Updated October 2026
Jameson Cold Brew is Jameson Irish whiskey infused with natural cold brew coffee flavor, bottled at 30% ABV (60 proof) in the US. It tastes like a smooth, lightly sweet iced coffee with a whiskey backbone, which makes it easy to mix. Below are seven simple recipes, from a two-ingredient highball to a coffee martini, plus tips for getting the balance right.
What Is Jameson Cold Brew?
Jameson introduced Cold Brew to the US in early 2020. It combines triple-distilled Jameson Irish whiskey with natural cold brew coffee flavor, and the brand noted at launch that each serving contains a small amount of caffeine, roughly half a shot of espresso. At 30% ABV it is lighter than Jameson Original, which is 40% ABV, and it is sold as a flavored whiskey product rather than straight Irish whiskey. Availability has varied since launch, so check local stores.
| Jameson Cold Brew | Jameson Original | |
|---|---|---|
| Strength (US) | 30% ABV (60 proof) | 40% ABV (80 proof) |
| Flavor | Coffee, cocoa, light sweetness, whiskey | Floral, spice, vanilla, nuttiness |
| Caffeine | Small amount | None |
| Standard drinks per 1.5 oz | 0.75 | 1.0 |
7 Easy Jameson Cold Brew Recipes
1. Jameson Cold Brew and Cola
- 1.5 oz Jameson Cold Brew
- 4 oz cola
- Lemon wedge
Build over ice in a highball glass and stir once. Coffee and cola share caramel notes, and the lemon keeps it from tasting too sweet. For the classic version with Original, see our Jameson and Coke guide.
2. Cold Brew Tonic
- 1.5 oz Jameson Cold Brew
- 4 oz tonic water
- Orange peel
Fill a tall glass with ice, add tonic first, then float the Jameson Cold Brew on top. Express the orange peel over the drink. Bitter tonic and coffee make a surprisingly refreshing pairing.
3. Jameson Cold Brew Martini
- 2 oz Jameson Cold Brew
- 1 oz cold brew coffee
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
Shake hard with ice until the shaker is frosty, then strain into a chilled martini glass. Hard shaking builds a light foam on top. This is close to the serve Jameson suggested when the product launched.
4. Cold Brew White Russian
- 1.5 oz Jameson Cold Brew
- 0.5 oz coffee liqueur
- 1 oz heavy cream or half-and-half
Pour the Jameson Cold Brew and coffee liqueur over ice in a rocks glass, then float the cream on top and stir gently before drinking.
5. Cold Brew Old Fashioned
- 1 oz Jameson Cold Brew
- 1 oz Jameson Original
- 0.25 oz demerara syrup
- 2 dashes orange bitters
Stir with ice for 20 to 30 seconds and strain over a large cube. Splitting the base with Original adds structure and keeps the drink from tasting thin.
6. Irish Iced Coffee
- 1.5 oz Jameson Cold Brew
- 4 oz cold brew coffee or chilled strong coffee
- 0.5 oz simple syrup (optional)
- Lightly whipped cream
Combine the whiskey, coffee and syrup over ice, then top with a thin layer of whipped cream. For the hot classic, see our Jameson Irish Coffee recipe.
7. Cold Brew and Ginger
- 1.5 oz Jameson Cold Brew
- 4 oz ginger ale
- Lime wedge
A twist on Jameson’s signature ginger and lime serve. Build over ice, squeeze in the lime and stir. The ginger adds spice that plays well with roasted coffee.
Tips for Better Cold Brew Cocktails
- Keep it cold. Coffee flavors taste flat when the drink warms up. Use plenty of ice and chill your glasses.
- Balance the sweetness. Jameson Cold Brew already carries some sweetness. Add syrup in small steps and taste first.
- Use real coffee for depth. Adding fresh cold brew to the cocktail strengthens the coffee flavor without adding more alcohol.
- Avoid citrus juice with cream. Acid curdles dairy, so keep lemon and lime out of cream-based drinks.
- Mind the caffeine. Combined with coffee mixers, caffeine adds up, especially late at night.
How Strong Are These Drinks?
A US standard drink contains 14 grams of alcohol. At 30% ABV, 1.5 ounces of Jameson Cold Brew equals 0.75 standard drinks, and 2 ounces equals one standard drink. Recipe 5, which splits the base with 40% Jameson Original, comes to about 0.9 standard drinks. Coffee, cola and tonic add no alcohol.
More Jameson Ideas
Learn how to drink Jameson, explore Jameson Orange recipes, compare Jameson vs Jack Daniel’s, or browse more alcohol that goes with coffee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Jameson Cold Brew have caffeine?
Yes, a small amount. Jameson said at launch that a serving contains roughly half the caffeine of a shot of espresso.
Can you drink Jameson Cold Brew straight?
Yes. Serve it chilled or over ice. Its coffee flavor and lower strength make it easy to sip.
Is Jameson Cold Brew a liqueur?
It is a flavored whiskey product at 30% ABV, below the 40% minimum for straight whiskey. It is less sweet than most coffee liqueurs.
What is the best mixer for Jameson Cold Brew?
Cola is the easiest. Tonic water and ginger ale are good options if you want something less sweet.
More in our Whiskey Guide.
Sources
- Jameson Cold Brew US launch, January 2020: Irish whiskey with natural cold brew coffee, 30% ABV (60 proof), caffeine content, suggested serves (Paste Magazine; trade press).
- Jameson Original: 40% ABV (80 proof), per brand product listing.
- 27 CFR § 5.143 (whisky, 40% minimum) and § 5.151 (flavored spirits) (eCFR, current).
- NIAAA: definition of a US standard drink (14 grams of pure alcohol).