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If you love coffee and sweet treats, salted caramel cold brew is the drink for you! This rich and flavorful delight combines the smoothness of cold brew coffee with the indulgence of salted caramel. In this post, I’ll share the best ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and clever tips to help you create this refreshing drink at home. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this tasty treat!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The rich cold brew coffee perfectly complements the sweet and salty notes of the caramel, creating a refreshing and indulgent treat.
- Customizable Ingredients: You can easily swap out the milk for your favorite plant-based alternatives, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.
- Easy to Make Ahead: The cold brew can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge, allowing you to enjoy this drink anytime without the hassle of brewing on the spot.
- Gourmet Presentation: With simple garnishes like whipped cream and a sprinkle of sea salt, this drink looks as good as it tastes, making it perfect for entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
To make a delicious Salted Caramel Cold Brew, you need these key ingredients:
– 1 cup coarsely ground coffee
– 4 cups cold water
– 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– 1 cup milk of your choice (dairy, almond, oat, etc.)
– Ice cubes
– Sea salt for garnish
Using high-quality coffee beans makes a big difference. It enhances the flavor of your cold brew. For the caramel sauce, you can go with store-bought or make your own. Homemade adds a personal touch.
For milk, you have options. If you prefer dairy, go for whole or skim milk. For a dairy-free choice, almond or oat milk works well. Each type adds its own flavor and creaminess.
Optional Garnishes
To elevate your drink, consider these garnishes:
– Whipped cream
– Additional salted caramel sauce
– Sea salt for garnish
Whipped cream adds a creamy texture and sweetness. A drizzle of extra salted caramel sauce gives a rich finish. Finally, a sprinkle of sea salt enhances the flavors, making each sip unforgettable.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Brewing the Cold Brew Coffee
To make great cold brew, start with 1 cup of coarsely ground coffee. Place this in a large pitcher. Next, add 4 cups of cold water. Stir gently to mix the coffee grounds with the water. Cover the pitcher and place it in the fridge. Let it steep for at least 12 hours. Overnight steeping gives the best flavor.
Straining the Coffee
After steeping, you need to strain the coffee. You will need a fine mesh sieve or a coffee filter for this. Pour the cold brew through the sieve into another pitcher. This step removes the coffee grounds, so your drink is smooth. If you use a coffee filter, it may take longer, but it ensures a cleaner brew.
Assembling the Salted Caramel Cold Brew
Now it’s time to put it all together. Take a glass and add 1/4 cup of salted caramel sauce. Pour about 1/2 cup of the cold brew concentrate over the sauce. Stir gently to mix them. Next, fill the glass with ice cubes. Pour in your choice of milk until the glass is full. Give it another stir to blend everything well.
For a beautiful finish, drizzle more salted caramel on top. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt to enhance the flavor. If you want to be extra fancy, add whipped cream on top before serving.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting Your Cold Brew
To make a great cold brew, you can adjust the coffee strength to your taste. If you want a stronger flavor, use more coffee grounds or steep it longer. For a lighter drink, use less coffee or shorten the steeping time. Store your cold brew concentrate in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for about two weeks. This way, you can enjoy your salted caramel cold brew whenever you want.
Serving Suggestions
Choosing the right glass can make your drink pop. Tall glasses showcase the layers and colors well. You can also use clear jars for a rustic look. For garnishing, think outside the box! A drizzle of caramel on the rim looks fancy. You can also add a sprinkle of sea salt for a nice touch. If you like whipped cream, it makes a great topping.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If your cold brew tastes too bitter, try a few things. First, check your coffee grind. A coarser grind often helps. You can also adjust the steeping time. Less time can make it smoother. If your drink separates, just give it a good stir. Adding a little milk can help blend any layers. This keeps your salted caramel cold brew looking and tasting great.
Pro Tips
- Use Quality Coffee: The flavor of your cold brew largely depends on the coffee beans you choose. Opt for freshly roasted, high-quality beans for the best results.
- Experiment with Ratios: Adjust the coffee-to-water ratio to suit your taste. A stronger concentrate can be made by increasing the coffee grounds, while a milder version can be achieved by using less.
- Chill Your Glass: For an extra refreshing drink, chill your glass in the freezer for a few minutes before serving. This helps keep your cold brew ice-cold longer.
