Homemade Vanilla Cold Brew Recipe

If you love a smooth, creamy coffee drink that’s perfect for warm mornings or afternoon pick-me-ups, then you’re going to adore this Homemade Vanilla Cold Brew Recipe. I absolutely love how this turns out because it brings you that rich, velvety sweetness of vanilla combined with the boldness of cold brew coffee—just like your favorite café, but made right in your kitchen. Stick around, and I’ll share all my tips and tricks to help you nail it every time!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Homemade Vanilla Cold Brew Recipe lies in its simple, quality ingredients that blend beautifully to create a rich, smooth drink. When shopping, I always choose coarsely ground coffee for a cleaner extraction and pure vanilla extract to keep the flavor natural and vibrant.

• Coarsely ground coffee: This prevents over-extraction and bitterness; using coarse grounds is key to smooth cold brew flavor.
• Water: Use filtered water if you can, it really makes a difference for a clean cup.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar works best to create a simple syrup that dissolves easily.
• Vanilla extract: Pure vanilla extract gives the syrup a warm, authentic vanilla flavor.
• 2% milk: Adds just the right touch of creaminess without overpowering the flavor.
• Heavy cream: Brings that indulgent, velvety mouthfeel that makes this cold brew extra special.

Variations

I love tweaking this Homemade Vanilla Cold Brew Recipe depending on my mood or what I have in the fridge. The great thing is you can easily make it your own, whether you’re craving something a bit lighter or want to go all out decadent.

• Non-dairy twist: I’ve swapped the 2% milk and heavy cream for oat or almond milk and coconut cream, and it still tastes fabulous with a slightly nutty edge.
• Sweetness level: If you want a less sweet drink, just cut back on the vanilla syrup—your cold brew won’t lose any richness.
• Extra flavors: Once I added a pinch of cinnamon and a drop of almond extract to the vanilla syrup—it was a surprising, cozy update my family loved.
• Spiced cold brew: For the holiday season, I infuse the syrup with whole cloves or star anise for a festive vibe.

How to Make Homemade Vanilla Cold Brew Recipe

Step 1: Steep Your Cold Brew Coffee

Start by adding 16 ounces of filtered water and 1/2 cup of coarsely ground coffee into a French press or large mason jar. Cover it with a lid and pop it into your fridge to steep for at least 12 hours. This slow brewing process is what delivers that smooth, rich flavor with low acidity. When it’s ready, press the plunger down if you’re using a French press, or strain through a coffee filter if you’re using a jar. Store your cold brew in the fridge until you’re ready to enjoy.

Step 2: Make the Vanilla Syrup

While the coffee is steeping, you can make your vanilla syrup. Combine 2 cups of sugar and 1 cup of water in a small saucepan, then bring it to a boil on medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely. Remove it from the heat and let it cool to room temperature. Once cooled, stir in 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract. This simple syrup can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to two weeks, so making extra is a great plan!

Step 3: Prepare the Vanilla Sweet Cream

In a small bowl, mix together ½ cup 2% milk, ½ cup heavy cream, and 2 tablespoons of your homemade vanilla syrup until smooth. This is your sweet cream that adds that dreamy, creamy texture to your cold brew. I usually keep this stored in the fridge as well, and it stays fresh for 3 to 4 days.

Step 4: Build Your Glass and Enjoy!

Fill a tall glass with ice, pour in your cold brew coffee, then top it off with a generous splash of the vanilla sweet cream. Give it a gentle stir to combine the layers just right. You’ll find that perfect balance of robust coffee with a luscious vanilla hug in every sip.

How to Serve Homemade Vanilla Cold Brew Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of keeping it classic, but sometimes I like to sprinkle a little cinnamon or nutmeg on top for a cozy aroma and extra flavor. A twist of orange peel also adds a lovely fresh fragrance that elevates the drink.

Side Dishes

When I make this iced coffee, I love pairing it with buttery croissants or a slice of banana bread. The subtle sweetness of the creamed coffee pairs beautifully with flaky or fruity breakfast treats.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I serve the vanilla cold brew in pretty glassware layered with cream and even add vanilla bean specks on top for a visually stunning effect. A reusable stainless steel straw not only looks chic but keeps your drink perfectly chilled as you sip.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always keep my cold brew coffee in an airtight container in the fridge and it stays fresh for up to a week, giving me delicious coffee without any bitterness. The vanilla sweet cream lasts about 3 to 4 days refrigerated, so I usually make enough for a few drinks at once.

Freezing

Freezing cold brew coffee isn’t my go-to because ice cubes made from it can dilute your drink—but freezing leftover vanilla syrup in small ice cube trays works great for portioning out sweetness for future drinks.

Reheating

This recipe is best enjoyed cold, but if you prefer a warm vanilla coffee, just heat the cold brew gently on the stove or microwave until warm—avoid boiling, as it can alter the flavor—and add warmed vanilla sweet cream for a cozy treat.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Making this Homemade Vanilla Cold Brew Recipe has honestly been a game changer for my mornings. It’s refreshing, indulgent, and something I look forward to sipping even on the busiest days. I love that I can control every element—from how strong the coffee is to how creamy and sweet the final drink becomes. Trust me, once you try making it yourself, you’ll never look at your local coffee shop line the same way again. Give it a whirl—you’ve totally got this!

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