Top 5 Cold Brew Recipes to Try This Summer

Summer is here, and there’s nothing quite like a smooth, refreshing glass of cold brew to beat the heat. Whether you’re a longtime cold brew fan or just starting to explore iced coffee recipes, homemade cold brew is incredibly easy to make and endlessly customizable. With just a few simple ingredients and a little patience, you can create café-quality drinks right in your own kitchen.

At Chamberlain Coffee, we believe that great coffee starts with great beans. That’s why we recommend using our Organic Cold Brew Elephant Large Coffee Bags for a rich, low-acid base that shines in any recipe. Below, you’ll find five of our favorite cold brew variations to try this summer. Each one is designed to be simple, delicious, and perfect for sipping on a sunny day.

1. Classic Black Cold Brew

Sometimes you just want the pure, unadulterated flavor of cold brew. This recipe is the foundation for all other variations and highlights the natural sweetness and chocolatey notes of a well-crafted cold brew concentrate. Start by coarsely grinding your favorite beans—our Organic Medium Roast Coffee Blend works beautifully—and combine with cold, filtered water in a 1:4 coffee-to-water ratio. Let it steep in the refrigerator for 12 to 16 hours, then strain through a fine-mesh sieve or a nut milk bag.

Serve the concentrate over ice and top with a splash of cold water or milk if desired. The result is a silky, smooth coffee that’s naturally less bitter than hot-brewed iced coffee. This classic recipe is the perfect blank canvas for experimenting with flavors, but it’s also satisfying enough to enjoy on its own all summer long.

• Use a coarse grind to avoid over-extraction and bitterness.
• Steep for 12–16 hours for optimal flavor balance.

2. Vanilla Oat Milk Cold Brew Latte

If you love creamy, dairy-free lattes, this vanilla oat milk cold brew is a game-changer. The natural sweetness of oat milk pairs perfectly with the smooth, chocolatey notes of cold brew, while a touch of vanilla adds warmth and depth. To make it, fill a glass with ice, pour in cold brew concentrate until it’s about halfway full, then top with oat milk and a teaspoon of vanilla syrup (or a few drops of vanilla extract).

For an extra touch of indulgence, froth the oat milk before adding it—your Electric Whisk makes quick work of this step. The result is a café-worthy latte that’s creamy, satisfying, and easy to whip up at home. It’s one of our most popular summer cold brew recipes, and it’s endlessly riffable: try a splash of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel for a fun twist.

• Use barista-edition oat milk for the creamiest texture.
• Adjust sweetness by using vanilla syrup or a sugar-free alternative.

3. Mocha Cold Brew with Coconut Cream

Chocolate and coffee are a match made in heaven, and this mocha cold brew takes that duo to the next level with a luscious coconut cream topping. Start by mixing your cold brew concentrate with a tablespoon of cocoa powder and a teaspoon of maple syrup or agave. Stir until fully dissolved, then pour over ice. For the coconut cream, chill a can of full-fat coconut milk overnight, scoop out the solid cream, and whip it with a touch of vanilla until fluffy.

Top your mocha cold brew with a generous dollop of coconut cream and a sprinkle of cacao nibs or shaved chocolate. This recipe feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to make. The rich, chocolatey flavor pairs beautifully with the natural notes of our Organic Espresso Dark Roast Coffee Blend, which adds a bold, roasty backbone to the drink.

• Use high-quality cocoa powder for the best flavor.
• Chill your mixing bowl and beaters for fluffier coconut cream.

4. Iced Lavender Honey Cold Brew

Floral and subtly sweet, this iced lavender honey cold brew is the ultimate summer refreshment. To make a lavender simple syrup, combine equal parts water and honey (or sugar) with a tablespoon of dried culinary lavender. Simmer for 5 minutes, then strain and cool. Fill a glass with ice, add cold brew concentrate, and stir in a tablespoon or two of the lavender syrup. Top with a splash of oat milk or almond milk if desired.

The floral notes of lavender complement the smooth, low-acid profile of cold brew beautifully, while honey adds a natural sweetness that doesn’t overpower. This recipe is perfect for lazy afternoons on the porch or as a special treat for brunch with friends. Garnish with a sprig of fresh lavender for an Instagram-worthy presentation.

• Use culinary-grade lavender to avoid a soapy taste.
• Make a big batch of lavender syrup and store it in the fridge for up to two weeks.

5. Spiced Cold Brew with Cinnamon and Orange

For a cold brew that’s anything but ordinary, try this spiced version with cinnamon and orange. The warm, aromatic spices add complexity without overwhelming the coffee’s natural flavors. While your cold brew is steeping, add a cinnamon stick and a strip of orange zest to the mixture. After straining, serve over ice with a fresh orange slice and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.

This recipe is inspired by classic mulled coffee but served cold, making it perfect for summer evenings. The citrus brightens the brew, while cinnamon adds a cozy warmth that’s surprisingly refreshing when chilled. It’s a wonderful way to use our Organic Light Roast Coffee Blend, which has bright, fruity notes that pair beautifully with the orange and spice.

• Use a vegetable peeler to remove wide strips of orange zest without the bitter pith.
• For a stronger spice flavor, let the cinnamon and orange steep for the full 16 hours.

These five cold brew recipes are just the beginning of your summer coffee adventures. Whether you prefer your cold brew classic and black or dressed up with vanilla, mocha, lavender, or spice, the key is starting with high-quality beans. Our Organic Cold Brew Elephant Large Coffee Bags are designed specifically for cold brewing, delivering a smooth, rich concentrate every time. So grab a bag, pick your favorite recipe, and enjoy the perfect iced coffee all season long.