Why Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew Is a Fall Must-Try
Discover the rich, creamy flavor of Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew—perfectly spiced and chilled for a refreshing fall coffee treat. This delicious beverage brings together smooth cold brew coffee with the warm, inviting flavors of pumpkin and traditional fall spices, creating a drink that invigorates your senses while keeping you cool. Whether you’re a coffee lover or just curious about seasonal drinks, this recipe is a cozy way to embrace autumn without turning on the stove or heating up the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Seasonal Delight: It combines classic fall flavors in a way that feels fresh and modern, perfect for chilly mornings or crisp afternoons.
- Easy to Customize: You can make it as sweet, spicy, or creamy as you like, accommodating all taste preferences.
- Refreshing and Cooling: Unlike traditional hot pumpkin spice drinks, this cold brew keeps you refreshed while offering fall’s signature warmth.
- Rich and Creamy Texture: The addition of milk or cream balances the boldness of cold brew for a smooth, velvety sip.
- Great for Coffee Lovers: The robust flavor of cold brew pairs perfectly with pumpkin spice, making it a sophisticated twist on seasonal coffee.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple but essential ingredients that work together to create a deliciously balanced Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew. Each component contributes uniquely to the flavor, texture, or color, making the final drink both beautiful and satisfying.
- Cold Brew Coffee: The rich, smooth base that keeps the drink bold yet less acidic compared to hot brew.
- Pumpkin Puree: Adds authentic pumpkin flavor and natural creaminess without overwhelming sweetness.
- Spice Blend: A combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves for that signature warm fall taste.
- Milk or Plant-Based Milk: Provides creaminess and balances bitterness; almond or oat milk are great dairy-free options.
- Sweetener: Maple syrup, honey, or simple syrup adjusts the sweetness to your liking.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle depth and rounds out the spices perfectly.
Variations for Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew
Feel free to get creative with this Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew recipe! It’s easy to adapt based on what ingredients you have on hand or your dietary needs, allowing you to enjoy this cozy drink in your favorite way.
- Vegan Version: Use plant-based milk and maple syrup to keep it dairy-free and naturally sweet.
- Extra Creamy: Add a splash of heavy cream or whipped coconut cream for a dessert-like richness.
- Spiked Pumpkin Spice: Mix in a shot of bourbon or spiced rum for an adult twist.
- Less Sweet: Reduce the sweetener or omit it entirely for a more robust coffee-forward flavor.
- Protein Boost: Blend in a scoop of vanilla protein powder to make it a nutritious, flavorful pick-me-up.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew
Step 1: Prepare Your Cold Brew Coffee
Start by brewing your cold brew coffee if you don’t already have some on hand. Use coarsely ground coffee steeped in cold water for at least 12 hours for a smooth, bold base.
Step 2: Mix Pumpkin Spice Blend
Combine cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves to create the perfect pumpkin spice blend. You can adjust the ratios for a sweeter or more spiced drink.
Step 3: Combine Pumpkin Puree and Spices
Whisk the pumpkin puree with your spice blend, sweetener, and vanilla extract. This creates the rich, flavorful syrup-like base that infuses the cold brew.
Step 4: Assemble the Drink
Fill a glass with ice, pour the cold brew coffee over it, then add the pumpkin spice mixture. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
Step 5: Add Milk or Cream
Pour in your milk or plant-based milk to soften the bold coffee and add creaminess. Adjust the amount based on how rich you like your drink.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra touch of fall and enjoy your refreshing, autumn-inspired coffee.
Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew
- Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices make all the difference in delivering vibrant fall flavors.
- Don’t Overdo the Pumpkin: A little pumpkin puree goes a long way to prevent the drink from becoming too thick or overpowering.
- Sweeten Gradually: Add sweetener little by little; it’s easier to add more than to fix an overly sweet drink.
- Chill Ingredients: Keep all components cold before mixing to avoid diluting flavors with melting ice.
- Ice Cube Options: Freeze some leftover cold brew coffee into ice cubes to avoid watering down your drink as they melt.
How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew
Garnishes
Top your Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew with a pinch of ground cinnamon, a dash of nutmeg, or even a cinnamon stick stirrer for an inviting appearance and an extra boost of flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair it with classic fall treats like pumpkin muffins, gingerbread cookies, or a warm slice of apple pie to complement the spices and enhance the cozy vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your cold brew in a mason jar adorned with a rustic twine ribbon or choose a clear glass to showcase the layers for an Instagram-worthy autumn aesthetic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor integrity.
Freezing
You can freeze the pumpkin spice mixture or cold brew coffee separately in ice cube trays, then thaw and combine when ready to serve for a quick, fresh-tasting mix.
Reheating
This recipe is best enjoyed cold, but if you want a warm version, gently heat the pumpkin spice mixture before mixing with hot brewed coffee instead of cold brew.
FAQs
Can I use regular brewed coffee instead of cold brew?
Yes, you can substitute regular brewed coffee cooled down in the fridge, but cold brew provides a smoother, less acidic taste preferred for this recipe.
Is this recipe dairy-free?
This recipe can be made dairy-free by using plant-based milks like almond, oat, or coconut, and opting for dairy-free sweeteners.
How spicy is the Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew?
The spice level is mild and balanced, but you can easily adjust the amount of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves to suit your taste.
Can I make this drink ahead for a party?
Absolutely! Prepare the pumpkin spice mixture and cold brew separately, then combine just before serving to keep flavors fresh and vibrant.
What’s the best sweetener to use?
Maple syrup is a great fall-inspired choice, but honey, agave, or simple syrup work just as well depending on your preference.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew that makes fall feel even more magical. Its refreshing chill blended with warm spices invites you to enjoy the season in a uniquely delicious way. Give it a try, customize it to your taste, and savor every delicious sip of autumn in a glass.
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Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew
Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew is a refreshing and creamy fall coffee drink that combines smooth cold brew coffee with authentic pumpkin puree and warm fall spices. This chilled beverage perfectly balances rich coffee flavors with the cozy essence of pumpkin spice, making it an ideal seasonal treat for coffee lovers looking to enjoy autumn flavors without heating up the kitchen.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 hours (cold brew steeping time)
- Total Time: 12 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Beverages
- Method: No-Cook / Cold Brew
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup cold brew coffee
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 to 2 tablespoons sweetener (maple syrup, honey, or simple syrup), adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk or plant-based milk (almond, oat, or preferred milk)
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Prepare Your Cold Brew Coffee: Brew cold brew coffee using coarsely ground coffee steeped in cold water for at least 12 hours to achieve a smooth, bold base.
- Mix Pumpkin Spice Blend: Combine cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves in a small bowl. Adjust ratios for preferred spice level.
- Combine Pumpkin Puree and Spices: Whisk together the pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice blend, sweetener, and vanilla extract until thoroughly mixed to create a syrup-like base.
- Assemble the Drink: Fill a glass with ice, pour the cold brew coffee over the ice, and then add the pumpkin spice mixture. Stir well to integrate all flavors.
- Add Milk or Cream: Pour in milk or plant-based milk to your desired creaminess and stir gently. Adjust quantity to taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg on top for extra fall flavor and serve immediately chilled.
Notes
- Use freshly ground spices for the best flavor.
- Use pumpkin puree sparingly to avoid overpowering the drink.
- Add sweetener gradually to achieve optimal sweetness.
- Keep all ingredients chilled before assembling to maintain a refreshing temperature.
- Freeze extra cold brew coffee in ice cube trays to prevent dilution as ice melts.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: pumpkin spice, cold brew coffee, fall drink, autumn beverage, pumpkin puree, seasonal coffee, vegan option, iced coffee