Cinnamon Cold Brew: The Ultimate Guide to Making It at Home

Cinnamon Cold Brew: Prepare to elevate your coffee game with this incredibly smooth and subtly spiced beverage! Forget those overly sweet, artificial-tasting coffee drinks from the cafe. I’m going to show you how to create a refreshing and invigorating cold brew, infused with the warm, comforting aroma of cinnamon, right in your own kitchen.

Cold brew coffee, unlike its hot-brewed counterpart, boasts a naturally sweeter and less acidic flavor profile, making it incredibly easy to drink. While the exact origins are debated, many believe that cold brewing techniques were perfected by Japanese coffee brewers in the 17th century. They sought a method to create a less bitter and more palatable coffee concentrate. Now, adding cinnamon? That’s where the magic truly happens!

People adore cinnamon cold brew for its delightful combination of flavors. The cool, refreshing coffee perfectly complements the warm, slightly spicy notes of cinnamon. It’s a match made in coffee heaven! Plus, it’s incredibly convenient to make a large batch of cold brew concentrate that you can enjoy throughout the week. Whether you’re looking for a delicious morning pick-me-up, an afternoon treat, or a sophisticated base for coffee cocktails, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. Get ready to experience coffee in a whole new light!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Cold Brew Concentrate:
• 1 cup coarsely ground coffee beans (I prefer a medium-dark roast for this)
• 4 cups cold, filtered water
• For the Cinnamon Syrup:
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4-5 cinnamon sticks, broken into smaller pieces
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, but adds a nice touch!)
• For Serving:
• Cold brew concentrate (diluted to your liking)
• Cinnamon syrup (to taste)
• Ice cubes
• Milk or cream (optional, I like oat milk!)
• Cinnamon powder (for garnish, optional)

Making the Cold Brew Concentrate

Okay, let’s start with the most important part: the cold brew itself! Don’t be intimidated; it’s incredibly easy, just requires a little patience.

1. Grind the Coffee: Make sure your coffee beans are coarsely ground. Think French press grind – too fine, and you’ll end up with a muddy brew. I usually use a burr grinder for the most consistent results, but a blade grinder will work in a pinch. Just pulse it a few times until you get the right consistency.
2. Combine Coffee and Water: In a large jar, pitcher, or cold brew maker, combine the ground coffee and cold, filtered water. Stir gently to make sure all the coffee grounds are saturated. This is important for even extraction.
3. Steep in the Refrigerator: Cover the jar or pitcher and place it in the refrigerator to steep for 12-24 hours. I usually go for 16-18 hours, but experiment to find your sweet spot. The longer it steeps, the stronger the concentrate will be. Be careful not to over-steep, as it can become bitter.
4. Strain the Coffee: After steeping, it’s time to separate the coffee grounds from the liquid. There are a few ways to do this:
   • Cheesecloth: Line a fine-mesh sieve with a few layers of cheesecloth and slowly pour the coffee mixture through. This is my preferred method for a super clean concentrate.
   • Coffee Filter: You can also use a coffee filter in a pour-over device or a regular sieve. This will take longer than cheesecloth, but it works well.
   • French Press: If you used a French press to brew, simply press the plunger down slowly and carefully pour out the concentrate. You might still want to strain it through a cheesecloth or filter to remove any fine sediment.
   • Cold Brew Maker: If you have a cold brew maker, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for straining.
5. Store the Concentrate: Once strained, transfer the cold brew concentrate to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to two weeks, but I doubt it will last that long!

Making the Cinnamon Syrup

Now for the cinnamon magic! This syrup is what takes our cold brew from ordinary to extraordinary. It’s super simple to make and adds a warm, spicy sweetness that’s just perfect.

1. Combine Water, Sugar, and Cinnamon: In a small saucepan, combine the water, granulated sugar, and broken cinnamon sticks.
2. Bring to a Simmer: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
3. Simmer and Infuse: Once the sugar is dissolved, reduce the heat to low and let the syrup simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the cinnamon flavor to infuse into the syrup. The longer you simmer, the stronger the cinnamon flavor will be.
4. Remove from Heat and Cool: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the syrup cool completely. This will further enhance the cinnamon flavor.
5. Strain the Syrup: Once cooled, strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the cinnamon sticks. Discard the cinnamon sticks.
6. Add Vanilla Extract (Optional): If you’re using vanilla extract, stir it into the syrup now.
7. Store the Syrup: Transfer the cinnamon syrup to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to a month.

