Craving a coffee that’s smooth, bold, and packed with caffeine? Cold brew espresso combines slow-steeped cold brew with a fresh shot of espresso, creating a smooth, bold drink with an extra caffeine kick. This combination balances the mellow, low-acid qualities of cold brew with the deep, intense flavor of espresso. Whether you enjoy it black, over ice, or with milk, this powerhouse drink is perfect for busy mornings or an afternoon pick-me-up. Best of all, you can make it at home with just a few simple ingredients. Let’s dive into the best way to craft the ultimate cold brew espresso!
Table of contents
Ingredient lineup
To craft the perfect cold brew espresso, gather the following key ingredients and optional add-ins for extra customization.
The essentials
- Coarse ground coffee: the base for smooth, less acidic cold brew.
(Substitute: medium roast for a milder, chocolatey taste.) - Freshly brewed espresso: adds depth, intensity, and an extra caffeine boost.
(Substitute: blonde espresso for a lighter, fruitier flavor.) - Cold, filtered water: ensures a clean, crisp extraction for the best flavor.
- Ice cubes: chills the drink without diluting it too quickly.
Optional flavor boosters
- Milk or cream: softens the bold flavors and adds a velvety texture.
(Substitute: oat milk for a naturally sweet alternative.) - Vanilla extract or flavored syrup: enhances sweetness and complexity.
(Substitute: maple syrup for a richer, earthy note.) - Cinnamon or cocoa powder: a subtle spice or chocolatey depth for a gourmet touch.
(Substitute: nutmeg for a warm, aromatic twist.) - Sea salt: balances bitterness and brings out natural sweetness.
Optional toppings
- Cold foam: a frothy, airy topping for a café-style finish.
(Substitute: whipped coconut cream for a dairy-free option.) - Chocolate shavings: a touch of indulgence for a mocha-like experience.
(Substitute: crushed espresso beans for a crunchy, bold topping.)
Step-by-step directions
Here’s how to craft a perfectly balanced cold brew espresso, bringing together the smoothness of cold brew with the bold punch of fresh espresso.
Prepare the cold brew
In a large jar or French press, combine coarse ground coffee with cold, filtered water using a 1:4 ratio (one cup of coffee to four cups of water). Stir gently, cover, and let it steep in the refrigerator for 12–18 hours for full extraction. Once ready, strain using a coffee filter or fine-mesh sieve to remove grounds.
Prepare the espresso shot
Pull a single or double shot of espresso using an espresso machine or a Moka pot. Let it cool slightly before mixing it in for a smoother, well-balanced taste.
Mix and chill
Fill a tall glass with ice cubes, then pour in ⅔ cup of cold brew concentrate. Stir in the freshly brewed espresso shot, letting the flavors meld. Adjust the strength by adding more cold brew or water if needed.
Customize and serve
Customize your cold brew espresso with milk, cream, or a splash of flavored syrup to match your taste. Take it up a notch with a layer of cold foam, a dusting of cocoa, or even chocolate shavings for an indulgent touch. Stir, sip, and enjoy!
Pro oh là là tips
Take your cold brew espresso to the next level with these expert customization ideas and perfect pairings.
Customization and variations
- Creamy coconut kick: swap regular milk for coconut cream to add a tropical twist with a silky texture.
- Nutty infusion: use almond or hazelnut milk instead of regular milk for a naturally nutty flavor that complements the espresso.
- Salted caramel boost: stir in a pinch of sea salt with caramel syrup to enhance the sweet-savory contrast of the espresso shot.
- Espresso ice cubes: freeze cold brew or espresso into ice cubes to keep your drink strong without dilution—ideal for an extra-chilled cold brew espresso.
- Protein-packed version: blend with protein powder or collagen for a power-packed morning boost that keeps you energized.
- Whipped cold brew espresso: shake vigorously in a sealed jar or blend briefly for a naturally frothy, café-style finish.
- Honey-sweetened twist: stir in a drizzle of honey instead of syrup for natural sweetness that complements the espresso’s deep flavors.
- Vanilla cream float: top with a splash of vanilla cold foam for a creamy, subtly sweet upgrade.
Servings and pairings
- Dessert pairing: Enjoy with cinnamon roll french toast for a warm, spiced, and indulgent treat.
- Rich chocolate pairing: Enjoy with chocolate croissant or dark chocolate truffles for a bold, indulgent contrast.
