Cozy, Spiced, and SO Easy
Okay, if you love cozy fall flavors but it’s too hot for a steaming cup of coffee, this Ginger Molasses Cold Brew is about to be your new favorite thing.
It’s rich, a little spicy, a little sweet, and so refreshing.
I made this last weekend when I was craving gingerbread vibes but didn’t want a hot drink—and wow. Just wow.
You’re gonna love:
- The deep, almost caramel-like molasses
- Fresh ginger giving it a zingy kick
- How easy this is to stir together and sip on a lazy afternoon
This makes 2 servings, and you’ll only need about 5 minutes of active time (plus brewing time if you’re making your own cold brew).
🍂 Why I Love This Recipe
This drink feels like wrapping yourself in a soft blanket but in iced form. The molasses adds this old-school richness you don’t find in most coffee drinks, and the ginger? Total game-changer. I first tried a molasses coffee drink in a small café on a road trip, and ever since, I’ve been experimenting at home.
Why I keep making this:
- It’s sweet but not too sweet.
- Perfect balance of bold coffee + cozy spices.
- You don’t need fancy equipment.
- Can be made ahead for busy mornings.
🛒 What You’ll Need
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups cold brew coffee (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon molasses (unsulphured blackstrap or regular)
- ½ teaspoon fresh ginger, finely grated
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup or honey (optional, adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup milk or dairy-free milk (oat milk works great)
- Ice cubes
Tools:
- Small whisk or spoon
- Liquid measuring cup
- Small mixing bowl
- Tall glass or mason jar
- Grater for ginger
👏 Pro Tips
- Grate the ginger super fine so it blends smoothly—no big chunks.
- Warm the molasses slightly to help it dissolve faster into the coffee.
- If you like sweeter drinks, start with 2 teaspoons of maple syrup and adjust from there.
- Use a smooth, low-acid cold brew for the best balance with the strong molasses.
- Oat milk makes it creamy but keeps the spice flavor clear.
🔨 Tools Needed
- Microplane or fine grater
- Small whisk or fork
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Tall serving glass
- Mixing bowl
🔄 Substitutions & Variations
- Swap molasses with maple syrup or honey for a milder flavor.
- Use almond milk, soy milk, or whole milk—any of these work!
- Add a dash of vanilla extract for extra cozy vibes.
- Sprinkle a bit of nutmeg or allspice on top.
⏱️ Make-Ahead Tips
- Make the molasses-ginger mix ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep your cold brew and store in the fridge for the week.
🔬 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Molasses is rich in minerals and has a deep, almost smoky sweetness that pairs perfectly with coffee’s bitterness.
- Ginger adds a sharp, spicy contrast, cutting through the richness.
- Cold brew coffee is less acidic than hot-brewed coffee, making the flavors smoother when mixed with molasses and milk.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- Using too much ginger—it gets spicy fast!
- Not whisking the molasses well—it can sink to the bottom.
- Using strong hot-brewed coffee instead of cold brew—it’ll taste bitter.
🍽️ What to Serve With
- A slice of banana bread
- Coffee cake muffins
- Ginger snap cookies
- Simple toast with almond butter and cinnamon
❓ FAQ
Can I make this without coffee?
Yes, use black tea or a chicory coffee substitute for a caffeine-free version.
Is it super sweet?
Nope, it’s cozy and lightly sweet. You can always add more maple syrup if you want it sweeter.
Does the ginger stay gritty?
If you grate it fine enough and whisk well, it blends beautifully.
👩🍳 How to Make Ginger Molasses Cold Brew
Step 1: Grate the Ginger & Warm the Molasses
Finely grate the fresh ginger using a microplane. Warm the molasses slightly in the microwave (about 5 seconds) to make it easier to stir.
Step 2: Mix the Molasses, Ginger & Sweetener
In a small bowl, whisk together the warmed molasses, grated ginger, maple syrup, and ground cinnamon until smooth.
Step 3: Add Cold Brew & Stir
Pour the cold brew coffee into the molasses-ginger mixture and stir until fully combined and smooth.
Step 4: Add Ice & Milk
Fill your serving glass halfway with ice cubes. Pour in the molasses coffee mixture, then add your choice of milk on top. Stir gently to blend.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Top with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a cinnamon stick if you like. Serve immediately and enjoy!
🧊 Leftovers & Storage
- The molasses-ginger mixture can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Once mixed with cold brew and milk, drink it fresh for best flavor, but it can sit in the fridge for a few hours.
🌟 Wrapping It Up
I hope this cozy Ginger Molasses Cold Brew brings you as much joy as it’s brought me. It’s simple, bold, and perfect for those days when you want something a little special. If you try it, drop a comment below and tell me how it went—or ask me any questions! I’d love to hear your twist on it.
