Sweet, herbal, and ultra-refreshing.
Hey There ☕🌿
If you’re like me and love a good iced coffee but want something different, this Rosemary Brown Sugar Cold Brew is a total game changer.
The combo of deep, caramel-like brown sugar and fresh rosemary? It’s smooth, earthy, and just sweet enough.
I first tried this when I had leftover rosemary from dinner and thought, “What if I threw this in my coffee syrup?” One sip later and I’ve been hooked ever since.
It’s surprisingly simple, but feels fancy.
You’ll love this if you want a café-style drink at home—without fancy equipment or a barista badge.
What You’ll Need
For the Brown Sugar Rosemary Syrup
- ½ cup dark brown sugar
- ½ cup water
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
For the Cold Brew Drink
- 1 cup strong cold brew coffee (store-bought or homemade)
- 2–3 tablespoons brown sugar rosemary syrup (to taste)
- Ice
- Splash of milk or cream (optional)
- Extra rosemary for garnish (optional)
Why I Love This Recipe
This one’s close to my heart—it’s my “treat myself” drink on hot days. Here’s why I think you’ll fall in love with it too:
- 🌿 The rosemary gives it a subtle earthy twist that’s not overpowering
- 🧊 It’s cool, smooth, and super refreshing
- 🍯 Brown sugar syrup adds a deep, cozy sweetness
- 🧋 It feels like something you’d get at a fancy café
- 🧼 Very easy cleanup—just a saucepan and your cup
Makes
2 servings
Total Time
10 minutes + chilling time (if making cold brew from scratch)
Macros (per serving, without milk/cream)
- Calories: 60
- Carbs: 15g
- Fat: 0g
- Protein: 0g
Add about 20–40 more calories if adding cream or milk.
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science!)
The rosemary infuses into the syrup because herbs release their oils when heated in liquid. Brown sugar adds depth thanks to molasses, which gives a richer, more rounded sweetness than white sugar. The cold brew keeps the acidity low, so everything blends super smoothly.
Common Mistakes
- Boiling the rosemary too long – This makes it bitter. Simmer gently, then remove the sprigs.
- Overdoing the rosemary – Just 2 sprigs is perfect. More can overpower the drink.
- Using weak cold brew – You want it strong so it doesn’t get lost with the syrup and ice.
- Not straining the syrup – You’ll want a smooth, herb-free syrup for best texture.
What to Serve With
- Almond biscotti
- Banana bread
- Yogurt and granola bowl
- Avocado toast
FAQ
Can I use regular brewed coffee instead of cold brew?
Yes! Just make sure it’s cooled completely before mixing.
Can I use dried rosemary?
Fresh is best, but you can use 1 tsp dried rosemary. Just strain well and use half the steep time.
Can I make the syrup ahead?
Totally! It keeps in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Tools You’ll Need
- Small saucepan
- Spoon
- Mesh strainer
- Measuring cups
- Glass or mason jar for serving
Substitutions & Variations
- Use honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar
- Swap thyme or lavender for rosemary
- Add vanilla extract to the syrup
- Try oat milk or coconut milk for a twist
Make Ahead Tips
- Make the syrup and cold brew up to 1 week in advance
- Store syrup in a sealed jar in the fridge
Let’s Make It!
Step 1: Make the Rosemary Brown Sugar Syrup
Instructions:
In a small saucepan, combine ½ cup dark brown sugar, ½ cup water, and 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Once it starts to bubble gently, let it simmer for 2 minutes. Then remove from heat and let it steep for 10 minutes.
Step 2: Strain the Syrup
Instructions:
Remove the rosemary sprigs and strain the syrup through a fine mesh strainer into a jar or bottle. Let it cool.
Step 3: Assemble the Drink
Instructions:
Fill a glass with ice, pour in 1 cup of cold brew, and stir in 2–3 tablespoons of your syrup (more or less depending on your sweetness level). Add a splash of milk or cream if you like.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Instructions:
Top with a tiny rosemary sprig if you’re feeling fancy. Stir, sip, and enjoy!
Leftovers & Storage
- Syrup: Store in the fridge in a sealed jar for up to 2 weeks.
- Cold Brew: Lasts up to a week in the fridge.
- Assembled drink: Best fresh, but you can pre-mix it and chill for 1–2 days.
Final Thoughts
This Rosemary Brown Sugar Cold Brew is more than just coffee—it’s a whole vibe. A little cozy, a little fancy, and a lot refreshing. Give it a try, and when you do, let me know how it turned out in the comments! Got questions or want to share your twist? I’d love to hear it. 💬💛
