This drink tastes like fall but works year-round. It’s cold, crisp, and just the right mix of sweet, salty, and smooth. If you like apple cider and coffee, this one’s going to surprise you in the best way.
🧡 Why I Love This Recipe
I first tried a version of this at a coffee shop last fall. I wasn’t sure if I’d love coffee with apple—turns out, I do. I started making it at home with cold brew and apple syrup, and honestly? I think it’s better than the original.
- Sweet and salty combo is next-level good
- Great for hot days when you still want fall vibes
- Easy to prep in batches
- Fancy coffee shop feel without leaving home
- No espresso machine needed
🍽 Servings + Time
- Serves: 1
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time (for syrup): 10 minutes
⚖️ Macros (Per Serving)
- Calories: 90
- Protein: 0g
- Carbs: 20g
- Fat: 1g
- Sugar: 17g
- Caffeine: ~100mg (depends on your cold brew)
🧪 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Apple pairs surprisingly well with cold brew because both have natural fruity, acidic notes. The salt enhances the sweetness of the apple syrup and balances the bitterness of the coffee. Adding a little foam or cream helps blend everything together so it tastes smooth and cohesive, not sharp or sour.
🥣 What You’ll Need
For the Apple Syrup:
- 1/2 cup apple juice (not from concentrate)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/8 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of sea salt
For the Drink:
- 3/4 cup cold brew coffee
- 3 tbsp apple syrup (from above)
- 2 tbsp milk or half-and-half (optional)
- Ice
- Pinch of flaky sea salt (for topping)
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions + Image Prompts
Step 1: Make the apple syrup
In a small saucepan, add 1/2 cup apple juice, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1/8 tsp cinnamon, and a small pinch of sea salt. Heat until it bubbles, then simmer for 10 minutes.
Step 2: Cool the syrup
Once thickened slightly, remove from heat and let the syrup cool at room temp for about 10 minutes.
Step 3: Add ice and syrup
Fill a 12 oz glass halfway with ice. Pour in 3 tbsp of the cooled apple syrup.
Step 4: Pour in cold brew
Pour 3/4 cup of cold brew over the ice and syrup.
Step 5: Optional – Add milk or cream
Pour in 2 tbsp of milk or half-and-half for a creamier version.
Step 6: Sprinkle flaky sea salt
Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top right before serving.
Step 7: Final serve
Serve immediately with a straw or drink straight from the glass. Stir if needed.
❌ Common Mistakes
- Using sweetened apple juice – it can make the syrup too sweet. Stick to unsweetened or “not from concentrate.”
- Adding salt too early to the drink – the salt works best on top at the end.
- Skipping the cooling step – hot syrup will melt the ice and dilute your drink.
- Not stirring – give it a quick stir before sipping to blend everything well.
🍩 What to Serve With
- A slice of cinnamon coffee cake
- Warm apple scones
- Oatmeal breakfast cookies
- Toast with almond butter and honey
❓ FAQ
Can I make the syrup ahead?
Yes! Store in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to a week.
Can I use store-bought apple syrup?
You can, but the homemade version tastes fresher and lets you control the sweetness.
Is this drink sweet?
It’s lightly sweet with balance from the salt and coffee. You can always adjust the syrup to taste.
Can I make it vegan?
Yes! Just use plant milk like oat or almond.
