Combine the whiskey and liqueur in a cocktail shaker for a flavorful base. Add cold brew coffee and shake it well.
Pour the mixture into a glass of ice and add milk for flavor.
Serving: 1
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7. JavaChata Cocktail
Imagine the creaminess of horchata harmonizing with the boldness of coffee. This cocktail is a symphony of fall flavors, boasting cinnamon-spiced undertones.
Overall Satisfaction Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Kahlua
- 2 oz RumChata
- 1 oz Cold brew or regular coffee
Instructions: Combine the Kahlua, RumChata, and cold-brewed espresso in a cocktail shaker, creating a dynamic foundation of flavors.
Shake the mixture vigorously for about 30 seconds, strain the cocktail into a glass, and be optionally garnished with coffee ice cubes.
Serving: 1
8. Rosemary Vanilla Cold Brew
This cocktail combines rosemary’s herbal charm and the comforting sweetness of vanilla syrup, all infused into coffee.
The result is a harmonious blend of earthy and sweet-tasting notes, creating a refreshing and calming drink.
Overall Satisfaction Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes (plus time for syrup to cool)
Ingredients:
For the Rosemary Syrup:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 Rosemary sprig
For the Coffee Cocktail:
- 1 cup Cold Brew coffee
- 2 oz Bom Bom Nilli Vanilli liqueur
- 2-4 tablespoons Rosemary syrup*
- ¼ cup almond milk
- Ice
Instructions:
Rosemary Syrup:
Combine sugar, water, vanilla extract, and a rosemary sprig in a saucepan, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer for 15 minutes and let it cool.
Cocktail:
Combine the coffee, rosemary syrup, and almond milk in a cocktail shaker. Shake the mixture and pour it into the prepared glasses over the ice.
Finally, pour the Bom Bom Nilli Vanilli Liqueur over the coffee mixture, creating a flavorful and aromatic blend.
Serving: 2
9. Strawberry Mojito Cold Brew
A playful and vibrant concoction, this cocktail combines the zesty freshness of a classic mojito with the fruity allure of strawberries, all enhanced by the refreshing kick of cold brew. It balances sweet, tart, and caffeinated elements in one glass.
Overall Satisfaction Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 3 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Strawberry simple syrup
- 6 leaves Mint
- 3 large ice cubes
- 4 oz strongly Brewed Cold Brew coffee
- 2 oz sparkling water
- 2 strawberries
Instructions: Gently muddle the strawberry simple syrup and mint leaves using a spoon. Pour the strongly brewed cold brew coffee over the ice.
Add the sparkling water to the glass and gently stir, ensuring all the components are nicely combined. Cut the strawberries and place them on the drink for added fresh flavor.
Bartender Tip: Add a few additional mint leaves for a vibrant garnish.
Serving: 1
10. Cold Brew White Russian
Overall Satisfaction Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 2 minutes
Ingredients
- Ice cubes
- 1 part Kahlúa coffee liqueur
- 1 part Absolut vodka
- 1 part Cold Brew coffee
- 1 part plant-based cream
Instructions: Begin by filling a glass with ice cubes, providing a refreshing base for your cocktail. Add equal parts of Kahlúa, Absolut, and cold brew coffee to the glass.
“The most common mistake people make when making White Russians is not measuring their ingredients.” -Robert Cate, Food & Beverage Manager
Finish your drink by gently layering your preferred cream on top.
Serving: 1
Note: The overall enjoyment rating was determined during a blind taste based on every cocktail’s flavor balance, aroma, smoothness, ingredients quality, and ABV.
FAQs
What can I mix with cold brew?
Mix cold-brew coffee with simple syrup, sugar, Irish cream, coffee liqueurs, lemon juice, Irish whiskey, sweet vermouth, citrus and honey, rum, gin, and nearly any strength liquor.
But what alcohol goes with coffee?
What is cold brew coffee alcohol?
Cold brew coffee alcohol refers to coffee cocktails and beverages that blend delicious cold brew coffee with various alcoholic spirits or liqueurs like whiskey, rum, or gin.
Cold brew cocktails are an innovative trend that combines the smoothness of cold brew coffee with the complexity of alcohol, resulting in a perfect brunch cocktail.
Is vodka good in a cold brew?
Yes, vodka can be a great addition to cold-brew coffee. When mixed with simple syrup and sweet vermouth, vodka’s neutral flavor [3] complements the richness and smoothness of cold brew, creating balanced and delicious cold brew cocktails.
Also, you can try cold brew cocktail recipes with rum, Irish whiskey, gin, and other liquors.
Can you drink straight cold brew?
Yes, you can drink straight cold brew coffee. Cold brew is brewed using a longer steeping process (with cold water), resulting in a smoother, less acidic taste than traditional hot-brewed and French-press coffee.
However, if you don’t want to drink it straight, you can make the coffee cocktails mentioned above. Also, you can try delicious classic cold brew cocktails like hot toddy and a Negroni recipe.
What types of alcohol are commonly used in cold brew alcohol drinks?
Commonly used alcohols in cold brew alcohol drinks include vodka, rum, whiskey, coffee liqueurs such as Kahlua or Tia Maria, and even flavored liqueurs like amaretto or Irish cream.
Can you provide examples of popular cold brew alcohol drinks?
Popular cold brew alcohol drinks include classics like the Espresso Martini, Irish Coffee, and White Russian, as well as creative concoctions like Cold Brew Negroni and Cold Brew Old Fashioned.
How is cold brew incorporated into alcohol drinks?
Cold brew can be used as a primary ingredient in cold brew alcohol drinks, providing a rich coffee flavor and smooth texture. It can be mixed with alcohol, simple syrups, and other flavorings to create unique cocktails.
Are cold brew alcohol drinks typically served hot or cold?
As the name suggests, cold brew alcohol drinks are typically served cold, either over ice or blended with ice to create a refreshing chilled beverage.
Final Verdict
The world of beverages has witnessed a delightful union between cold brew coffee and alcoholic spirits, giving rise to cold brew cocktails that tantalize the taste buds like never before.
However, the remarkable Cold Brew Bourbon cocktail stands out amidst this array of cold brew cocktail recipes.
This cold brew cocktail is my favorite recipe as it embodies a balance, seamlessly intertwining the robust notes of bourbon whiskey [4] with the smooth depths of coffee.
What are your favorite cold brew cocktails? You can share your recipes below!
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