Cold Brew Lemonade

Cold Brew Lemonade is an effervescent and invigorating non-alcoholic drink perfect for warm weather. It balances the deep, smooth, low-acid profile of cold brew coffee with the sweet and sour punch of fresh lemonade. The result is a complex, layered flavor experience that is both unexpected and delightful. This drink challenges traditional coffee perceptions, offering a vibrant alternative to typical iced coffee.
Cold Brew Lemonade

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

Cold Brew Lemonade is categorized as a modern, non-alcoholic coffee drink or mocktail. Its unique combination of coffee and citrus places it in a contemporary class of beverages. It's primarily known for being a refreshing and inventive summer drink.

Serving

Serve this cold drink in a tall Collins or Highball glass filled with ice for a refreshing experience. It is a completely alcohol-free beverage.
Serving size
300-360 ml / 10-12 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Collins or Highball
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

While the exact origin is debated, the Cold Brew Lemonade gained traction in the specialty coffee scene around the mid-2010s. It's often seen as a coffee-lover's spin on the Arnold Palmer (half iced tea, half lemonade). The name "Laura Palmer" is a clever reference from fans of the show Twin Peaks, connecting the dark, mysterious coffee with the seemingly bright character.
Origin
United States, circa 2010s.

Cold Brew Lemonade

This drink is most commonly known as Cold Brew Lemonade or Coffee Lemonade. It is also sometimes referred to as a "Laura Palmer," a nod to the television show Twin Peaks and a play on the classic "Arnold Palmer" drink. The names are descriptive, highlighting the two main ingredients.
Original name
Cold Brew Lemonade
Alternative names
  • Coffee Lemonade
  • Laura Palmer

Characteristics overview

This drink offers a unique flavor profile combining tart citrus with rich coffee, presented as a visually appealing layered beverage. It has a light texture and a crisp, clean aftertaste, making it an exceptionally refreshing summer drink.
Flavor
Tart, citrusy, rich coffee, slightly sweet, bright
Aroma
Fresh lemon, roasted coffee, citrus zest
Taste balance
Sour, sweet, slightly bitter
Aftertaste
Clean, crisp, lingering coffee note
Fizziness
Still
Color appearance
Bicolored, layered, dark brown, cloudy yellow, translucent
Texture
Light, watery, smooth
Seasonality
Refreshing, summery

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is intensely refreshing, dominated by high sourness and fruitiness from the lemon, balanced by the mild bitterness of the coffee. It is a non-alcoholic, typically still beverage with a touch of sweetness.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

You'll need cold brew coffee concentrate and fresh lemonade as the two primary ingredients. A little simple syrup can be added to balance the flavors if desired.
  • Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate90 ml / 3 oz
    A smooth, low-acid cold brew works best. You can make it at home or use a store-bought concentrate.
  • Fresh Lemonade150 ml / 5 oz
    Use high-quality, fresh-squeezed lemonade for the best taste. Adjust sweetness to your preference.
  • Simple Syrup15 ml / 0.5 oz(optional)
    Optional, to adjust sweetness depending on the tartness of the lemonade.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

No special equipment is needed, just a jigger for measuring and a bar spoon if you wish to gently combine the layers. The drink is typically built directly in the glass.
  • Bar spoon for gentle stirring
  • Jigger or measuring cup

Instructions

This drink is built directly in the glass by filling it with ice, adding lemonade, and then carefully floating the cold brew concentrate on top to create a layered effect. Finish with a lemon garnish before serving.
1. Fill a Collins or Highball glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour the fresh lemonade into the glass, filling it about two-thirds of the way.
3. Slowly pour the cold brew coffee concentrate over the back of a spoon on top of the lemonade to create a distinct layer.
4. If using, add simple syrup and stir gently to combine, or let the drinker stir it themselves.
5. Garnish with a lemon wheel or twist.

Garnishing

A simple garnish of a fresh lemon wheel or a lemon twist complements the drink's citrus notes and enhances its visual appeal.
  • Lemon wheel or twist, placed on the rim or in the drink

Dietary Information

This drink contains caffeine but is naturally vegan, dairy-free, egg-free, soy-free, nut-free, and gluten-free. It's a suitable option for a wide range of dietary preferences.
✕ Contains alcohol
✕ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This is a relatively low-calorie beverage, with its calorie and sugar content primarily coming from the lemonade. The nutritional values can vary significantly based on the sweetness of the lemonade used.
Calories
80-120 kcal / 335-502 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
20-30 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
18-28 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This is a perfect drink for a sunny afternoon, a refreshing brunch beverage, or a unique morning pick-me-up. Its invigorating qualities make it a great choice for any casual daytime gathering, especially during warmer months.
  • Summer afternoon
  • Brunch
  • Morning pick-me-up
  • Coffee break

Pairing suggestions

Cold Brew Lemonade pairs well with light brunch and breakfast foods. Its bright acidity cuts through the richness of pastries and savory items like avocado toast, while its fruity notes complement fresh fruit dishes.
  • Light pastries like croissants
  • Fresh fruit salads
  • Avocado toast
  • Savory breakfast sandwiches

Cold Brew Lemonade: The Unlikely Refreshment

Cold Brew Lemonade is a modern, non-alcoholic coffee creation that merges the worlds of specialty coffee and classic refreshment. The drink's success lies in its surprising yet harmonious balance of tart lemonade and smooth, rich cold brew, creating a layered and invigorating flavor experience. Easy to prepare and visually striking, it's an ideal choice for warm weather, brunch, or anyone seeking a unique alternative to traditional iced coffee. Its alternative name, the Laura Palmer, adds a layer of pop culture intrigue to this delightful beverage.

Similar drinks

Arnold Palmer

This is the classic inspiration, using iced tea instead of cold brew coffee.

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