Salted caramel cold brew coffee is a delicious and refreshing coffee drink that combines the smooth, rich flavors of cold brew coffee with the sweetness of caramel and a touch of sea salt. Whether you’re looking to treat yourself on a hot day or simply want a new twist on your usual coffee routine, this salted caramel cold brew is the perfect choice. In this article, we will break down everything you need to know to make this indulgent treat at home, from brewing the perfect cold brew coffee to creating homemade salted caramel sauce. We’ll also explore some fun customization options to make this drink truly yours.
Ingredients
To make salted caramel cold brew coffee, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Here’s a list of everything you’ll need:
1. Cold Brew Coffee
The star of the show, cold brew coffee, provides a smooth, mellow flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sweet and salty caramel. You’ll need approximately 1 cup (240 ml) of cold brew coffee for each serving.
2. Caramel Sauce
For the sweet element, caramel sauce is essential. You can either buy a store-bought version or make your own from scratch. We’ll provide instructions for both options.
3. Sea Salt
A pinch of sea salt enhances the caramel flavor, creating that irresistible salted caramel taste. Use a high-quality sea salt for the best results.
4. Milk or Cream
To add richness and creaminess to your cold brew, you’ll need either milk or cream. You can use dairy milk, almond milk, oat milk, or even heavy cream depending on your preferences.
5. Whipped Cream (Optional)
For an extra indulgent touch, top your salted caramel cold brew coffee with a dollop of whipped cream. This is optional but adds a lovely texture and visual appeal to your drink.
6. Ice (Optional)
If you prefer an iced drink, don’t forget ice to keep the cold brew chilled.
Cold Brew Coffee Preparation
Cold brew coffee is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in cold water for an extended period, typically 12 to 24 hours. The process results in a smooth, less acidic coffee that’s perfect for cold coffee drinks like salted caramel cold brew.
Steps to Make Cold Brew Coffee
Choose High-Quality Coffee Beans: Start with high-quality, freshly roasted coffee beans. A medium or dark roast works well for cold brew because it gives the drink a richer, smoother flavor. You’ll need around 1 cup of coarsely ground coffee for every 4 cups of water.
Grind the Coffee Beans: For cold brew, it’s crucial to use coarsely ground coffee. If the grounds are too fine, the coffee will become bitter and over-extracted. Use a burr grinder for a consistent grind.
Combine Coffee and Water: In a large jar or pitcher, combine the coarsely ground coffee with water at room temperature or cold water. The ideal ratio is 1 cup of coffee grounds to 4 cups of water. Stir gently to ensure all the coffee grounds are fully saturated.
Steep the Coffee: Cover the jar or pitcher and let the coffee steep at room temperature for 12 to 24 hours. The longer it steeps, the more intense the flavor will be. However, steeping for 18 hours is generally a good balance between flavor and strength.
Strain the Coffee: After the steeping time has passed, strain the coffee through a fine mesh sieve or a special cold brew coffee filter to remove the coffee grounds. You can also use a cheesecloth or paper filter to ensure the coffee is clean and smooth.
Store the Cold Brew: Transfer the cold brew coffee into a clean container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to two weeks, so you can prepare a batch ahead of time and enjoy it for several days.
Tips for Best Flavor
Experiment with different coffee bean varieties to find the flavor profile you prefer. Light roasts will have more fruity or floral notes, while dark roasts will have deeper, chocolatey flavors.
If you find the cold brew too strong or too weak, adjust the coffee-to-water ratio for future batches.
Caramel Sauce
While you can easily use store-bought caramel sauce for convenience, making your own caramel sauce from scratch gives the drink an added layer of richness and depth. Plus, homemade caramel sauce allows you to control the sweetness and add a touch of sea salt for that salted caramel flavor.
Homemade Caramel Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
Melt the Sugar: In a medium saucepan, heat the granulated sugar over medium heat. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula to prevent it from burning. The sugar will start to melt and form clumps, then gradually become a smooth amber-colored liquid.
Add Butter: Once the sugar has fully melted and turned amber, add the butter in small pieces. Stir to combine. The mixture will bubble up, so be careful!
