Hey coffee enthusiasts and flavor fanatics! If you’re on the hunt for a refreshing and utterly irresistible cold brew, you’ve come to the right place. Today, we’re spilling the beans (pun intended) on the easiest homemade version of Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew recipe that you can whip up in no time.

Whether you’re a seasoned home barista or just dipping your toes into the world of DIY coffee creations, fear not!
We designed this recipe with simplicity in mind, so that anyone can enjoy a cafe-quality cup of joy without the hassle.

Imagine savoring a velvety-smooth cold brew infused with luscious caramel notes, heightened by a hint of sea salt. It’s akin to creating your own personal coffee shop, where you enjoy cozy vibes and relish the irresistible aroma of freshly brewed java.

This recipe’s best part is that it doesn’t require any fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. We will walk you through each step, ensuring that you have a smooth journey to cold brew nirvana, just like your final drink.

Ingredients you’ll need for this easy salted caramel cream cold brew recipe

These are simple ingredients, found in any big grocery store.

1. Ground Coffee and Water: The star of the show! Ground coffee is mixed with cold water, allowing the flavors to infuse slowly over time. This cold brew base results in a smoother, less acidic taste compared to traditional hot coffee.
2. Caramel Sauce: The store-bought caramel sauce is the sweet element that gives the caramel notes to the cold brew. It adds a rich, buttery sweetness to it.
3. Whole Milk: Whole milk is added to the salted cream to provide creaminess and body.
4. Heavy Cream: This ingredient is essential for creating the salted cold foam topping. When whipped with a little sugar, sprinkle of salt, milk and vanilla, the heavy cream transforms into a foam that tops the cold brew with a frothy layer.
5. Granulated Sugar: Sugar is added to sweeten the sweet cream foam, but the amount can be adjusted according to personal preference. It balances the natural bitterness of coffee and complements the caramel flavor.
6. Vanilla Extract: The vanilla extract enriches the overall flavor profile, adding a warm and aromatic undertone to the cold brew.
7. Sea Salt: This is the secret ingredient that takes the cold brew to new heights! The sea salt adds a delicate, savory note that enhances both the coffee and caramel flavors.
8. Ice: Ice is the finishing touch that chills the cold brew, making it the ultimate refreshing cold drink. It also helps to dilute the cold brew concentrate slightly, ensuring a balanced and easy-to-sip drink.

Take a look at the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full recipe.

Substitutions and Add-ons for this cold coffee drink

The beauty of the Salted Caramel Cold Brew recipe lies in its flexibility, allowing for various substitutions and add-ons to suit individual tastes and dietary preferences. Here’s how you can customize this cold coffee drink:

Substitutions:

1. Caramel Sauce: Instead of regular caramel sauce, you can use a sugar-free caramel sauce. This swap will cater to those watching their sugar intake while still enjoying the rich caramel flavor.
2. Whole Milk: The original recipe calls for whole milk, but you can use any milk of choice to suit dietary requirements or personal preferences. Options include skim milk for a lower-fat version, dairy-free milk like coconut milk, soy milk, almond milk, or cashew milk for a dairy-free version.
3. Homemade Cold Brew Coffee: If you don’t have homemade cold brew coffee, you can use regular coffee instead. Simply brew your favorite coffee, let it cool, and then proceed with the recipe as directed. While the cold brew offers a smoother flavor, regular coffee will still work well and provide a delicious result.

Add-ons:

1. Caramel Drizzle: To intensify the caramel flavor, drizzle a little extra caramel sauce on top of the cold foam or directly into the cold brew. This adds a beautiful presentation and an extra burst of sweetness.
2. Chocolate Syrup: If you’re a fan of mocha flavors, consider adding a swirl of chocolate syrup to the cold brew. The combination of coffee, caramel, and chocolate creates a delicious trifecta of flavors.
3. Cinnamon or Nutmeg: A pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg sprinkled on top of the salted cold foam can add a warm and cozy touch to the drink, enhancing its aromatic complexity.

Remember, the best part of making your own Salted Caramel Cold Brew is the freedom to experiment and tailor it according to your taste preferences. So, don’t hesitate to get creative and have fun with different combinations until you find your perfect cup of coffee!

Step-by-step instructions for making this iced coffee

Cold brew coffee recipe:

Coffee-water Ratio

I went with a 1:4 ratio, which means I used 1/4 cup of ground coffee for every 1 cup of water, giving me around 3/4 cup of cold brew concentrate. 