- Make Ahead: Cold brew concentrate can be made in large batches and stored in the fridge for up to two weeks. This allows you to enjoy a quick iced coffee anytime without the wait.

Variations
Flavor Variations
You can change up the taste of your salted caramel cold brew. Try adding flavored syrups. Vanilla and hazelnut work well. A splash of these syrups makes each sip unique. You can also infuse spices for a warm twist. Cinnamon adds sweetness, while nutmeg gives a cozy feel. Mix and match to suit your taste!
Dietary Variations
For those with dietary needs, there are great options. If you’re lactose intolerant, use almond or oat milk. These milks keep the drink creamy and delicious. For a vegan choice, stick to plant-based milks. You can also find vegan salted caramel sauces in stores. They let everyone enjoy this drink without worry.
Seasonal Variations
You can make your cold brew fit the seasons! In fall, add pumpkin spice for a festive touch. During the holidays, peppermint mocha syrup is a fun addition. It brings a cheerful flavor to your drink. These seasonal twists keep your salted caramel cold brew exciting all year!
Storage Info
Storing Cold Brew Concentrate
To keep your cold brew fresh, use glass or plastic containers with tight lids. Mason jars work great. They seal well and let you see the drink inside. Store your cold brew in the fridge. It lasts for about one week. After that, the flavor may fade.
Storing Salted Caramel Sauce
If you make your caramel sauce, let it cool before storing. Use a clean jar with a lid. Store it in the fridge for up to two weeks. Store-bought caramel can last longer. Always check the label for the best date.
When using caramel sauce, remember to take a spoonful and warm it if it thickens. This makes it easier to pour. Enjoy your delicious salted caramel cold brew!
FAQs
What is Salted Caramel Cold Brew?
Salted caramel cold brew is a chilled coffee drink. It combines smooth cold brew coffee with sweet and salty caramel. This drink is rich, creamy, and perfect for warm days. You can enjoy it as a treat or a pick-me-up.
Can I make Salted Caramel Cold Brew in advance?
Yes, you can prepare salted caramel cold brew ahead of time. Make the cold brew concentrate and store it in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to two weeks. You can also make salted caramel sauce in advance. Just keep it in an airtight container in the fridge.
Where can I buy Salted Caramel Cold Brew?
Many cafes offer salted caramel cold brew. Popular chains like Starbucks often have it on their menu. You can also check local coffee shops for unique versions. If you want to buy it ready-made, look for bottled options in grocery stores. Brands like Stok and Dunkin’ sell cold brew coffee with salted caramel flavors.
You learned how to make a great Salted Caramel Cold Brew. We covered essential ingredients, like quality coffee and milk options. You now know the steps for brewing and straining your coffee. We discussed ways to garnish and serve for the best taste. Lastly, we explored different flavor and dietary variations.
Now, you can enjoy your own cold brew at home, tailored to your taste. Try different ingredients and have fun with it! Happy brewin
Salted Caramel Cold Brew
A refreshing cold brew coffee with a rich salted caramel flavor, perfect for warm days.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 12 hours hrs 15 minutes mins
Course Beverage
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 200 kcal
- 1 cup coarsely ground coffee
- 4 cups cold water
- 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce
- 1 cup milk of your choice
- as needed cubes ice
- as needed pinch sea salt for garnish
- as desired whipped cream
In a large pitcher, combine the coarsely ground coffee with cold water. Stir gently to fully saturate the coffee grounds. Cover and let steep in the fridge for at least 12 hours, or overnight for optimal flavor.
After steeping, strain the coffee using a fine mesh sieve or a coffee filter into another pitcher, discarding the grounds. You now have a rich cold brew concentrate.
In a glass, add 1/4 cup of the salted caramel sauce. Pour in about 1/2 cup of the cold brew concentrate over it. Stir to combine.
Fill the glass with ice cubes, then pour in your choice of milk until the glass is full. Stir again to mix everything together.
Drizzle additional salted caramel sauce over the top and sprinkle a pinch of sea salt for that gourmet touch. For an added treat, top with whipped cream before serving.
Serve in tall glasses with a decorative straw and a small drizzle of caramel on the rim for an extra touch of elegance.
Keyword caramel, coffee, cold brew, refreshing
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