That coffee shop cold brew craving hits, but your wallet begs for a break. Good news! You can easily recreate that delicious cinnamon dolce cold brew right at home. This recipe is simple, budget-friendly, and perfect for your next caffeine fix.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Cold Brew Coffee: Store-bought concentrate works great, or make your own!
- Milk: Any milk you prefer – dairy, almond, oat, or soy.
- Cinnamon Sticks: Essential for that authentic cinnamon flavor. Ground cinnamon can be used in a pinch, but sticks are best.
- Sugar: Granulated white sugar is typical, but brown sugar or maple syrup can add a different depth.
Ingredients
For the Cinnamon Dolce Syrup:
* 1 cup water
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 3 cinnamon sticks
For the Cinnamon Dolce Cold Brew:
* 1 cup cold brew coffee concentrate (or strong cold brew)
* 1/2 cup milk of choice
* 2-3 tablespoons Cinnamon Dolce Syrup (or to taste)
* Ice
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 15 minutes (plus cooling time for syrup)
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (for syrup)
- Servings: 1
- Tools Needed: Small saucepan, glass, spoon
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Cinnamon Dolce Syrup
Combine water, sugar, and cinnamon sticks in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.
2. Cool the Syrup
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Let the syrup cool completely to room temperature. This step is important for the best flavor and to prevent diluting your cold brew. You can leave the cinnamon sticks in for extra flavor as it cools.
3. Assemble Your Cold Brew
Fill a glass with ice. Pour in your cold brew coffee concentrate.
4. Add Milk and Syrup
Add your milk of choice to the glass. Then, spoon in 2-3 tablespoons of the homemade cinnamon dolce syrup, or adjust to your preferred sweetness.
5. Stir and Enjoy
Stir everything well to combine. Take a sip and adjust the sweetness or milk if needed. Now you have a perfectly customized cinnamon dolce cold brew!
Storage Instructions
The homemade cinnamon dolce syrup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Make a larger batch to have on hand for multiple cold brews throughout the week. Store any leftover cold brew coffee in the fridge for up to 3-5 days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use regular brewed coffee instead of cold brew?
A: You can, but it won’t have the same smooth, low-acidity taste as cold brew. If you use regular coffee, make sure it’s chilled.
Q: Can I make this a hot drink?
A: Absolutely! Simply warm up your coffee and milk, then stir in the cinnamon dolce syrup.
Q: How can I make my own cold brew concentrate?
A: Combine 1 part coarse ground coffee with 4 parts filtered water. Steep in the fridge for 12-18 hours, then strain.
Q: Can I add whipped cream?
A: Yes, a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of extra cinnamon on top would be a delicious addition!
Q: Is this recipe very sweet?
A: The syrup is sweet, but you control how much you add to your drink. Start with a little and add more to taste.
Q: What type of cinnamon is best for the syrup?
A: Ceylon cinnamon sticks are generally preferred for their delicate, sweet flavor, but cassia cinnamon sticks also work well.