COLD BREWCoconut Cold Brew
The quick answer
Combine 1 cup of cold brew concentrate with 1/2 cup of canned coconut milk (not coconut water) and 1 tablespoon of coconut syrup over a glass of ice. Stir gently and serve. For the concentrate, steep 1 cup of coarsely ground coffee in 4 cups of cold water for 16-18 hours in the fridge, then strain.
Canned coconut milk transforms cold brew into something closer to a dessert drink. The fat content carries the coffee flavor in a way that regular creamer doesn't.
The biggest variable in coconut cold brew is which coconut milk you use. Full-fat canned coconut milk (like Thai Kitchen or Native Forest) has 17-20% fat content and creates a thick, creamy drink that coats your palate. Refrigerated coconut milk beverages (like So Delicious or Silk) are much thinner -- closer to skim milk -- and produce a watery result that misses the point.
Cold brew concentrate is the coffee base. A 1:4 ratio of ground coffee to water (1 cup coffee to 4 cups water) steeped for 16-18 hours in the fridge produces a concentrate that you dilute with the coconut milk. If you use regular cold brew (not concentrate), reduce the coconut milk by half to maintain the right coffee-to-milk ratio.
Coconut syrup adds sweetness and amplifies the coconut flavor beyond what the coconut milk alone provides. Torani Coconut Syrup is widely available. A tablespoon is the right starting amount -- enough to taste clearly without becoming a candy drink. Adjust based on your tolerance for sweetness.
Toast a tablespoon of coconut flakes in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes and sprinkle them on top for a texture element and visual finish. This step is optional but adds a nutty, slightly crunchy contrast to the smooth drink.
Dial it in before you make it
Get the coffee-to-water ratio right for concentrate or ready-to-drink.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Coffee grounds | 189.6 g |
| Coffee grounds (tablespoons) | 35.8 tbsp |
| Water | 948 g |
| Water (cups) | 4.00 cups |
Serving tip
Dilute 1:1 with water or milk to serve — this batch makes ~8.0 cups of ready-to-drink cold brew.
1 tbsp ground coffee ≈ 5.3 g · 1 cup water = 237 g · 1 fl oz water = 29.57 g. Steep 12–24 h in the refrigerator.
Make it
Makes 1 drink
Ingredients
Steps
We brewed four batches of this with different coconut milk brands and ratios. Full-fat canned coconut milk at a 2:1 cold brew to coconut milk ratio is the sweet spot -- enough creaminess to taste the coconut clearly without the coffee getting buried under it.
Pro tips
- Use full-fat canned coconut milk only. Coconut milk beverages in cartons are too thin for this recipe.
- Shake the can of coconut milk before opening -- the fat separates during storage and you want the whole contents blended.
- Cold brew concentrate keeps in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Make a big batch and have coconut cold brew ready any morning.
- For a stronger coconut flavor, add 2 tablespoons of coconut syrup instead of one.
- Toast coconut flakes in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until golden.
Frequently asked questions
What coconut milk should I use for coconut cold brew?
Use full-fat canned coconut milk, not coconut milk beverages sold in cartons. Canned coconut milk has 17-20% fat and produces a thick, creamy drink. Carton coconut beverages are diluted to about 1-2% fat and result in a thin, watery drink that doesn't carry the coconut flavor well.
Can I use store-bought cold brew instead of making my own?
Yes. Store-bought cold brew concentrate (like Chameleon or Grady's) works perfectly. Check the label -- if it says concentrate, use 1 cup and add 1/2 cup coconut milk. If it says ready-to-drink, it is already diluted, so reduce the coconut milk to 1/4 cup to avoid diluting the coffee flavor further.
How long does cold brew concentrate last in the fridge?
Cold brew concentrate lasts up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator in a sealed container. The high concentration of coffee actually helps preserve it. After 2 weeks the flavor starts to go flat and slightly sour. Make fresh concentrate every 10-14 days for the best flavor.
Is coconut cold brew dairy-free?
Yes, when made with canned coconut milk and a coconut syrup that contains no dairy (most do not). Check your coconut syrup label to confirm. This drink is also naturally vegan. It is one of the creamiest dairy-free coffee drinks you can make at home.
Can I add other flavors to coconut cold brew?
Yes. Vanilla syrup (1 teaspoon) adds a subtle sweetness that pairs well with coconut. A pinch of salt in the glass brings out the sweetness of the coconut without making the drink taste salty. Some people add a shot of espresso on top for a stronger coffee hit over the coconut milk base.