The cold brew will be strong, but that’s exactly what we want because we’ll be adding ice, caramel, and creamy foam to create that irresistible Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew. 

Remember, feel free to play around with the amounts to find your perfect balance of flavors. 

Different methods for making cold brew

Method 1: Cold Brew Coffee with a French Press (this is how I made mine)

Add the ground coffee into the French press. Slowly pour cold, filtered water over the coffee grounds until they are fully immersed.

Use a spoon to gently stir the coffee and water mixture, ensuring all the grounds are soaked. Place the plunger on top of the French press but do not push it down. Let the mixture steep in the refrigerator for at least 8 to 24 hours.

After the steeping time is up, slowly press down the plunger to separate the coffee grounds from the liquid. The mesh filter in the French press will keep the grounds at the bottom while allowing the cold brew coffee to be poured out.

Method 2: Cold Brew Coffee with a Coffee Filter

Place a coffee filter inside a large container or pitcher. Make sure the container is large enough to hold both the coffee grounds and water.

Pour water over the coffee grounds in the coffee filter until they are fully submerged.

Stir the coffee and water mixture gently with a spoon to ensure all the grounds are soaked. Cover the container and place it in the refrigerator for 8 to 24 hours to steep.

After steeping, remove the coffee filter from the container. You can use a second coffee filter to strain the liquid again and remove any remaining sediment.

Method 3: Cold Brew Coffee with a Cold Brew Maker

Place the ground coffee in the designated compartment of the cold brew maker. Pour water slowly over the coffee grounds until they become fully immersed.

Close the cold brew maker and follow the instructions provided with your specific model. Allow the coffee to steep in the refrigerator for the recommended time, usually 8 to 24 hours.

Once the steeping process is complete, follow the cold brew maker’s instructions to drain the cold brew into a separate container. Some cold brew makers have built-in filters, while others may require additional straining using a coffee filter or fine-mesh sieve.

Cold foam recipe

In a bowl or a measuring cup, combine the heavy cream, milk, sugar, vanilla extract and sea salt.

Grab your handheld milk frother, immersion blender, or French press (yes, the French press can be used for frothing too!) and immerse it into the cream mixture.

Turn on your frother or immersion blender and move them in an up-and-down motion to create that fluffy, airy texture. If you’re using a French press, simply pump the plunger up and down to froth the cream until reaching desired consistency.

Assemble

Grab a tall glass, add your caramel sauce and pour your chilled cold brew coffee into it. Leave some space at the top for the creamy foam.

Spoon the salted cold foam on top of your cold brew, and top with more salted caramel sauce if desired. Stir and enjoy!

Expert tips for making the best Salted Caramel Cold Brew

1. Choose quality ingredients: Start with good-quality coarsely ground coffee beans, preferably a medium to dark roast, to enhance the richness of your cold brew.
2. Get the ratio right: Experiment with different coffee-to-water ratios to find your perfect strength. A general rule of thumb is 1 cup of coarsely ground coffee to 4 cups of cold water, but feel free to adjust according to your taste preferences.
3. Be Patient with Steeping: Allow your cold brew to steep in the refrigerator for at least 8 to 24 hours. This extended steeping time extracts the best flavors and creates a smooth, low-acid brew.
4. Chilled milk and cream: To achieve the best frothing results, ensure that you chill your heavy cream and milk before starting.

How to store any leftover cold brew

Find a suitable airtight container to store your leftover cold brew. Mason jars, pitchers, or bottles with lids work perfectly.

Seal the container tightly to prevent any air from getting in. This will help maintain the flavors and prevent your cold brew from absorbing any unwanted odors from the fridge.

Store your cold brew in the refrigerator. You can keep it in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Don’t miss out! Click this link to watch the video of this Salted Caramel Cold Brew Recipe up-close.

Take a look at this link for more Drink Recipes, or the links below for more coffee recipes:

Easy Coffee with Sweetened Condensed milk recipe

Best Homemade Coffee Ice Cream Recipe

Best Homemade Vanilla Coffee Frappuccino Recipe

Easy Coffee Brownies (extra fudgy recipe)

Coffee Loaf Cake Recipe (with coffee whipped cream frosting)

If you make this recipe, please be sure to give it a star rating and leave a comment below!