Rosemary Honey Iced Coffee

This drink combines the bold flavor of cold brew coffee with the fragrant, woodsy notes of fresh rosemary and the natural sweetness of honey. The homemade syrup creates a beautifully balanced beverage that is both invigorating and soothing. It's a sophisticated twist on a classic iced coffee, perfect for a warm afternoon or a unique morning start.
Rosemary Honey Iced Coffee

Preparation

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

Rosemary Honey Iced Coffee is classified as a non-alcoholic iced coffee drink. It falls into the category of modern, infused coffee beverages popular in specialty cafes. It is served cold and designed as a refreshing alternative to standard iced coffee.

Serving

This is a non-alcoholic beverage served cold in a tall Highball or Collins glass filled with ice.
Serving size
Approximately 300 ml / 10 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

This recipe is a modern creation, stemming from the craft coffee movement's love for botanical infusions. It marries the rustic, Mediterranean aroma of rosemary with the universal appeal of iced coffee. This creates a unique sensory experience that has gained popularity in specialty coffee shops and among home baristas.
Origin
This drink is a contemporary invention without a single point of origin, likely developed within the specialty coffee scene in the United States or Europe during the 2010s. It reflects a broader trend of incorporating herbal and floral notes into coffee beverages.

Rosemary Honey Iced Coffee

This drink is commonly known as Rosemary Honey Iced Coffee, with alternative names simply rearranging the key ingredients for descriptive clarity.
Original name
Rosemary Honey Iced Coffee
Alternative names
  • Honey Rosemary Iced Coffee
  • Iced Coffee with Rosemary Honey Syrup

Characteristics overview

This drink features a delightful balance of sweet honey and herbaceous rosemary, complementing the coffee's bitterness with a smooth texture and a refreshingly clean finish.
Flavor
Herbaceous, sweet, roasty, earthy, refreshing
Aroma
Coffee, rosemary, honey, pine
Taste balance
Balanced sweet and bitter
Aftertaste
Clean, herbal, sweet
Fizziness
Still
Color appearance
Dark brown, clear
Texture
Smooth, liquid
Seasonality
Refreshing, summery, spring

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is moderately intense, where the coffee's bitterness is pleasantly balanced by the sweet, herbal notes of the rosemary honey syrup. It is a still, creamy (if milk is added), and non-alcoholic drink.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This recipe requires cold brew concentrate, honey, and fresh rosemary for an infused syrup. The drink is finished with water, ice, and an optional splash of milk or cream.
  • Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate90 ml / 3 oz
    A strong, smooth cold brew works best to balance the syrup.
  • Cold Water90 ml / 3 oz
    Used to dilute the cold brew concentrate to drinking strength.
  • Honey120 ml / 4 oz
    For making the syrup. Use a mild honey like clover or wildflower. For a vegan option, substitute with maple syrup or agave nectar.
  • Water120 ml / 4 oz
    For making the rosemary honey syrup.
  • Fresh Rosemary Sprigs2 sprigs
    For infusing the syrup. One additional sprig is needed for garnish.
  • Milk or Cream30 ml / 1 oz(optional)
    A splash to add creaminess. Dairy or plant-based options like oat milk work well.
  • Ice CubesAs needed
    To chill the drink.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You will need basic kitchen equipment, including a small saucepan to prepare the rosemary honey syrup and a sieve to strain it.
  • Small saucepan for making the syrup.
  • Fine-mesh sieve for straining the syrup.
  • Stirring spoon for mixing ingredients in the glass.

Instructions

The process involves making a rosemary-infused honey syrup, letting it cool, and then combining it with cold brew coffee and water over ice in a glass.
1. Prepare the Rosemary Honey Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine 120ml (4 oz) of water, 120ml (4 oz) of honey, and 2 rosemary sprigs.
2. Heat the syrup: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the honey is fully dissolved. Remove from heat and let the rosemary steep for at least 30 minutes.
3. Strain and cool: Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the rosemary sprigs. Allow it to cool completely before use.
4. Assemble the drink: Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
5. Add ingredients: Pour in 90ml (3 oz) of cold brew concentrate and 90ml (3 oz) of cold water.
6. Sweeten: Add 1-2 tablespoons (15-30 ml) of the cooled rosemary honey syrup, adjusting to your preferred sweetness.
7. Mix and finish: Stir well to combine all ingredients. If desired, top with a splash of milk or cream (about 30ml / 1 oz).
8. Garnish and serve: Garnish with a fresh rosemary sprig and serve immediately.

Garnishing

A simple garnish of a fresh rosemary sprig enhances the drink's aroma and provides an elegant visual touch.
  • Fresh Rosemary Sprig: Place one fresh sprig in the glass before serving.

Dietary Information

This drink contains caffeine from coffee and is not vegan due to the honey. It is naturally dairy-free (unless milk is added), egg-free, nut-free, and gluten-free.
✕ Contains alcohol
✕ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This drink is moderately low in calories, with its carbohydrate and sugar content coming almost entirely from the natural sugars in the honey syrup.
Calories
Averagely 90-120 kcal / 377-502 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 22-30 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 20-28 g
Sugar level

Occasions

Perfect as a unique morning beverage to start the day, an elegant addition to a brunch menu, or a refreshing afternoon treat on a warm day.
  • Morning pick-me-up
  • Afternoon refreshment
  • Brunch
  • Relaxing weekend

Pairing suggestions

It pairs beautifully with light, buttery pastries like almond croissants or simple cookies such as biscotti and shortbread. These accompaniments complement the coffee's sweet and herbaceous notes without overpowering them.
  • Biscotti
  • Shortbread cookies
  • Almond croissants
  • Light pastries

Rosemary Honey Iced Coffee: An Aromatic and Refreshing Infusion

Rosemary Honey Iced Coffee is an elegant and refreshing non-alcoholic beverage that elevates the classic iced coffee experience. By infusing a simple honey syrup with fresh rosemary, it introduces a fragrant, herbaceous dimension that beautifully balances the coffee's inherent bitterness. It's simple to prepare yet offers a complex and sophisticated flavor profile, making it a perfect choice for a special brunch or a relaxing afternoon treat.

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