Servings: 2 large glasses
Total Time: 5 minutes
Hey There! Let’s Make Something Awesome ☕🥥
If you’re like me and you love a cold coffee drink that feels a little fancy but is crazy easy to make at home, you’re gonna LOVE this Coconut Caramel Cold Brew.
It’s got creamy coconut milk, buttery caramel syrup, and that rich cold brew coffee kick. Smooth, sweet, and refreshing — perfect for hot days or honestly, any day.
I first threw this together one summer afternoon when I was tired of paying $7 for something similar at my favorite coffee shop… and honestly? I’ve never looked back.
Why I Love This Recipe 💛
This one’s close to my heart for a few reasons:
- Coconut + caramel + coffee is my dream flavor combo.
- It’s dairy-free, but still super creamy.
- Way cheaper (and tastier, IMHO) than a coffee shop cold brew.
- You only need a few simple ingredients.
- You can make it in under 5 minutes.
I’ve made this for myself on lazy Sundays, for brunch with friends, and honestly, just because I wanted a little treat on a work-from-home afternoon.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cold brew coffee (unsweetened, chilled)
- ½ cup unsweetened coconut milk (from a can, stirred well)
- 3 tablespoons caramel syrup (plus more for drizzling)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Ice cubes
Tools:
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Spoon or small whisk
- 2 large glasses
- Small pitcher or mixing glass
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science) 🧪
- Cold brew coffee is less acidic than hot-brewed coffee, giving you a smoother base.
- Coconut milk has natural fats that make the coffee creamy without curdling.
- Caramel syrup dissolves quickly in cold liquids, evenly sweetening the drink.
- Vanilla extract boosts the caramel flavor, rounding out the sweetness.
Pro Tips ☕
✔️ Stir your coconut milk well before using. It separates in the can!
✔️ Use good quality cold brew for the smoothest flavor. Homemade or store-bought works.
✔️ Chill your glass in the freezer for 5 minutes to keep your drink colder longer.
✔️ Drizzle caramel on the inside of the glass before pouring for that coffee shop look.
✔️ Add more or less caramel syrup depending on how sweet you like it.
Tools You’ll Need
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Spoon or whisk
- 2 tall glasses
- Small pitcher or bowl to mix
Substitutions & Variations
- Swap coconut milk for oat milk, almond milk, or regular dairy milk.
- Use a flavored cold brew like vanilla or mocha for a twist.
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a salted caramel vibe.
- Make it blended with crushed ice for a frappé-style drink.
Make Ahead Tips
You can mix the caramel, coconut milk, and vanilla together ahead of time and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Then just pour over cold brew and ice when ready.
How to Make Coconut Caramel Cold Brew
Step 1: Drizzle Caramel Inside the Glasses
Take your two tall glasses and drizzle a little caramel syrup along the inside walls of each glass.
Step 2: Fill the Glasses with Ice
Fill each glass about ¾ full with ice cubes.
Step 3: Mix Coconut Milk, Caramel, and Vanilla
In a small pitcher or bowl, combine the coconut milk, 3 tablespoons caramel syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Pour Cold Brew Over Ice
Pour ½ cup of cold brew coffee into each ice-filled glass.
Step 5: Add Coconut Caramel Cream
Slowly pour the coconut caramel mixture over the cold brew in each glass. Watch those creamy swirls mix with the coffee!
Step 6: Optional Extra Caramel Drizzle on Top
Drizzle a little more caramel syrup over the top for extra sweetness and presentation.
Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!
Grab a straw or sip it straight from the glass and enjoy your homemade coconut caramel cold brew.
Leftovers & Storage
If you make extra coconut caramel cream, keep it in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 3 days. Mix fresh before using. Once the drink is assembled, enjoy it right away — the ice will dilute it over time.
Macros (Per Serving – Approximate)
| Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 180 | 2g | 8g | 24g | 20g |
(This will vary based on the caramel syrup and coconut milk brands you use.)
Common Mistakes ❌
- Using unshaken coconut milk: You’ll end up with watery cream. Always stir your coconut milk first!
- Skipping the caramel stir-in: If you don’t mix the caramel into the coconut milk, it won’t sweeten your drink properly.
- Using sweetened coconut milk: This can make the drink too sweet. Stick with unsweetened and let the caramel do the work.
What to Serve With Coconut Caramel Cold Brew
- Fresh fruit & granola parfaits
- Banana bread or muffins
- A simple egg & avocado toast breakfast
- Afternoon cookies or biscotti
FAQ
Q: Can I make this with regular hot coffee?
A: You can, but it won’t be as smooth. Let your brewed coffee cool completely first.
Q: Is this vegan?
A: Yes, as long as your caramel syrup doesn’t contain dairy.
Q: Can I make this sugar-free?
A: Totally. Use a sugar-free caramel syrup.
Q: Does canned coconut milk work better than carton?
A: Yep! It’s creamier. But carton coconut milk works if that’s what you have.
Let’s Make It!
Give this one a try and tell me what you think. Whether it’s your morning wake-up call or an afternoon pick-me-up, I hope you love it as much as I do. Drop a comment below with your favorite way to customize it or ask me any questions you have. Happy sipping!
