Coffee Recipes

Brown Sugar Bourbon Cold Brew

Millie Pham

If you love iced coffee and a good bourbon cocktail, this Brown Sugar Bourbon Cold Brew is going to be your new favorite drink. It’s smooth, slightly sweet, and packed with cozy brown sugar flavor that pairs perfectly with the bold cold brew.

Whether you’re treating yourself to a slow morning or mixing it up for happy hour, this drink is as easy as it is delicious.

Let’s shake it up!

What You’ll Need

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cold brew coffee (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 ½ oz bourbon
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar syrup (see tips below)
  • 2 tablespoons cream or milk (optional, for a creamy version)
  • Ice cubes
  • Optional: brown sugar or cinnamon stick for garnish

Tools:

  • Mixing glass or cocktail shaker
  • Spoon
  • Tall glass

Pro Tips

  1. Make your own syrup. Mix 1 cup water, 1 cup brown sugar, and a cinnamon stick in a saucepan. Simmer until dissolved, then cool.
  2. Use good bourbon. A smooth bourbon makes a huge difference in the flavor of this drink.
  3. Customize the creaminess. Skip the cream for a bold black coffee version or add more for an extra indulgent treat.
  4. Chill everything. Cold brew and bourbon taste best when served ice cold.

Substitutions and Variations

  • No bourbon? Swap it for spiced rum or skip the booze for a non-alcoholic version.
  • Dairy-free: Use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk for a creamy dairy-free option.
  • Extra spice: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy flavor boost.

How to make it

1. Mix the Coffee and Bourbon

In a mixing glass or cocktail shaker, combine the cold brew coffee, bourbon, and brown sugar syrup. Stir or shake until well combined.

A mixing glass filled with cold brew coffee, bourbon, and brown sugar syrup being stirred with a spoon.

2. Fill the Glass

Fill a tall glass with ice cubes. Pour the coffee-bourbon mixture over the ice.

A tall glass filled with ice cubes as cold brew bourbon coffee is poured in from a mixing glass.

3. Add Cream (Optional)

If you like it creamy, slowly pour in the cream or milk and watch it swirl beautifully into the coffee.

A tall glass of brown sugar bourbon cold brew with cream being poured in, creating beautiful swirls in the dark coffee. A jar of cream and coffee beans are nearby on a wooden table

4. Garnish and Serve

Garnish with a sprinkle of brown sugar or a cinnamon stick for a fancy touch. Serve immediately and enjoy!

A finished glass of brown sugar bourbon cold brew garnished with a sprinkle of brown sugar and a cinnamon stick. The glass sits on a wooden table with a jar of brown sugar, a bottle of bourbon, and scattered coffee beans.

    Leftovers and Storage

    • This drink is best made fresh, but you can prep the brown sugar syrup ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

    Conclusion

    Brown Sugar Bourbon Cold Brew is the ultimate drink for coffee and cocktail lovers. It’s smooth, slightly sweet, and just boozy enough to make it feel special. Try it out, and let me know how you liked it! Did you keep it bold or go for the creamy version? Cheers to sipping in style! ☕🥃✨

    Hi there! I'm Millie Pham, a devoted brewer and tea lover at heart. As the founder of Bean Leaf Cup, my mission is to share my tea and coffee expertise with you all. I firmly believe that creating a fantastic cup of tea or coffee should be easy for everyone. No matter if you're already a coffee or tea expert or just beginning your journey, I'm here to help you navigate the world of brewing. Welcome aboard!