Add Heavy Cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously. The mixture will bubble up again, so make sure to stir well to prevent splattering.
Simmer: Let the caramel sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes, then remove it from the heat. Add the sea salt and stir until it’s fully dissolved.
Cool and Store: Allow the caramel sauce to cool slightly before using it in your salted caramel cold brew coffee. Store any leftover caramel sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Store-Bought Caramel Sauce
If you prefer the convenience of store-bought caramel sauce, simply choose a high-quality option with a smooth texture. Look for a caramel sauce that uses natural ingredients and doesn’t contain artificial flavors. Add a pinch of sea salt to the caramel sauce to create the salted caramel effect.
Combining Ingredients
Once you’ve prepared your cold brew coffee and salted caramel sauce, it’s time to assemble your salted caramel cold brew coffee.
Steps to Combine
Pour Cold Brew into Glass: Fill a glass with your prepared cold brew coffee. Add ice if you prefer it iced.
Add Caramel Sauce: Add 2-3 tablespoons of caramel sauce to the cold brew coffee. You can adjust the amount depending on how sweet you want your drink. Stir well to ensure the caramel is fully incorporated.
Add Milk or Cream: Add 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup of milk or cream, depending on your preference for creaminess. Stir the mixture well to ensure all the ingredients are blended together.
Stir and Taste: Give the drink a good stir to mix everything together. Taste it and adjust the sweetness or creaminess to your liking. Add more caramel sauce if you prefer a sweeter drink.
Serving Suggestions
Once your salted caramel cold brew is ready, it’s time to serve and enjoy! Here are some serving ideas:
Over Ice: Serve the salted caramel cold brew over a tall glass of ice for a refreshing cold drink. The ice will keep the coffee chilled and give it a nice texture.
With Whipped Cream: Top your drink with a dollop of whipped cream for a creamy, indulgent finish. A light drizzle of extra caramel sauce on top adds a decorative touch.
Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the whipped cream for an extra burst of sweetness. This also enhances the visual appeal of the drink.
With a Sprinkle of Sea Salt: For a more pronounced salty flavor, sprinkle a tiny bit of sea salt on top of the whipped cream or caramel drizzle.
Customization Options
One of the great things about salted caramel cold brew coffee is how easily it can be customized to suit your tastes. Here are some ways you can tweak the recipe:
Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet drink, reduce the amount of caramel sauce. You can also experiment with different sweeteners, like honey or maple syrup, for a different flavor.
Add Flavored Syrups: If you enjoy flavored coffees, you can add syrups like vanilla, hazelnut, or chocolate to your salted caramel cold brew.
Use Different Milk: Try using oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk for a dairy-free version. These alternative milks add unique flavors that pair well with the caramel and coffee.
Make It Iced or Hot: If you prefer a warm version of this drink, you can gently heat the cold brew coffee before adding the caramel and milk. It will still have the same delicious flavor, but it will be perfect for cooler weather.
Storage Tips
If you’ve made a large batch of cold brew coffee or caramel sauce, you’ll want to know how to store them for future use:
Cold Brew Coffee: Store any leftover cold brew coffee in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to two weeks, and you can enjoy it whenever you need a quick coffee fix.
Caramel Sauce: Store the caramel sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to two weeks. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop when ready to use.
Additional Tips
Use High-Quality Ingredients: For the best-tasting salted caramel cold brew, use high-quality coffee beans and caramel sauce. The flavor of the coffee and caramel will be the foundation of your drink, so choose products that offer great taste.
Make Ahead: You can prepare your cold brew coffee and caramel sauce ahead of time, so making this drink is quick and easy. This is especially useful if you’re hosting friends or family.
Experiment with Flavor Combinations: Feel free to experiment with flavor combinations like adding a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the caramel sauce, or using flavored syrups to enhance the drink.
Conclusion
Making salted caramel cold brew coffee at home is a rewarding and delicious experience. Whether you prefer to make your own caramel sauce or use a store-bought option, this drink is simple to prepare and customizable to suit your preferences. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can enjoy a perfectly balanced salted caramel cold brew every time. So grab your favorite cold brew, caramel sauce, and a pinch of sea salt, and indulge in this sweet, creamy treat!
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