As the leaves change colors and the air turns crisp, it’s time to celebrate with the flavors of fall, even in your coffee. Cold brew is typically associated with hot summer days, but with a few seasonal adjustments, you can transform your cold brew into a warm and cozy drink that captures the feel of autumn.

What Makes Cold Brew Special?

Cold brew coffee is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in cold or room temperature water for an extended period, typically 12 to 24 hours. This slow extraction process produces a smooth, less acidic coffee that can be enjoyed in various ways.

While you might usually associate cold brew with refreshing summer drinks, the versatility of this brewing method means it can easily adapt to the flavors of fall, especially with the addition of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

Why Spice Up Your Cold Brew?

Adding spices to your cold brew not only enhances its flavor but also introduces the comfy feeling of fall. Here are a few reasons why you should try spiced cold brew:

1️⃣ Comforting Flavors: Spices like cinnamon and nutmeg evoke the warm and cozy feelings of the season, making your cold brew feel like a comforting hug in a cup.

2️⃣ Health Benefits: Many spices, including cinnamon and nutmeg, offer health benefits such as anti-inflammatory properties and improved digestion.

3️⃣ Customizable Sweetness: By making cold brew at home, you're able to adjust the sweetness, you can create a cold brew that perfectly suits your taste buds, making it a fun treat any time of day.

Fall-Inspired Spiced Cold Brew Recipe

Ingredients

• Coffee: 1 cup coarsely ground coffee beans (see recommendations below)
• Water: 4 cups cold or room temperature water
• Spices:
  • 1 cinnamon stick (or 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon)
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg (freshly grated if possible)
  • 3-4 whole cloves (or ½ teaspoon ground cloves)
• Sweetener (optional): Maple syrup, brown sugar, or your favorite sweetener to taste
• Milk or Cream (optional): For serving

Recommended Coffee Beans

When making cold brew at home, the choice of coffee beans is crucial for flavor. Here are a few recommendations:

Our Cold Brew Blend: a rich, creamy flavor profile blended specifically for making cold brew, our cold brew blend perfectly complements fall spices. 

Single Origin: Consider any single-origin beans known for their chocolatey or nutty notes, which will also pair beautifully with the spices.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your spiced cold brew:

Step 1: Combine Coffee and Water

In a large jar, pitcher, or french press combine the coarsely ground coffee and cold or room temperature water. Stir gently to ensure all coffee grounds are saturated.

Add the Spices: Add the cinnamon stick, nutmeg, and cloves directly into the coffee mixture. If you’re using ground spices, simply mix them in with the coffee and water.

Step 2: Steep the Mixture

Cover the jar, pitcher, or french press and let it steep at room temperature or in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours. The longer you steep, the stronger your cold brew will be.

Step 3: Strain the Cold Brew

After steeping, strain the cold brew through a fine-mesh sieve, cheesecloth, dedicated cold brew coffee maker, or pour out of the french press to remove the coffee grounds and spices.

Store the cold brew in a clean jar, pitcher, or french press in the refrigerator. It should keep well for up to two weeks.

Step 4: Adjust Sweetness and Serve

When ready to serve, pour the cold brew over ice or warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, depending on your preference.

Sweeten to taste: If you prefer a sweeter cold brew, add maple syrup, brown sugar, or your favorite sweetener, stirring well to combine.

Optional: For a creamier texture, add a splash of milk or cream (dairy or non-dairy) to enhance the flavors and richness.

Tips for Perfecting Your Spiced Cold Brew

Experiment with Spice Ratios: Feel free to adjust the amount of spices to suit your taste. If you love cinnamon, add an extra stick or teaspoon.

Try Different Sweeteners: Maple syrup adds a unique fall flavor, while brown sugar offers a deeper sweetness. Experiment to find your favorite!

Serve with Fall Treats: Pair your spiced cold brew with seasonal treats like pumpkin muffins or apple pie for the perfect autumn afternoon.

Cold Brew Concentrate: If you prefer a stronger coffee, you can make a cold brew concentrate by using a 1:2 coffee-to-water ratio. Just remember to dilute it with water or milk when serving.

To Wrap it Up

Making spiced cold brew at home is a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of fall while still enjoying your favorite cold coffee drink. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a cozy beverage that captures the feeling of fall.

So, grab your favorite coffee beans, gather your spices, and enjoy the comforting experience of homemade spiced cold brew!