Holiday Spiced Cold Brew Recipe

If you’re looking for a festive beverage to enjoy throughout the holiday season, this holiday spiced cold brew recipe has you covered. By combining aromatic spices like cinnamon and cloves with smooth, slow-brewed coffee, you’ll create a naturally sweet drink that feels special enough for Christmas morning yet simple enough for everyday indulgence. As a bonus, precisely steeping the spices in cold water over 12 to 24 hours ensures a gentle infusion, keeping bitterness at bay and accentuating the warm, cozy flavors.

Cold brew coffee is already known for its mellow taste and low acidity. Adding whole spices such as cinnamon sticks and cloves amplifies the holiday vibe without requiring complicated methods. You can brew this recipe using a traditional French press, a dedicated cold brew maker, or even a standard pitcher if you filter the grounds afterward. It’s your call—either way, you’ll end up with a crowd-pleasing holiday drink.

Ingredients

• 8 tablespoons of coarse ground coffee
• 1 (3–4 inch) cinnamon stick, lightly broken
• 2 whole cloves
• 1 star anise pod (optional, lightly crushed)
• 1 tablespoon cacao nibs (optional)
• 5 cups cold or room-temperature water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt to enhance sweetness
• Milk of your choice (whole milk, cashew milk, or oat milk recommended)
• Maple syrup or preferred sweetener (optional)

Feel free to experiment with the coffee beans you enjoy. Lighter roasts such as Guatemala or Peru provide bright, fruity notes, while richer beans from Brazil or a chocolatey espresso blend deliver a bolder taste.

Directions

Prepare the coffee and spices

• Measure out your coarse ground coffee and place it in your French press or cold brew maker.
• Add the broken cinnamon stick and cloves. If you’re using star anise or cacao nibs, toss them in as well.

Combine with water

• Pour five cups of cold or room-temperature water over the coffee and spices.
• Stir or gently shake your container for about 60 seconds until all ingredients are moistened.

Steep overnight

• Cover the container and place it in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours and up to 24 hours. A shorter brew time (12–16 hours) gives a milder spice flavor, while 20–24 hours creates a stronger infusion.

Strain and add finishing touches

• Separate the coffee and spices by plunging your French press or removing the filter. If you used a standard pitcher, strain the mixture through a fine mesh or paper filter.
• Stir in the vanilla extract and salt. A tiny salt pinch goes a long way to heighten sweetness.

Serve with milk and sweetener

• Fill your glass about ¾ full with the spiced cold brew, then top it off with your favorite milk. Adjust the ratio between ¾ coffee to ¼ milk or even a 50/50 blend for a creamier treat.
• If you like a sweeter taste, drizzle in some maple syrup and finish with a dash of ground cinnamon or a cinnamon stick garnish.

Tips & Variations

• Experiment with spices: Cardamom, cayenne pepper, or mint can bring a new spin to your cold brew. Add these sparingly to avoid overpowering the coffee.
• Garnish ideas: For a Christmassy look, float a few cranberries in your glass or add an orange slice for a bright citrus hint.
• Storage: Store the strained concentrate in your fridge for up to two weeks. When you’re ready for a festive sip, just dilute and flavor it as you like.

Nutrition facts

Final thoughts

Holiday spiced cold brew is an easy yet impressive way to celebrate the season. It captures all the comforting notes of cinnamon, cloves, and vanilla while keeping things refreshingly cool. Whether you’re entertaining or just treating yourself on a cold morning, this smooth and spicy blend can quickly become a holiday tradition. You’ll love how simple it is to customize, from the strength of the brew to the finishing touches.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

1. Can I brew for less time and still get a holiday flavor?
   Yes. Leaving it to steep for about 12 to 16 hours still infuses a pleasant spice taste, though it won’t be as pronounced as a full 24-hour brew.

2. Do I need a special cold brew maker?
   Not necessarily. You can use a French press, a standard pitcher with a strainer, or any container you have. The key is to filter the grounds and spices after steeping.

3. Why add salt to coffee?
   A pinch of salt can enhance sweetness and reduce bitterness. It’s especially helpful in spiced cold brews and brings out subtle flavors.

4. Which milk works best?
   Whole milk, cashew milk, and oat milk are all creamy choices that complement the warm spices. Feel free to experiment with any milk you enjoy.

5. How long will the concentrate last in the fridge?
   You can safely keep it in a sealed container for up to two weeks. For the best taste, consume it before the flavor starts to dull.

Holiday Spiced Cold Brew Recipe

Recipe by Matt Simmons

5.0 from 5 votes

Servings

1

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

5

minutes

Calories

70

kcal

Ingredients

• 8 tablespoons coarse ground coffee

• 1 (3–4 inch) cinnamon stick, lightly broken

• 2 whole cloves

• 1 star anise pod (optional, lightly crushed)

• 1 tablespoon cacao nibs (optional)

• 5 cups cold or room-temperature water

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Pinch salt to enhance sweetness

• Milk of your choice (whole milk, cashew milk, or oat milk recommended)

• Maple syrup or preferred sweetener (optional)

Directions

• Prepare the coffee and spices
• Measure out your coarse ground coffee and place it in your French press or cold brew maker.
• Add the broken cinnamon stick and cloves. If you’re using star anise or cacao nibs, toss them in as well.
• Combine with water
• Pour five cups of cold or room-temperature water over the coffee and spices.
• Stir or gently shake your container for about 60 seconds until all ingredients are moistened.
• Steep overnight
• Cover the container and place it in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours and up to 24 hours. A shorter brew time (12–16 hours) gives a milder spice flavor, while 20–24 hours creates a stronger infusion.
• Strain and add finishing touches
• Separate the coffee and spices by plunging your French press or removing the filter. If you used a standard pitcher, strain the mixture through a fine mesh or paper filter.
• Stir in the vanilla extract and salt. A tiny salt pinch goes a long way to heighten sweetness.
• Serve with milk and sweetener
• Fill your glass about ¾ full with the spiced cold brew, then top it off with your favorite milk. Adjust the ratio between ¾ coffee to ¼ milk or even a 50/50 blend for a creamier treat.
• If you like a sweeter taste, drizzle in some maple syrup and finish with a dash of ground cinnamon or a cinnamon stick garnish.

Notes

• Experiment with spices: Cardamom, cayenne pepper, or mint can bring a new spin to your cold brew. Add these sparingly to avoid overpowering the coffee.
  Garnish ideas: For a Christmassy look, float a few cranberries in your glass or add an orange slice for a bright citrus hint.
  Storage: Store the strained concentrate in your fridge for up to two weeks. When you’re ready for a festive sip, just dilute and flavor it as you like.