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.
Made this? How did it go?
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.
Written by
Jack Shi
Jack Shi is an independent developer and the founder of CLOOMS, where he builds focused tools and web utilities — including Home Cafe Lab. He tests every recipe and guide in a real home kitchen, and his guiding principle is simple: find a real, specific need and solve it as plainly as possible.
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