Savor the blend of cold brew coffee enriched with brown sugar and vanilla in this refreshing iced coffee creation. The smooth, chilled drink offers a unique twist on your everyday coffee experience. Optional cream elevates its silky texture, resulting in an indulgent treat perfect for laid-back, sunlit moments.
I’m excited to share my recipe for brown sugar vanilla iced coffee. This drink is a perfect blend of smooth cold brew coffee and a sweet twist from brown sugar and vanilla extract.
I start with 2 cups of cold brew coffee and use plenty of ice cubes to keep it chilled. Next, I mix 1/2 cup brown sugar with 1/2 cup water so it dissolves easily, then add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
For a creamier texture as an extra treat, I sometimes add 1/4 cup of milk or heavy cream. This recipe is a great homemade alternative to your favorite barista drink recipes, offering a rich and low-calorie iced coffee treat that is perfect on a sunny day.
Though each sip packs a flavorful punch, it is also interesting to note that the simple ingredients help to keep the calorie count in check without compromising on taste.
Why I Like this Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s super customizable and I feel like I can really make it my own. I can tweak the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar syrup, and if i’m in a mood for something creamy, just mixing in the milk or heavy cream makes it extra delicious.
I also like how simple and straightforward the whole process is. Even though theres a few steps, they’re easy enough to follow, and I never get stressed out making it.
Finally, on a hot sunny day, nothing beats a refreshing glass of iced coffee that’s both strong and a little sweet. It feels like a treat that i made for myself, and it really boosts my mood.
Ingredients
- Cold Brew Coffee: Packed with caffeine and rich flavor, giving a smooth energizing taste.
- Ice Cubes: Cool the drink instantly but dont overuse or dilute its robust flavor.
- Brown Sugar: Sweetens the coffee naturally and adds quick carbohydrates for energy.
- Water: Dissolves sugar evenly, ensuring a smooth blend and balanced taste.
- Vanilla Extract: Imparts a warm aromatic note that lifts the overall flavor nicely.
- Milk/Heavy Cream: Adds rich creaminess and smooth texture making every sip indulgent.
- Flavor Balance: Each ingredient contributes harmoniously to an unforgettable iced coffee blend.
- Tip: Experiment with amounts to make the drink suit your taste.
Ingredient Quantities
- 2 cups cold brew coffee
- Ice cubes (use as much as u need)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk or heavy cream (optional, but it makes it extra creamy)
How to Make this
1. In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar and water and heat them over medium heat until the sugar is fully dissolved, stirring a few times.
2. Once the sugar syrup is ready, remove it from the heat and let it cool down a bit.
3. Grab a large pitcher and pour in your 2 cups of cold brew coffee.
4. Add in plenty of ice cubes, using as many as you like to chill your drink.
5. Pour the cooled sugar syrup into the pitcher with the coffee.
6. Stir in the 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and mix it all together well.
7. If you want extra creaminess, pour in the 1/4 cup milk or heavy cream and then give it another stir.
8. Taste your iced coffee and if needed, adjust the sweetness or add a bit more cream.
9. Once you’re happy with the flavor, pour your drink into a glass.
10. Enjoy your brown sugar vanilla iced coffee and relax on a sunny day!
Equipment Needed
1. Small saucepan – You’ll need this to heat the sugar and water together.
2. Stirring spoon – Use this for mixing the syrup in the saucepan and stirring later in the pitcher.
3. Measuring cups and spoons – They help in accurately measuring the coffee, sugar, water, vanilla extract, and milk or cream.
4. Large pitcher – This will be used to combine the cold brew coffee, ice, syrup and other additives.
5. Glass – For serving your iced coffee.
6. Ice cube tray – If you are making your own ice cubes, this is essential.
FAQ
How To Make Brown Sugar Vanilla Iced Coffee Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- 2 cups cold brew coffee: if you don’t have cold brew you can use strong brewed coffee that’s been cooled down
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: mix white sugar with a splash of molasses if brown sugar isnt available
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: you can swap this for vanilla bean paste or even a hint of almond extract for a twist
- 1/4 cup milk or heavy cream: try using almond milk, soy milk or coconut milk if you want a dairy-free version
Pro Tips
1. When you heat the brown sugar and water, try not letting it boil too hard cuz that can make the flavor kinda cooked; just a little simmer works best so the sugar don’t burn.
2. If you’re aiming for super creamy coffee, using heavy cream instead of milk can really elevate the drink so experiment a little to see what fits your taste.
3. A small pinch of salt while mixing can actually bring out the coffee’s flavors even more, trust me on that.
4. Let the coffee chill with the syrup and vanilla for a minute before serving so all the flavours get to hang out together and mingle nicely.
How To Make Brown Sugar Vanilla Iced Coffee Recipe
My favorite How To Make Brown Sugar Vanilla Iced Coffee Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Small saucepan – You’ll need this to heat the sugar and water together.
2. Stirring spoon – Use this for mixing the syrup in the saucepan and stirring later in the pitcher.
3. Measuring cups and spoons – They help in accurately measuring the coffee, sugar, water, vanilla extract, and milk or cream.
4. Large pitcher – This will be used to combine the cold brew coffee, ice, syrup and other additives.
5. Glass – For serving your iced coffee.
6. Ice cube tray – If you are making your own ice cubes, this is essential.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cold brew coffee
- Ice cubes (use as much as u need)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk or heavy cream (optional, but it makes it extra creamy)
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar and water and heat them over medium heat until the sugar is fully dissolved, stirring a few times.
2. Once the sugar syrup is ready, remove it from the heat and let it cool down a bit.
3. Grab a large pitcher and pour in your 2 cups of cold brew coffee.
4. Add in plenty of ice cubes, using as many as you like to chill your drink.
5. Pour the cooled sugar syrup into the pitcher with the coffee.
6. Stir in the 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and mix it all together well.
7. If you want extra creaminess, pour in the 1/4 cup milk or heavy cream and then give it another stir.
8. Taste your iced coffee and if needed, adjust the sweetness or add a bit more cream.
9. Once you’re happy with the flavor, pour your drink into a glass.
10. Enjoy your brown sugar vanilla iced coffee and relax on a sunny day!
