In my kitchen, I embraced an iced coffee recipe featuring robust cold brew, sweet brown sugar, and a splash of vanilla extract. A blend of refreshing water and a pinch of salt creates unexpected contrast, adding sophistication to my homemade take on a classic iced coffee recipe. I find it appealing.

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I’ve been experimenting with a new twist on iced coffee that brings a unique blend of flavors to the table. Recently, I came up with a way to make brown sugar vanilla iced coffee that totally surprised me with its depth and smoothness.

I used a cup of cold brew coffee along with half a cup of water and mixed in half a cup of brown sugar. That sweet kick is balanced out by a half teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt which really makes the flavors pop.

I think you can truly appreciate the contrast of the caramel notes with the bitter coffee flavors, especially when you add as many ice cubes as you want. Sometimes I even stir in a little extra cream or milk if im in the mood.

Its one of those recipes that takes an everyday coffee experience and turns it into something that reminds me of those professional, barista level drinks you see on Nespresso ads. Enjoy!

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe because it gives me a perfect mix of sweet and strong coffee flavors that just make my day. The brown sugar and vanilla blend really bring out the smooth richness of the cold brew and it makes me feel like I’m enjoying a treat every time. I also like that it’s super easy to make; I can whip it up in just a few minutes without much hassle. Plus, adding ice and a little milk or cream makes it extra refreshing and creamy on those hot sunny days when I need a pick-me-up.

Ingredients

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Cold Brew Coffee: It gives a potent kick with low calories and helps wake you up.
Brown Sugar: Adds natural sweetness and carbohydrates to balance bitter coffee flavors.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances aroma and flavor with a subtle warm sweetness that pleases palates.
Water: Dissolves sugar and helps perfect the coffee mix, making it smooth and well blended.
Salt: A pinch elevates and deepens the overall flavor profile in a subtle way.
Milk/Heavy Cream: Adds creaminess, reducing bitterness and enriching the texture nicely.
Ice Cubes: Provide a refreshing chill and thin the drink as each cube melts.
Extra Sweetness: Adjust the sugar level to fit your sweet tooth as you fancy.
Optional: Adjust flavors by adding extra vanilla for a personal twist that works.

Ingredient Quantities

1 cup cold brew coffee (strong brew works best)

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

A pinch of salt

Ice cubes (use as many as you want)

Optional: 1/4 cup milk or heavy cream, to taste

How to Make this

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1. In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract and a pinch of salt then heat over medium heat while stirring constantly until the sugar has completely dissolved, dont let it boil over

2. Remove the saucepan from heat and let the mixture cool down to room temperature

3. Grab your 1 cup strong cold brew coffee and pour it into a large glass or a pitcher

4. Fill the glass with plenty of ice cubes to keep your drink refreshingly chilled

5. Slowly pour the cooled brown sugar mixture over the coffee and ice so all the flavors mix together nicely

6. If you are a fan of a creamier taste, add the optional 1/4 cup milk or heavy cream to your liking

7. Stir the drink well to make sure every ingredient is evenly mixed

8. Enjoy your delicious brown sugar vanilla iced coffee on a sunny day

Equipment Needed

1. Small saucepan
2. Measuring cups and spoons
3. A spoon for stirring
4. Large glass or pitcher
5. Ice cube tray or access to pre-made ice cubes

FAQ

Can I use regular brewed coffee instead of cold brew?

Sure, but its best to use cold brew coz its stronger and less acidic, which really works well with the brown sugar.

Do I have to be exact with the brown sugar?

Not really, you can adjust the sugar based on how sweet you like it. It all comes down to your taste buds.

Can I swap water with milk or cream?

You can add milk or heavy cream for a creamier drink, but using water first helps dissolve the sugar properly, so its good to do that before mixing in the dairy.

What's the deal with the pinch of salt?

That little pinch actually helps bring out the coffee flavor by cutting some of the sweetness, so its definitely a neat trick to try.

Should I heat any of the ingredients?

You dont really have to, but if the sugar doesnt dissolve well in cold water, you might warm it a bit to help blend it in then cool it down again.

How To Make Brown Sugar Vanilla Iced Coffee Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you can’t get cold brew coffee, try using regular coffee that’s been brewed really strong and then cooled down or mix in a shot or two of espresso diluted with water.
If you don’t have brown sugar, you can swap it with muscovado or demerara sugar since they have a similar rich, caramel taste.
Instead of vanilla extract, you could use a tiny bit of vanilla bean paste or even a pinch of vanilla powder if that’s what you have around.
If you’re out of salt, you can just leave it out or try a few crystals of sea salt if you’re into that kind of thing.
For milk or heavy cream, if you’re vegan or just want a different creaminess, almond milk or oat milk work really well and add a nice twist.

Pro Tips

1. Try using well-filtered water for your ice cubes and even for the syrup so you get a clean, smooth taste that doesn’t have any off-flavors.
2. If you really want your iced coffee to pop, pre-chill your cold brew and milk or cream before mixing everything together. It helps keep the drink icy longer and intact.
3. For an extra twist, experiment by adding a tiny sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg when you heat up the sugar mix. It gives a subtle spicy note that works pretty good.
4. When stirring in the milk or cream, do it slowly and gently. Over stirring can break the creamy texture and lead to a more watery taste.