Cold brew coffee has rapidly gained popularity for its smooth, mellow flavor and low acidity. When paired with almond milk, it becomes a creamy, dairy-free delight that is perfect for those seeking a lighter, healthier alternative to traditional coffee drinks. The combination of cold brew and almond milk is not only refreshing but also offers a more subtle, balanced flavor profile compared to hot brewed coffee with milk.
For those who are lactose intolerant, vegan, or simply looking to cut down on calories, almond milk is a great choice. It has a naturally nutty flavor that complements the rich, robust characteristics of cold brew coffee, making it an ideal option for a refreshing summer drink or a soothing pick-me-up. The result is a smooth, slightly sweet coffee that is not overwhelming and can be enjoyed by people with different dietary preferences.
Whether you’re new to cold brew or an experienced coffee lover looking to experiment, this guide will show you exactly how to make cold brew coffee with almond milk and achieve the perfect balance of flavor and creaminess.
Ingredients Needed
Making cold brew coffee with almond milk requires just a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
Coffee Beans (Coarsely Ground): The type of coffee beans you choose will impact the flavor of your cold brew. Opt for a medium or dark roast for a smoother, richer taste. Freshly ground beans will provide the best flavor, so make sure your grind is coarse to avoid over-extraction and bitterness.
Water (For Steeping): Clean, filtered water is essential for extracting the best flavors from your coffee beans. The water-to-coffee ratio can be adjusted depending on how strong you want your cold brew concentrate.
Almond Milk: You can use store-bought or homemade almond milk for this recipe. Unsweetened almond milk is ideal as it allows you to control the sweetness of your cold brew, but if you prefer a sweeter taste, feel free to use sweetened almond milk.
Optional Sweeteners or Spices: If you like your coffee a bit sweeter, you can add sugar, maple syrup, or a flavored syrup of your choice. Spices like cinnamon or vanilla extract can also add a unique twist to your cold brew.
Recipe Steps
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the process of making cold brew coffee with almond milk.
Step 1: Prepare Cold Brew Concentrate
The first step in making cold brew coffee is to steep your coffee grounds. Cold brew coffee is made by slowly extracting flavors from the coffee beans in cold water over a long period of time. This method is different from traditional hot brewing and results in a smooth, less acidic cup of coffee.
Grind the Coffee Beans: Start by grinding your coffee beans to a coarse texture. This is crucial because finely ground beans can result in a bitter or overly strong brew.
Mix Coffee and Water: In a large jar or pitcher, combine your coarsely ground coffee with water. A good starting ratio is 1 cup of coffee grounds to 4 cups of water, but you can adjust this based on your strength preference.
Stir and Steep: Stir the mixture gently to ensure all the grounds are fully saturated. Cover the jar or pitcher and let it steep in the refrigerator for 12 to 24 hours. The longer it steeps, the stronger the coffee concentrate will be.
Step 2: Strain the Cold Brew
Once your coffee has steeped for the desired time, it’s time to strain out the grounds.
Strain Using a Coffee Filter or Cheesecloth: Place a fine-mesh strainer or coffee filter over a clean jar or container. Slowly pour the cold brew concentrate through the strainer to remove the coffee grounds. If you don’t have a coffee filter, you can use cheesecloth as an alternative.
Discard the Grounds: After straining, discard the used coffee grounds. You should be left with a rich, concentrated cold brew that you can store in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Step 3: Combine Cold Brew with Almond Milk
Now that you have your cold brew concentrate, it’s time to mix it with almond milk. The ratio of cold brew to almond milk can vary depending on how strong or creamy you want your final drink to be.
Adjust the Ratio: Start by pouring a small amount of cold brew concentrate into a glass, and then add almond milk. A good starting ratio is 1 part cold brew concentrate to 3 parts almond milk. You can adjust this based on your taste preferences—if you prefer a stronger coffee flavor, use less almond milk. For a creamier, milder taste, use more almond milk.
Stir Well: Stir the mixture thoroughly to combine the cold brew and almond milk evenly. If you want a more intense flavor, feel free to add a little more cold brew concentrate.
Step 4: Add Sweeteners or Spices (Optional)
If you prefer your cold brew coffee to be sweetened or flavored, this is the perfect time to add any extra ingredients.
Sweeteners: If you’re using sweeteners, add a little at a time, stirring between each addition. Maple syrup, honey, or simple syrup are popular choices. Start with 1 teaspoon and adjust based on your sweetness preference.
Spices: To add some extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or a drop of vanilla extract. These spices can elevate the flavor profile of your cold brew and make it feel more indulgent.
Step 5: Serve Over Ice
To enjoy your cold brew with almond milk, pour it over a glass filled with ice. The ice will help keep your drink cool and refreshing, especially on a hot day.
For a little extra flair, you can top your drink with whipped almond cream, chocolate shavings, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Pro Tips
Here are some tips to help you get the best cold brew coffee with almond milk:
Use Fresh, High-Quality Beans: The key to a great cold brew is using fresh, high-quality coffee beans. The better your beans, the better your cold brew will taste.
Choose Unsweetened Almond Milk: For more control over the sweetness of your cold brew, opt for unsweetened almond milk. You can always add your own sweeteners if desired, but unsweetened almond milk lets the flavor of the coffee shine through without being overpowering.
Experiment with Ratios: Don’t be afraid to play around with the ratio of cold brew concentrate to almond milk. Some people prefer a 1:2 ratio for a stronger coffee flavor, while others like it closer to 1:3 for a milder taste. It’s all about personal preference.
Use Ice That Won’t Dilute: For a longer-lasting cold brew experience, use coffee ice cubes instead of regular ice. Simply freeze some of your cold brew concentrate in an ice cube tray, and use those cubes to chill your drink without watering it down.
Storage Advice
Cold brew concentrate can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. However, once you mix the cold brew with almond milk, it’s best to drink it within 3-4 days for optimal freshness. Store the mixture in a tightly sealed container in the fridge to maintain its flavor.
If you find that you have extra cold brew concentrate, you can easily store it separately and mix it with almond milk as needed. This way, you always have a cold brew ready to go whenever you want a refreshing coffee drink.
Health Benefits
Almond milk offers several health benefits that make it a great choice for pairing with cold brew coffee. It is low in calories, cholesterol-free, and a good source of vitamin E, which is an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage. Almond milk is also rich in healthy fats and has a creamy texture that works well in coffee.
Cold brew coffee, on the other hand, is known for its smooth acidity, which makes it easier on the stomach compared to traditional hot-brewed coffee. The slow steeping process results in a naturally sweet flavor, reducing the need for added sugars. Because cold brew is less acidic, it can be gentler on your teeth and digestive system.
Together, almond milk and cold brew make for a healthy, dairy-free coffee option that still delivers a delicious, satisfying taste without the heaviness of regular cream or milk.
Conclusion
Making cold brew coffee with almond milk is a simple and rewarding process that results in a refreshing, dairy-free beverage that’s perfect for any coffee lover. The rich, smooth flavor of cold brew combined with the creamy texture of almond milk creates a delicious drink that can be customized to suit your preferences. Whether you prefer it sweetened, spiced, or served plain, cold brew with almond milk offers a lighter and healthier alternative to traditional coffee drinks.
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