Warm summer months call for ice-laden cold brews. With our hands reaching out to one too many servings, it didn’t take long before the gourmand in us was stirred and we went looking for experimenting with the regular. We toiled, we tested, we caffeinated. Fresh out of the DSSC cold brew lab, we bring to you snazzy upgrades to the beverage for a vibrant summer soiree. #TLMRecommends four stellar twists to this summer staple, to amp up your brew crew.
Orange Infused Coffee Tonic
Cheering you up on a sultry summer afternoon, the Orange Infused Coffee Tonic provides an effervescent caffeine kick with refreshing notes of citrus. Add a sprig of rosemary to herb-up this zingy concoction.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Caters To: 1 person
Challenge Level: Beginner
From The Pantry:
- 30 ml cold brew
- Wedge of an orange
- Tonic water
- 10 ml simple syrup
- Ice cubes
Mix Away:
- Add ice cubes to a chilled glass. Pour in the cold brew and mix in simple syrup.
- Top-up the mix with tonic water.
- Add an orange wedge and serve.
Thai Style Iced Coffee
A blend of condensed milk and aromatic star anise, topped with well-made cold brew can perk up one’s mood and energise their soul. Thai Style Iced Coffee promises the same, and much more.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Caters To: 2 persons
Challenge Level: Intermediate
From The Pantry:
- 1 cup condensed milk
- 1 star anise
- ¼ cup low-fat milk
- ½ cup cold brew concentrate
- Crushed ice
Mix Away:
- Gently heat condensed milk with star anise until warm. Stir continuously to avoid burning. Take off heat and allow the mix to cool completely. Strain the spice and keep the flavoured condensed milk aside.
- Add low fat milk to condensed milk. Combine well and place in the refrigerator.
- Take two tall glasses. Fill each glass with ¼ cup ice and equally divided cold brew concentrate between both glasses.
- Top-up the glasses with the milk mix and serve.
Nutella Mint Cold Brew
When three favourites come together in a glass, the result is a delicious Nutella Cold Brew that you cannot put down once you start sipping. The flavour of mint packs in a fresh note to everyday coffee while the familiar flavour of Nutella pleases the palate.
Prep Time: 5 minutes (plus freezing time)
Caters To: 1 person
Challenge Level: Beginner
From The Pantry:
- 1 cup cold brew concentrate
- 2 cups light milk (frozen into ice cubes the previous night)
- ¼ tsp peppermint extract
- 2 tbsp Nutella spread
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Mix Away:
- Use a blender to meld the cold brew concentrate, peppermint extract, and Nutella.
- Take two glasses and fill these half way up with milk ice cubes.
- Pour the blended syrup over the ice cubes. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and serve.
Mocha Cold Brew Popsicles
Use this recipe when the weather turns merciless. Prepare some cold brew popsicles in advance to weather the times when you feel out of energy. Bite in to the popsicle and bid your summer woes goodbye.
Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus freezing time)
Caters To: 2-3 persons
Challenge Level: Beginner
From The Pantry:
- 1½ cups almond milk
- ½ cup cold brew coffee concentrate
- 1 ripe banana
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- Popsicle moulds
Mix Away:
- Blend all ingredients together in a mixer.
- Pour the mixture into popsicle moulds and freeze overnight or a minimum of six hours. Serve.
Take your pick from these irresistible recipes and brew away.
Featured Image Courtesy: Chris Monroe for CNET