Coconut Cream Cold Brew

This drink is a delightful combination of bold, smooth cold brew coffee and a rich, velvety layer of sweetened coconut cream. The contrast between the strong coffee and the sweet, tropical foam creates a perfectly balanced and indulgent beverage. It is an ideal choice for a warm day or whenever you need a creamy, caffeinated pick-me-up without dairy. The layered appearance makes it as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Coconut Cream Cold Brew

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Coconut Cream Cold Brew is classified as a modern iced coffee drink. It falls into the broader category of cold brew beverages, which are known for their smooth, low-acidity profile. Its addition of a whipped, non-dairy foam places it in a popular sub-category of specialty coffee shop drinks.

Serving

This drink is served cold over ice in a tall Highball or Collins glass to showcase its beautiful layers. It is a completely non-alcoholic beverage, suitable for all ages.
Serving size
Approximately 350-470 ml / 12-16 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

Popularized by major coffee chains like Starbucks in the late 2010s, this style of drink emerged as a response to growing consumer demand for dairy-free alternatives. It leveraged the popularity of both cold brew coffee and plant-based milks. The drink quickly became a fan favorite due to its unique tropical flavor profile and luxurious, creamy texture, inspiring many home baristas to recreate it.
Origin
This is a modern coffee culture creation, likely originating in the United States around the late 2010s. It doesn't have a single inventor but evolved from the trend of adding "cold foam" to iced coffee drinks. The use of coconut cream was a natural progression to cater to a dairy-free audience.

Coconut Cream Cold Brew

This drink is primarily known as Coconut Cream Cold Brew. Alternative names like Iced Coconut Cold Brew or Cold Brew with Coconut Cream Foam are descriptive variations that clearly communicate its key ingredients and preparation style.
Original name
Coconut Cream Cold Brew
Alternative names
  • Iced Coconut Cold Brew
  • Cold Brew with Coconut Cream Foam

Characteristics overview

This drink offers a rich coffee aroma balanced by sweet coconut notes, resulting in a smooth, tropical flavor. Its distinct layered appearance of dark coffee and white foam is visually striking, while the texture is delightfully creamy and velvety.
Flavor
Coffee, Coconut, Sweet, Rich, Tropical, Smooth
Aroma
Roasted coffee, Sweet coconut, Vanilla
Taste balance
Sweet, Bitter
Aftertaste
Smooth, Creamy, Lingering coffee
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Layered, Dark brown, Opaque white
Texture
Smooth, Creamy, Velvety, Foamy, Liquid
Seasonality
Refreshing, Summery, All-year-round

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor profile is defined by a pleasant sweetness and high creaminess, balanced by the gentle bitterness of the cold brew. It is a non-alcoholic, non-carbonated beverage with a mild coffee acidity.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

You will need cold brew coffee as the base, along with full-fat canned coconut cream and a sweetener like vanilla syrup to create the foam. Ice is essential for serving this chilled beverage.
  • Cold Brew Coffee240 ml / 8 oz
    Use ready-to-drink cold brew, or a concentrate diluted with water according to package directions.
  • Full-Fat Canned Coconut Cream60 ml / 2 oz
    Chill the can beforehand and use only the thick cream from the top for the best foam.
  • Vanilla Syrup15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Can be substituted with maple syrup or simple syrup. Adjust quantity to taste.
  • Ice CubesEnough to fill the glass
    Use large, clear cubes for slow dilution.
  • Salt1 pinch(optional)
    A small pinch enhances the sweetness and complexity of the foam.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

The key piece of equipment is a milk frother, either handheld or electric, to create the signature velvety foam. A small pitcher or jug is also needed to mix and froth the cream.
  • Milk Frother: To whip the coconut cream into a thick foam.
  • Frothing Pitcher or Small Jug: To hold the cream while frothing.

Instructions

The process is straightforward: pour cold brew over ice, then whip coconut cream with syrup until foamy. Finally, layer the foam on top of the coffee and serve.
1. Fill a highball glass completely with ice cubes.
2. Pour the cold brew coffee over the ice, leaving about 1-2 inches (3-5 cm) of space at the top of the glass.
3. In a separate small jug or frothing pitcher, combine the chilled coconut cream, vanilla syrup, and an optional pinch of salt.
4. Use a handheld milk frother to whip the coconut cream mixture for about 20-30 seconds, until it thickens into a smooth, velvety foam.
5. Gently pour or spoon the frothed coconut cream over the top of the cold brew, allowing it to float.
6. If desired, garnish with a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes and serve immediately with a straw.

Garnishing

A simple sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes is the perfect optional garnish. It enhances the coconut aroma and adds a pleasant crunch to the creamy foam.
  • Toasted Coconut Flakes: Sprinkle a small amount on top of the foam for extra flavor, aroma, and texture.

Dietary Information

This beverage is naturally dairy-free, egg-free, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly. However, it does contain caffeine from coffee and coconut, which can be an allergen for individuals with tree nut sensitivities.
✕ Contains alcohol
✕ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✕ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This drink has a moderate calorie and sugar content, primarily from the coconut cream and syrup. The exact values can vary based on the specific products and quantities used.
Calories
Averagely 180 kcal / 753 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 18 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 16 g
Sugar level

Occasions

Perfect as a morning starter or an afternoon energy boost, the Coconut Cream Cold Brew is exceptionally refreshing on a hot summer day. It also serves as a delightful non-alcoholic beverage for a casual brunch with friends.
  • Morning boost
  • Afternoon pick-me-up
  • Summer refreshment
  • Casual brunch

Pairing suggestions

This drink pairs wonderfully with baked goods, especially those with nutty or complementary flavors like almond croissants or banana bread. Its tropical notes also make it a great companion for coconut desserts or a light fruit salad, enhancing a brunch or snack time experience.
  • Almond Croissant
  • Coconut Macaroons
  • Banana Bread
  • Fresh Fruit Salad

The Ultimate Guide to Coconut Cream Cold Brew

The Coconut Cream Cold Brew is a luxurious yet simple iced coffee beverage that has become a modern classic. It masterfully combines the deep, smooth flavor of cold brew with a rich, airy cap of sweetened coconut cream foam. This drink is a perfect dairy-free treat for any time of day, offering a refreshing and satisfying experience with a delightful tropical twist. Easy to prepare at home, it brings the specialty coffee shop experience right to your kitchen.

Variations

Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew

Caramel syrup is added to the coconut cream before frothing, and it's often garnished with a caramel drizzle or sea salt.

Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew

A seasonal twist where pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice are added to the cream before frothing.

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