- Savory breakfast: Sip alongside egg drop sandwiches for a satisfying balance of creamy eggs and bold espresso.
- Sweet treat: Enjoy with strawberry waffles for a fruity, indulgent pairing that enhances the coffee’s deep notes.
- Light brunch: Complement with a sprouts sandwich for a fresh, crisp contrast to the smooth, bold coffee.
- Afternoon pick-me-up: Pair with mini croissant sandwiches for a bite-sized café-style snack.
- Crunchy contrast: Enjoy with a side of coconut granola for a lightly sweet, nutty texture that pairs beautifully with cold brew espresso.
- Classic coffeehouse duo: Serve with buttery shortbread cookies to balance the rich, roasted notes of the espresso with a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth bite.
Frequently asked questions
Is cold brew espresso the same as iced espresso?
No, cold brew espresso and iced espresso are different. Cold brew espresso is made by combining traditional cold brew coffee with a freshly pulled shot of espresso, giving it an extra bold kick and added depth of flavor. Iced espresso, on the other hand, is simply hot espresso poured over ice, which maintains its strong, concentrated taste but with more acidity. Cold brew espresso offers the best of both worlds—smooth, low-acid cold brew with the bold intensity of espresso for a balanced, energizing drink.
How is cold brew different from iced coffee?
Cold brew is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for an extended period, resulting in a smooth, naturally sweet, and less acidic drink. Iced coffee, however, is brewed hot and then cooled down with ice, which often results in a more bitter and acidic taste. Cold brew is also typically more concentrated and can be diluted with water, milk, or even an espresso shot for extra depth.
Does cold brew espresso have more caffeine than regular espresso?
It depends on the serving size. Espresso is highly concentrated, with more caffeine per ounce than cold brew. However, cold brew is typically served in much larger quantities, which can result in a higher total caffeine content. When you add a shot of espresso to cold brew, as in cold brew espresso, you significantly boost the caffeine level, making it one of the most potent coffee drinks available. If you’re looking for a strong caffeine kick, cold brew espresso delivers both volume and intensity.
Why is cold brew less acidic than iced coffee?
Cold brew is less acidic because the slow steeping process extracts fewer acidic compounds compared to hot brewing methods. Heat accelerates the release of acids in coffee, which is why iced coffee, brewed hot and then cooled, tends to have a sharper, more acidic taste. Cold brewing creates a smoother, mellower profile that’s easier on the stomach and naturally sweeter without the need for added sugar.
Can I use a French press to make cold brew espresso?
Yes! A French press is an excellent tool for making cold brew espresso. Simply add coarsely ground espresso beans and cold water to the French press, stir, and let it steep in the refrigerator for 12–24 hours. When ready, press down the plunger slowly and pour out the concentrate. You can dilute it with water, milk, or add an espresso shot for extra boldness.
Cold brew espresso proves that combining cold brew and espresso creates a bold, smooth, and ultra-caffeinated drink that’s both refreshing and energizing. Whether you keep it simple, add a splash of milk, or turn it into a creamy latte, this drink is as versatile as it is strong. The smoothness of cold brew balances perfectly with the rich intensity of espresso, giving you the best of both worlds.
Have you tried this combination before? Share your favorite way to enjoy cold brew espresso in the comments! Now grab your cup and fuel your day.
Bon appétit!
Recipe card
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Cold brew espresso
- Total Time: 12-18 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup coarse ground coffee
- 4 cups cold, filtered water
- 1–2 shots freshly brewed espresso
- Ice cubes (as needed)
- Optional: milk, cream, or flavored syrup
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the cold brew
Combine coffee grounds and cold water in a jar or French press. Stir, cover, and refrigerate for 12–18 hours. Strain using a coffee filter or fine-mesh sieve.
2️⃣ Prepare the espresso
Brew one or two shots of espresso and let it cool slightly for a smoother blend.
3️⃣ Mix and chill
Fill a glass with ice, pour in ⅔ cup cold brew, and stir in the espresso shot. Adjust strength by adding more cold brew or water.
4️⃣ Customize and serve
Enhance with milk, cream, or syrup to taste. Top with cold foam, chocolate shavings, or cinnamon if desired. Enjoy immediately!
Notes
Pro oh là là tip: for an ultra-smooth cold brew, use a coarse grind to reduce bitterness and over-extraction
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Steep Time: 12-18 hours