This Coconut Vanilla Cold Brew is creamy, smooth, and a little sweet. It tastes like a coffee shop drink, but you can make it at home with simple ingredients. I love it for warm mornings, slow afternoons, or anytime I want a cold coffee that feels special.
Quick Recipe Info
- Servings: 2 drinks
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Steep Time: 12 to 18 hours
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 12 hours 5 minutes
Why I Love This Recipe
I started making this drink when I wanted a cold coffee that felt fancy but did not cost coffee shop prices. I tried a few versions, and this one became my favorite because it is smooth, creamy, and easy to adjust.
I love that it feels like a treat, but it is still simple. The coconut milk makes it rich, the vanilla makes it cozy, and the cold brew keeps it bold without tasting bitter.
- It uses simple pantry ingredients
- It tastes creamy without heavy cream
- It is easy to make ahead
- You can make it sweeter or less sweet
- It feels like a café drink at home
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup coarsely ground coffee
- 4 cups cold filtered water
- 1 cup canned coconut milk, shaken well
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups ice
- Optional: 2 tablespoons toasted coconut flakes for topping
Pro Tips
- Use coarse coffee grounds. Fine grounds can make the cold brew taste muddy.
- Shake the canned coconut milk well before measuring it.
- Taste before adding more syrup. Cold brew can taste smoother after the coconut milk goes in.
- Chill your glasses first for an extra cold drink.
- Make the cold brew the night before so it is ready in the morning.
Tools Needed
- Large jar with lid
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Spoon
- Fine mesh strainer
- Cheesecloth or coffee filter
- Pitcher or bottle
- Two tall glasses
Recipe And Instructions
Step 1: Mix The Coffee And Water
Add 1 cup coarsely ground coffee and 4 cups cold filtered water to a large jar. Stir gently until all the coffee grounds are wet. Cover the jar with a lid.
Step 2: Let It Steep
Place the covered jar in the fridge. Let it steep for 12 to 18 hours. The coffee will turn dark and smooth.
Step 3: Strain The Cold Brew
Set a fine mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth over a pitcher. Pour the steeped cold brew through it slowly. Throw away the used coffee grounds.
Step 4: Make The Coconut Vanilla Cream
In a small measuring cup, stir together 1 cup canned coconut milk shaken well, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 5: Build The Drinks
Fill two tall glasses with 2 cups ice, using 1 cup ice in each glass. Pour ¾ cup strained cold brew into each glass.
Step 6: Add The Coconut Vanilla Cream
Pour ½ cup coconut vanilla cream into each glass. Stir gently. Top with 1 tablespoon toasted coconut flakes per drink, if using.
Why This Recipe Works Quick Science
Cold water pulls flavor from coffee slowly. That means the drink tastes smoother and less bitter than hot coffee poured over ice.
Coconut milk has fat, so it makes the drink taste creamy. Vanilla adds a soft sweet smell. Maple syrup blends in better than sugar because it is already liquid.
Macros Information
Estimated per serving:
- Calories: 210
- Carbs: 13g
- Fat: 17g
- Protein: 2g
- Sugar: 10g
These numbers can change based on your coffee, coconut milk, and sweetener.
Common Mistakes
- Using fine coffee grounds. This can make the drink gritty.
- Steeping too long. After 18 hours, it may taste too strong.
- Forgetting to strain slowly. Rushing can leave coffee bits behind.
- Using coconut milk without shaking it. The cream and liquid may stay split.
- Adding too much sweetener before tasting.
Substitutions And Variations
- Use almond milk or oat milk instead of coconut milk.
- Use honey or simple syrup instead of maple syrup.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon for a warm flavor.
- Use decaf coffee for a lower-caffeine drink.
- Add a little cocoa powder for a mocha coconut cold brew.
Make Ahead Tips
Make the cold brew up to 5 days ahead. Keep it covered in the fridge.
You can also mix the coconut vanilla cream 2 days ahead. Shake or stir it before using.
What To Serve With
- Banana bread
- Blueberry muffins
- Toast with almond butter
- Yogurt and granola
- Breakfast sandwiches
Leftovers And Storage
Store strained cold brew in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Store coconut vanilla cream in a separate sealed jar in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Do not store the finished drink with ice. The ice will melt and water it down.
FAQ
Q: Can I use store-bought cold brew?
A: Yes. Use 1 ½ cups store-bought cold brew for 2 drinks, then add the coconut vanilla cream.
Q: Can I make it less sweet?
A: Yes. Use 1 tablespoon maple syrup instead of 2 tablespoons.
Q: Can I use coconut cream?
A: Yes, but it will be much richer. Use ½ cup coconut cream and ½ cup water.
Q: Can I make this hot?
A: Yes. Warm the cold brew gently, then add the coconut vanilla cream. Do not boil it.
Q: Why does my coconut milk look chunky?
A: Coconut milk can separate in the can. Shake it well or whisk it until smooth.
Final Thoughts
This Coconut Vanilla Cold Brew is simple, creamy, and so easy to make at home. Try it once, then make it your own with more vanilla, less syrup, or extra coconut on top. Leave a comment with how it turned out and any questions you have.
