Honey Almondmilk Cold Brew

This drink combines the low-acidity, smooth profile of cold brew coffee with the nutty creaminess of almond milk. A simple honey syrup adds a delicate sweetness that complements the coffee without overpowering it. It's a light, refreshing, and dairy-free alternative to traditional iced lattes, perfect for a warm day or a gentle caffeine boost.
Honey Almondmilk Cold Brew

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

This beverage is classified as an alcohol-free iced coffee drink. It falls into the modern category of specialty coffee beverages, often found in cafés and enjoyed as a refreshing alternative to hot coffee or traditional iced lattes.

Serving

Served cold over plenty of ice in a tall Highball or Collins glass, this is a non-alcoholic drink of about 12-16 ounces. Its presentation is simple, often showcasing the swirl of almond milk into the dark coffee.
Serving size
350-480 ml / 12-16 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

This drink gained massive popularity through coffee chains like Starbucks, which introduced it in the late 2010s as a lighter, dairy-free cold coffee option. It taps into the growing consumer trends of using plant-based milks and natural sweeteners in beverages. Its simple, balanced flavor profile and refreshing nature quickly made it an instant favorite for many coffee lovers worldwide.
Origin
The Honey Almondmilk Cold Brew was popularized in the United States in the late 2010s. It emerged from the modern coffee shop culture that emphasizes customized, handcrafted beverages and caters to diverse dietary preferences, such as dairy-free lifestyles.

Honey Almondmilk Cold Brew

The name "Honey Almondmilk Cold Brew" is highly descriptive, leading to few alternative names. Variations typically involve reordering the primary ingredients, but the original name remains the most recognized, particularly due to its popularization by major coffee chains.
Original name
Honey Almondmilk Cold Brew
Alternative names
  • Honey Almond Cold Brew
  • Almondmilk Honey Cold Brew

Characteristics overview

This drink offers a smooth, light texture with a balanced flavor profile of rich coffee, nutty almond, and gentle honey sweetness. Its aroma is primarily of roasted coffee with sweet notes, leading to a clean, refreshing finish perfect for any season.
Flavor
Coffee, Sweet, Nutty, Smooth, Subtle honey
Aroma
Roasted coffee, Sweet honey, Faint almond
Taste balance
Slightly sweet, Mildly bitter
Aftertaste
Clean, Smooth, Lingering coffee
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Two-toned, Dark brown, Light beige, Cloudy when mixed
Texture
Smooth, Light, Silky, Refreshing
Seasonality
Refreshing, Summery, Year-round

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is dominated by smooth, low-acid coffee notes, complemented by a light sweetness from honey and subtle creaminess from almond milk. It is not overpowering, with low bitterness and a balanced, refreshing profile.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

To make this drink, you'll need cold brew coffee concentrate, cold water, unsweetened almond milk, and a simple honey syrup. Plenty of ice is essential to build the drink and keep it chilled.
  • Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate120 ml / 4 oz
    Use a quality, smooth cold brew concentrate. You can make it at home or buy it pre-made.
  • Cold Water60 ml / 2 oz
    Used to dilute the concentrate. Adjust the amount based on the strength of your concentrate and preference.
  • Unsweetened Almond Milk90 ml / 3 oz
    Unsweetened is best to control the overall sweetness. Creamy varieties work well.
  • Honey Syrup15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Made by dissolving one part honey in one part hot water. This helps it mix easily into the cold drink.
  • Ice CubesFill the glass
    Use plenty of ice to keep the drink well-chilled without over-diluting it quickly.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

No special equipment is required for this simple built-in-glass drink. All you need are basic measuring tools and a long spoon to gently stir the ingredients together.
  • Measuring cups or jigger for liquids.
  • Bar spoon or long spoon for stirring.

Instructions

This drink is built directly in the serving glass. Simply fill a glass with ice, then add the cold brew, water, honey syrup, and almond milk in order, and give it a gentle stir before serving.
1. First, prepare the honey syrup if you haven't already. Combine equal parts honey and hot water (e.g., 1/4 cup each) and stir until the honey is completely dissolved. Allow it to cool to room temperature.
2. Fill a tall glass (such as a Highball or Collins glass) completely with ice cubes.
3. Pour the cold brew concentrate over the ice.
4. Add the cold water to dilute the concentrate.
5. Pour in the desired amount of cooled honey syrup.
6. Gently top the drink with the unsweetened almond milk, allowing it to create a layered effect.
7. Stir gently with a long spoon to combine all the ingredients before drinking.
8. Serve immediately with a straw and enjoy.

Garnishing

This drink's appeal lies in its simplicity, and it is traditionally served without any garnish. The visual of the milk cascading into the coffee is its primary aesthetic feature.
  • None. This drink is typically served ungarnished.

Dietary Information

This drink is dairy-free, vegetarian, and contains caffeine from coffee. It is not suitable for individuals with nut allergies due to almond milk and is not vegan because it contains honey.
✕ 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 coffee choice, with a moderate carbohydrate and sugar content that comes almost entirely from the natural honey sweetener.
Calories
averagely 70-90 kcal / 293-377 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
averagely 15-20 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
averagely 14-18 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This drink is versatile enough for any time of day, serving as a perfect morning coffee, an afternoon refresher, or a light beverage for casual social events. It is especially popular during warmer months as a cooling and energizing treat.
  • Morning Boost
  • Afternoon Pick-Me-Up
  • Casual Get-together
  • Summer Drink

Pairing suggestions

It pairs wonderfully with light breakfast pastries that echo its nutty flavor, such as an almond croissant or classic biscotti. The drink's subtle sweetness also complements simple granola bars or oatmeal cookies, making it a great companion for a light breakfast or snack.
  • Almond Croissant
  • Biscotti
  • Light pastries
  • Granola bar

The Buzz of Simplicity: A Guide to Honey Almondmilk Cold Brew

The Honey Almondmilk Cold Brew is a simple yet elegant iced coffee that masterfully balances the rich, smooth flavor of cold brew with the light creaminess of almond milk and a delicate sweetness from honey. It stands out as a refreshing, dairy-free option perfect for any time of day, offering a satisfying caffeine boost without any heaviness. Incredibly easy to prepare at home, it has deservedly become a modern café staple and a go-to for coffee lovers seeking a lighter iced beverage.