Name: Cinnamon Cold Brew: The Ultimate Guide to Making It at Home
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 750 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup coarsely ground coffee beans (medium to dark roast); 4 cups cold, filtered water; 1 cup water; 1 cup granulated sugar; 4-5 cinnamon sticks, broken; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional); Cold brew concentrate (diluted to taste); Cinnamon syrup (to taste); Ice cubes; Milk or cream (dairy, almond, oat, coconut, etc. - optional); Cinnamon powder or ground cinnamon (for garnish - optional); Whipped cream (optional)

Cinnamon Cold Brew: Prepare to elevate your coffee game with a drink that's as refreshing as it is flavorful! Forget those overly sweet, artificial-tasting coffee shop concoctions. We're diving headfirst into a homemade version that's guaranteed to become your new obsession. Imagine the smooth, naturally sweet taste of cold brew infused with the warm, comforting spice of cinnamon – it's a match made in coffee heaven.

While cold brew itself is a relatively recent phenomenon, gaining popularity in the last few decades, the combination of coffee and spices has a long and rich history. Cultures around the world have incorporated spices like cardamom, ginger, and, yes, cinnamon into their coffee for centuries, adding depth and complexity to the brew. This cinnamon cold brew recipe draws inspiration from that tradition, offering a modern twist on a classic pairing.

So, why do people adore this particular combination? It's simple. The slow steeping process of cold brew extracts the coffee's natural sweetness, minimizing bitterness and acidity. This creates a smooth, mellow base that perfectly complements the spicy warmth of cinnamon. The result is a drink that's both invigorating and comforting, perfect for a hot summer day or a cozy afternoon treat. Plus, it's incredibly easy to make at home, saving you money and allowing you to customize the flavor to your exact liking. Get ready to experience coffee in a whole new light!

Ingredients:

For the Cold Brew Concentrate:

1 cup coarsely ground coffee beans (use a medium to dark roast for best flavor)
4 cups cold, filtered water

For the Cinnamon Syrup:

1 cup water
1 cup granulated sugar
4-5 cinnamon sticks, broken into smaller pieces
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, but highly recommended)

For Serving:

Cold brew concentrate (diluted to your liking)
Cinnamon syrup (to taste)
Ice cubes
Milk or cream (optional, any kind will work - dairy, almond, oat, coconut)
Cinnamon powder or ground cinnamon (for garnish)
Whipped cream (optional, for extra indulgence)

Making the Cold Brew Concentrate

Okay, let's start with the foundation of our delicious Cinnamon Cold Brew – the cold brew concentrate itself. Don't be intimidated; it's incredibly easy, just requires a little patience!

Combine Coffee and Water: In a large jar, pitcher, or cold brew maker, combine the coarsely ground coffee beans and cold, filtered water. Make sure all the coffee grounds are fully saturated. I like to give it a good stir with a long spoon to ensure everything is mixed well.
Steep in the Refrigerator: Cover the jar or pitcher with a lid or plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator and let it steep for 12-24 hours. The longer it steeps, the stronger the concentrate will be. I usually go for 18-20 hours for a nice, robust flavor.
Strain the Concentrate: After steeping, it's time to separate the coffee grounds from the liquid. There are a few ways to do this. My preferred method is using a cheesecloth-lined fine-mesh sieve. Place the sieve over a clean bowl or pitcher, and slowly pour the coffee mixture through the cheesecloth. This will catch all the grounds and leave you with a smooth concentrate. You can also use a French press – just press down slowly and carefully. Another option is a cold brew maker, which usually has its own built-in filter.
Store the Concentrate: Once strained, transfer the cold brew concentrate to an airtight container, like a glass jar or bottle. Store it in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to two weeks, so you can enjoy your Cinnamon Cold Brew for days to come!

Preparing the Cinnamon Syrup

Now, let's move on to the star of the show – the homemade cinnamon syrup! This is what gives our cold brew that warm, spicy, and irresistible flavor. It's super simple to make and tastes so much better than store-bought versions.

Combine Water, Sugar, and Cinnamon Sticks: In a medium saucepan, combine the water, granulated sugar, and broken cinnamon sticks.
Bring to a Simmer: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Simmer and Infuse: Once the sugar is dissolved, reduce the heat to low and let the syrup simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the cinnamon flavor to really infuse into the syrup. The longer you simmer it, the stronger the cinnamon flavor will be. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn't boil over.
Remove from Heat and Cool: After simmering, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the syrup cool completely. This will allow the cinnamon flavor to continue to develop.
Strain the Syrup: Once the syrup is cool, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the cinnamon sticks. This will give you a smooth, clear syrup.
Add Vanilla Extract (Optional): If you're using vanilla extract, stir it into the syrup after it has been strained. The vanilla adds a lovely depth of flavor that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
Store the Syrup: Transfer the cinnamon syrup to an airtight container, like a glass jar or bottle. Store it in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to a month, so you can enjoy your Cinnamon Cold Brew whenever the craving strikes!

Assembling Your Cinnamon Cold Brew

Alright, we've got our cold brew concentrate and our cinnamon syrup ready to go. Now comes the fun part – putting it all together and enjoying our delicious creation!

