The kids are back in school yet its still warm out, what better time to cool off with a delicious cold brew. Here are some cold brew recipes are sure to please, especially if you're tired of watery, diluted iced coffee with loads of milk and sweeteners. The best part is that these recipes are easy and quick to make on-the-go and they don’t require years of barista expertise!

What is Cold Brew?

While most people know what iced coffee is, some do not know what cold brew coffee is. The main difference between the two is in their brewing process. Iced coffee is made with hot coffee which is cooled down by adding ice cubes, whereas cold brew coffee is brewed cold through the entire process.

The cold brewing process imparts unique properties into the coffee itself and it doesn’t become a watery soup like poorly made iced coffee can.

Lower Acidity Level: For fans that don’t like their coffee bitter, cold brewing creates a smoother, mellow cup of coffee that’s sweeter than traditionally brewed coffee. The intense heat from the boiling water changes the chemical make-up of coffee causing it to become bitter. But that’s not a problem here.

No Dilution or Watery-ness: Unlike iced coffee, which involves pouring hot coffee over ice which dilutes it and makes it watery, cold brewing does not have the same issue because room temperature or cold water is used during the brewing process.

Sweeter: Unlike hot brewed coffee, cold brew has a higher level of sweetness due to the lower acidity. This means that most people will use less sugary sweeteners or heavy creamers.

How to Make Cold Brew

Making cold brew coffee is one of the simplest brewing methods out there. With just a few simple steps, you can recreate any local coffee shop's expensive cold brew options right from your own home. You just need a little bit of time and even less prep work.

Step 1

Combine ¾ cup to 1lb coarsely ground coffee to 6 cups of cold water. Including any smaller coffee grind of coffee will result in a cloudy, grainy mess.

Step 2

Allow the coffee grounds and water to “steep” (similar to tea) in whatever container you have, whether that’s glass, ceramic, or plastic. Feel free to stir gently and then allow the coffee and water mixture to steep for at least 12 hours, up to 24 hours for a stronger brew.

Step 3

After steeping your coffee overnight, strain the coffee grounds from the coffee using cheesecloth or a fine mesh sieve. The concentrate can be refrigerated for up to 2 weeks!

Step 4

Determine the strength you want to enjoy your cold brew by mixing 50/50 with water, then adjust accordingly. Keep in mind that if you will be drinking over ice to mix less water to avoid diluting your perfect cold brew.

Try Out These Cold Brew Recipes!

Now that you know just how easy it is to make cold brew coffee, let’s try and get fancy. The sky is the limit when it comes to how to make your cold brew. We’ve included three different recipes that you can try out for yourself in order to jazz up your cold brew!

Blended Mocha Cold Brew

This drink is part smoothie and part chocolate milk drink that can include additional ingredients such as bananas or berries (for a healthy option) or more chocolate or sprinkles, if you want to treat yourself!

All you need is…

• 2oz of cold brew concentrate
• 5oz of half and half
• 2oz of chocolate syrup
• 6 to 8 ice cubes

Simply add all your ingredients into a blender and mix until frothy then pour into a glass and enjoy!

Cold Brew Ice Cream

Who doesn't love coffee? Who doesn’t love ice cream? Combining them can’t be beat to cool down.

All you need is…

• ½ cup of cold brew concentrate
• 12oz of condensed milk
• 1 tbsp of Kahlua or Baileys
• 2 cups of heavy whipping cream

Mix together the condensed milk, whipping cream, and your liqueur of choice into a bowl and stir vigorously until stiff peaks begin to form. Then proceed to add in your cold brew. Combine all ingredients together and then place the mixture in your freezer for 2-3 hours. Or if you have an ice cream mixer, add the mixture to it to make a delicious (and energizing) snack!

Vanilla & Almond Swirl

A unique take on the cold brew which combines the smooth and creamy tastes of vanilla and almond with just a dash of something extra!

All you need is…

• 1/3 cup to 1/2 cup of cold brew concentrate
• Ice cubes
• Almond milk (to taste and preference)
• 2-3 drops of vanilla extract
• A dash of cinnamon

Each flavor, from the almond’s nuttiness to the smooth and creamy flavor of vanilla and the subtle cinnamon all blend into the cold brew’s already sweet and smooth flavor.