This Salted Maple Cold Brew is smooth, creamy, and packed with cozy maple flavor. The rich cold brew, lightly salted maple foam, and refreshing ice make it feel like a coffee shop treat, but it’s incredibly easy to make at home.
Servings: 1 drink
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Why I Love This Recipe
The first time I made this drink, I was trying to recreate a coffee shop favorite at home. After a little testing, maple syrup turned out to be the perfect sweetener. It adds a warm, rich flavor that pairs beautifully with cold brew coffee.
What makes this recipe special is the balance. The maple syrup brings sweetness, the sea salt softens the bitterness of the coffee, and the creamy foam makes every sip smooth and satisfying.
Here’s why I keep making it:
- Tastes like a coffee shop drink
- Made with simple ingredients
- Ready in minutes
- Perfect balance of sweet and salty
- Rich, creamy texture
- Easy to customize
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup cold brew coffee
- 1/2 cup ice cubes
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1/2 tablespoon milk
- 1/16 teaspoon fine sea salt
Tools Required
- Medium mixing bowl
- Small whisk or milk frother
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Small pitcher
- 1 serving glass
- Spoon
Pro Tips
- Use very cold heavy cream for the best foam.
- Whisk just until the foam thickens slightly and stays pourable.
- Pure maple syrup gives the best flavor.
- Add the ice right before serving.
- A tiny extra pinch of sea salt on top adds great flavor.
Substitutions and Variations
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Replace milk with oat milk.
- Add 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Sprinkle cinnamon on top.
- Use flavored cold brew for a different twist.
Make Ahead Tips
- Make the salted maple foam a few hours ahead and refrigerate it.
- Brew cold brew coffee several days in advance.
- Keep everything cold until ready to serve.
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Maple syrup contains natural sugars that blend smoothly into cold drinks. Sea salt helps reduce bitterness and enhances sweetness. Heavy cream traps tiny air bubbles when whisked, creating a thick, silky foam that floats beautifully on top of the cold brew.
Recipe Instructions
Step 1: Make the Salted Maple Foam
In a medium bowl, combine 1/4 cup heavy cream, 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup, 1/2 tablespoon milk, and 1/16 teaspoon fine sea salt. Whisk for 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture becomes lightly thickened and foamy but still easy to pour.
Step 2: Fill the Glass with Ice
Add 1/2 cup ice cubes to one serving glass.
Step 3: Add the Cold Brew
Slowly pour 1 cup cold brew coffee over the ice cubes.
Step 4: Top with Salted Maple Foam
Slowly pour the prepared salted maple foam over the cold brew. Let it settle naturally on top to create a beautiful layered look.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately. If desired, sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt over the foam for extra flavor.
Macros Information
Per Serving
- Calories: 175
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Sugar: 12g
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Caffeine: Approximately 100mg
Common Mistakes
- Using warm cream, which won’t foam properly.
- Over-whisking until the foam turns into whipped cream.
- Adding too much salt.
- Using weak cold brew coffee.
- Letting the drink sit too long before serving.
What to Serve With
- Blueberry muffins
- Banana bread
- Butter croissants
- Cinnamon rolls
- Coffee cake
- Oatmeal cookies
Leftovers and Storage
- Store leftover foam in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Stir gently before using again.
- Cold brew coffee can be refrigerated for up to 1 week.
- For the best texture, assemble the drink just before serving.
FAQ
Q: Can I use store-bought cold brew?
A: Yes, store-bought cold brew works perfectly.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Yes. Use a dairy-free cream alternative and your favorite non-dairy milk.
Q: Can I make it sweeter?
A: Absolutely. Add an extra teaspoon or two of maple syrup.
Q: What type of salt should I use?
A: Fine sea salt works best because it dissolves evenly.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes. Simply double all ingredients.
Final Thoughts
This Salted Maple Cold Brew is simple, refreshing, and full of flavor. The rich coffee, sweet maple syrup, and creamy salted foam create a drink that feels special without requiring much effort. Make a glass, enjoy every sip, and don’t forget to share your experience and any tips you discover along the way.