Fill a Glass with Ice: Start by filling a glass with ice cubes. The amount of ice you use is up to you, depending on how cold you like your cold brew.
Add Cold Brew Concentrate: Pour the cold brew concentrate into the glass, filling it about halfway. Remember, this is a concentrate, so you'll need to dilute it with water or milk.
Add Water or Milk: Top off the glass with cold water or your milk of choice. I personally love using oat milk for a creamy and slightly sweet flavor, but almond milk, coconut milk, or regular dairy milk all work great too. Adjust the amount of water or milk to your liking, depending on how strong you want your cold brew to be.
Sweeten with Cinnamon Syrup: Add the cinnamon syrup to taste. Start with a tablespoon or two, and then stir and taste. You can always add more if you want it sweeter or with a stronger cinnamon flavor.
Stir Well: Give everything a good stir to combine all the ingredients.
Garnish (Optional): If you're feeling fancy, you can garnish your Cinnamon Cold Brew with a sprinkle of cinnamon powder or ground cinnamon. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Enjoy! Now, sit back, relax, and enjoy your homemade Cinnamon Cold Brew! It's the perfect pick-me-up for a hot day or a delicious treat any time of year.

Tips and Variations

Here are a few extra tips and ideas to customize your Cinnamon Cold Brew and make it even more amazing:

Adjust the Sweetness: The amount of cinnamon syrup you use is entirely up to you. If you prefer a less sweet drink, start with a small amount and add more to taste. You can also use a sugar-free sweetener in the syrup if you're watching your sugar intake.
Spice it Up: For an extra kick of flavor, try adding a pinch of ground nutmeg, cloves, or cardamom to the cinnamon syrup while it's simmering. This will give your cold brew a warm and cozy flavor that's perfect for fall and winter.
Make it Mocha: Add a tablespoon or two of chocolate syrup or cocoa powder to your cold brew for a delicious mocha twist.
Add a Shot of Espresso: For an extra boost of caffeine, add a shot of espresso to your cold brew. This will give you a super-charged drink that's perfect for those mornings when you need a little extra energy.
Make it Vegan: Use plant-based milk and whipped cream to make this recipe completely vegan.
Infuse the Cold Brew: For a more intense cinnamon flavor, you can add a cinnamon stick directly to the cold brew while it's steeping in the refrigerator.
Experiment with Coffee Beans: Try using different types of coffee beans to find your favorite flavor combination. A dark roast will give you a bolder, more intense flavor, while a medium roast will be smoother and more balanced.
Make a Large Batch: This recipe is easy to scale up, so you can make a large batch of cold brew concentrate and cinnamon syrup to have on hand for the week.

Troubleshooting

Sometimes things don't go exactly as planned. Here are a few common issues and how to fix them:

Cold Brew is Too Weak: If your cold brew is too weak, try steeping it for a longer period of time. You can also use a higher ratio of coffee to water.
Cold Brew is Too Bitter: If your cold brew is too bitter, try steeping it for a shorter period of time. You can also use a lighter roast coffee bean.
Cinnamon Syrup is Too Thick: If your cinnamon syrup is too thick, add a little bit of water to thin it out.
Cinnamon Syrup is Too Thin: If your cinnamon syrup is too thin, simmer it for a longer period of time to reduce the liquid.

I hope you enjoy this recipe for Cinnamon Cold Brew! It's one of my favorite ways to enjoy coffee, and I think you'll love it

Conclusion:

This Cinnamon Cold Brew isn't just another coffee recipe; it's a game-changer for your mornings (or afternoons, or evenings – no judgment here!). The smooth, naturally sweet cold brew infused with the warm, comforting spice of cinnamon creates a flavor profile that's both refreshing and deeply satisfying. It's a must-try because it's incredibly easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers a coffee shop-quality experience right in your own kitchen. Forget those expensive lattes – this is your new go-to caffeine fix. But the best part? It's endlessly customizable! Think of this recipe as a blank canvas for your coffee creativity. For a richer, more decadent treat, try adding a splash of your favorite milk or cream. Oat milk lends a subtle sweetness and creamy texture, while almond milk provides a lighter, nutty flavor. If you're feeling extra indulgent, a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top is never a bad idea. Want to take the cinnamon flavor to the next level? Consider using a cinnamon stick instead of ground cinnamon during the brewing process. This will impart a more subtle, nuanced cinnamon flavor that's truly delightful. You can also experiment with adding other spices, such as cardamom, nutmeg, or even a pinch of cloves, for a more complex and aromatic cold brew. And don't forget about the sweetener! While the cold brew process naturally extracts the coffee's sweetness, you might still want to add a touch of your preferred sweetener. Maple syrup, agave nectar, or even a simple syrup infused with vanilla or cinnamon are all fantastic options. Just remember to add the sweetener to the concentrate after brewing, before diluting it with water or milk. Serving suggestions are just as versatile. Enjoy your Cinnamon Cold Brew straight over ice for a classic, refreshing experience. Or, blend it with ice and a banana for a quick and easy smoothie. You can even use it as a base for coffee cocktails! Imagine a Cinnamon Cold Brew White Russian or a Cinnamon Cold Brew Martini – the possibilities are endless. This recipe is also perfect for meal prepping. Make a large batch of the concentrate on the weekend and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Then, you can simply dilute it with water or milk whenever you need a quick and delicious caffeine boost. It's a lifesaver on busy mornings! I truly believe that this Cinnamon Cold Brew will become a staple in your coffee routine. It's the perfect balance of flavor, convenience, and customization. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and prepare to be amazed. I'm so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the magic of Cinnamon Cold Brew for yourself. Once you've made it, I'd love to hear about your experience! Share your photos and variations on social media using [Your Hashtag Here] and let me know what you think in the comments below. Did you add any special ingredients? Did you try a different serving suggestion? I can't wait to see what you create! Happy brewing!