Assembling Your Cinnamon Cold Brew

Alright, the moment we’ve all been waiting for! Time to put it all together and enjoy our delicious Cinnamon Cold Brew.

1. Fill a Glass with Ice: Fill a glass with ice cubes. I like to use a tall glass, but any glass will do.
2. Add Cold Brew Concentrate: Pour the cold brew concentrate into the glass, filling it about 1/3 to 1/2 full. Remember, this is a concentrate, so you’ll need to dilute it.
3. Add Water or Milk: Top off the glass with cold water or your milk of choice. I personally love oat milk with this recipe, but almond milk, soy milk, or even regular milk work great too. Adjust the amount of water or milk to your liking, depending on how strong you want your cold brew.
4. Sweeten with Cinnamon Syrup: Add the cinnamon syrup to taste. Start with a tablespoon and adjust from there. I usually use about 2-3 tablespoons, but it depends on how sweet you like your coffee.
5. Stir Well: Stir everything together until well combined.
6. Garnish (Optional): If you’re feeling fancy, garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon powder. You can also add a cinnamon stick for extra flair.
7. Enjoy! Take a sip and savor the deliciousness of your homemade Cinnamon Cold Brew!

Tips and Variations

Here are a few extra tips and ideas to customize your Cinnamon Cold Brew:

• Adjust the Sweetness: The amount of cinnamon syrup you use is entirely up to you. Start with a small amount and add more until you reach your desired sweetness. You can also use other sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar.
• Spice it Up: For an extra kick, add a pinch of ground cloves, nutmeg, or cardamom to the cinnamon syrup while it’s simmering.
• Make it Mocha: Add a tablespoon or two of chocolate syrup to the cold brew for a delicious Cinnamon Mocha Cold Brew.
• Add a Splash of Alcohol: For an adult version, add a shot of your favorite coffee liqueur or bourbon.
• Make it Creamy: Add a dollop of whipped cream or a splash of heavy cream for an extra decadent treat.
• Use Different Coffee Beans: Experiment with different types of coffee beans to find your favorite flavor profile. A dark roast will give you a bolder, more intense flavor, while a light roast will be more delicate and nuanced.
• Make a Large Batch: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to make a larger batch of cold brew concentrate and cinnamon syrup. Just make sure you have enough storage containers.
• Infuse the Cold Brew: For a more intense cinnamon flavor, you can add a cinnamon stick directly to the cold brew while it’s steeping in the refrigerator.
• Use a Different Spice: If you’re not a fan of cinnamon, you can try using other spices like cardamom, nutmeg, or ginger.
• Make it Vegan: Use plant-based milk and ensure your sugar is vegan-friendly (some granulated sugar is processed with bone char).

Troubleshooting

Sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned. Here are a few common issues and how to fix them:

• Cold Brew is Too Bitter: You may have over-steeped the coffee. Try reducing the steeping time next time. Also, make sure you’re using coarsely ground coffee.
• Cold Brew is Too Weak: You may not have steeped the coffee long enough. Try increasing the steeping time next time. Also, make sure you’re using enough coffee grounds.
• Cinnamon Syrup is Not Strong Enough: You may not have simmered the syrup long enough. Try simmering it for a longer period of time next time. Also, make sure you’re using fresh cinnamon sticks.
• Cinnamon Syrup is Too Sweet: Reduce the amount of sugar in the syrup next time. You can also add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
• Cold Brew is Cloudy: This is usually due to fine sediment in the coffee. Try straining the cold brew through a cheesecloth or coffee filter multiple times

  Conclusion:

  This Cinnamon Cold Brew isn’t just another coffee recipe; it’s a delightful experience waiting to happen. From the gentle warmth of cinnamon infusing every sip to the smooth, low-acid profile of cold brew, it’s a drink that truly elevates your coffee ritual. I wholeheartedly believe this will become your new go-to, especially during those warmer months or whenever you crave a refreshing pick-me-up with a touch of spice. What makes this recipe a must-try? It’s the perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication. You don’t need fancy equipment or barista skills to achieve coffee shop-quality results. The ingredients are readily available, and the process is incredibly straightforward. Plus, the flavor is simply irresistible. The cinnamon adds a subtle sweetness and warmth that complements the coffee’s natural notes, creating a harmonious and incredibly satisfying beverage. Forget those sugary, artificial-tasting coffee drinks – this is the real deal! But the best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment and make it your own. For a richer, creamier experience, try adding a splash of your favorite milk or cream. Almond milk, oat milk, or even coconut cream work beautifully. If you’re feeling adventurous, a drizzle of maple syrup or a dash of vanilla extract can add an extra layer of flavor. And for those who like a little extra kick, a pinch of cayenne pepper can create a delightful spicy-sweet combination. Serving suggestions are endless! Enjoy your Cinnamon Cold Brew straight over ice for a classic refreshing treat. Or, blend it with ice and a banana for a delicious and energizing smoothie. You can even use it as a base for coffee cocktails – imagine a Cinnamon Cold Brew White Russian! For a truly decadent experience, top it with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. It’s also fantastic paired with pastries, especially cinnamon rolls (of course!), muffins, or scones. I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s a simple yet elegant way to elevate your daily coffee routine and impress your friends and family. The aroma alone is enough to brighten any morning, and the taste is simply divine. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and prepare to be amazed. I truly encourage you to give this recipe a try. I’m so excited for you to experience the magic of homemade Cinnamon Cold Brew. Once you’ve had a chance to try it, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you make any variations? What did you think of the flavor? What did you pair it with? Share your thoughts, photos, and tips in the comments below. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me continue to create and share recipes that you’ll love. Let’s build a community of coffee lovers who appreciate the simple pleasures of life, one delicious cup at a time. Happy brewing! I can’t wait to hear what you think of this Cinnamon Cold Brew! Print
  

  Cinnamon Cold Brew: The Ultimate Guide to Making It at Home

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  • Total Time: 750 minutes
  • Yield: 3 cups concentrate; 1.5 cups syrup 1x

  Print Recipe

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  Description

  Refreshing homemade Cinnamon Cold Brew. Smooth cold brew concentrate meets warm, spicy cinnamon syrup for a delicious coffee.

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  Ingredients

  Scale 1x2x3x

  • 1 cup coarsely ground coffee beans (medium-dark roast preferred)
  • 4 cups cold, filtered water
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 4–5 cinnamon sticks, broken into smaller pieces
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
  • Cold brew concentrate (diluted to taste)
  • Cinnamon syrup (to taste)
  • Ice cubes
  • Milk or cream (optional, oat milk recommended)
  • Cinnamon powder (for garnish, optional)

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  Instructions

  1. Grind the Coffee: Coarsely grind the coffee beans.
  2. Combine Coffee and Water: In a large jar, pitcher, or cold brew maker, combine the ground coffee and cold, filtered water. Stir gently to saturate the grounds.
  3. Steep in the Refrigerator: Cover and refrigerate for 12-24 hours (16-18 hours recommended).
  4. Strain the Coffee: Strain using cheesecloth, a coffee filter, a French press, or a cold brew maker.
  5. Store the Concentrate: Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two weeks.
  6. Combine Water, Sugar, and Cinnamon: In a small saucepan, combine water, sugar, and broken cinnamon sticks.
  7. Bring to a Simmer: Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
  8. Simmer and Infuse: Reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 15-20 minutes.
  9. Remove from Heat and Cool: Remove from heat and let cool completely.
  10. Strain the Syrup: Strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the cinnamon sticks.
  11. Add Vanilla Extract (Optional): Stir in vanilla extract, if using.
  12. Store the Syrup: Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to a month.
  13. Fill a Glass with Ice: Fill a glass with ice cubes.
  14. Add Cold Brew Concentrate: Pour cold brew concentrate into the glass (1/3 to 1/2 full).
  15. Add Water or Milk: Top off with cold water or milk of choice.
  16. Sweeten with Cinnamon Syrup: Add cinnamon syrup to taste (start with 1 tablespoon).
  17. Stir Well: Stir until well combined.
  18. Garnish (Optional): Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon powder.
  19. Enjoy!

  Notes

  • Adjust the sweetness of the cinnamon syrup to your preference.
  • Experiment with different types of coffee beans for varying flavor profiles.
  • For a stronger cinnamon flavor, simmer the syrup for a longer period.
  • For a mocha version, add chocolate syrup.
  • For an adult version, add a shot of coffee liqueur or bourbon.
  • See the “Tips and Variations” and “Troubleshooting” sections in the original text for more detailed information and solutions to common issues.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes