Cold Brew Coffee Recipe with Cacao & Spice – Ultimate Guide

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Cold Brew Coffee Recipe With Cacao & Spice – Ultimate Guide

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, a good cup of coffee is essential to starting the day (or getting through the afternoon!). But sometimes, you want something a little extra, right? I stumbled upon this cold brew recipe with cacao and spice a few summers ago, and it’s been a total game-changer. It’s smooth, subtly sweet, and has this amazing warmth from the nutmeg and cinnamon. Trust me, you’ll love it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your average cold brew. The cacao nibs add a beautiful chocolatey depth without being overly sweet, and the spices just elevate everything. It’s incredibly easy to make – seriously, the hardest part is waiting! Plus, it makes a concentrate, so you can have delicious spiced cold brew ready to go whenever the mood strikes.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of this magic:

• ?? cup ground coffee (about 85-100g)
• 1 tablespoon ground cacao nibs (about 8-10g)
• 1 ?? cups filtered water (about 240-280ml)
• Big pinch freshly grated nutmeg
• 1 cinnamon stick

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! Getting these right will really make a difference.

Ground Coffee: Choosing the Right Roast

I prefer a medium-dark roast for this recipe. It holds up well to the long steeping time and provides a nice, robust flavor. But feel free to experiment! A lighter roast will give you a brighter, more acidic brew.

Cacao Nibs: Benefits and Flavor Profile

Cacao nibs are basically chocolate in its purest form. They’re packed with antioxidants and have a slightly bitter, chocolatey flavor. Don’t confuse them with cocoa powder – nibs have a lovely crunch even after being ground!

Filtered Water: Importance of Quality

Seriously, don’t skip this! Your cold brew will only taste as good as the water you use. Filtered water removes any impurities that can affect the flavor.

Nutmeg: Freshly Grated vs. Ground

Freshly grated nutmeg is so much better than pre-ground. It has a warmer, more fragrant aroma. If you absolutely have to use pre-ground, make sure it’s relatively fresh.

Cinnamon Stick: Ceylon vs. Cassia Varieties

I like to use Ceylon cinnamon sticks for a more delicate, nuanced flavor. Cassia cinnamon is stronger and spicier. Either will work, but Ceylon is my personal preference.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Okay, let’s get brewing! It’s super simple, I promise.

1. In a bowl, French press, or even a large mason jar, combine your ground coffee, cacao nibs, filtered water, a generous pinch of freshly grated nutmeg, and the cinnamon stick. Give it a good stir to make sure everything is well combined.
2. Cover the mixture tightly and pop it into the refrigerator. This is where the magic happens! Let it steep for 12-20 hours. I usually go for 16-18 hours for the perfect balance of flavor.
3. Once it’s steeped, it’s time to strain. Line a strainer with a cheesecloth (or use a coffee filter) and slowly pour the concentrate through it. This will remove all the coffee grounds and cacao particles.
4. And that’s it! You’ve made cold brew concentrate. Serve it over ice with milk (or your favorite milk alternative) and a sweetener of your choice. Adjust the concentrate-to-milk ratio to your liking.

Expert Tips

Want to take your cold brew to the next level? Here are a few tips I’ve learned along the way:

• Adjusting Steep Time for Desired Strength: The longer you steep, the stronger the concentrate. Start with 12 hours and adjust to your taste.
• Using Different Types of Filters: Cheesecloth is great for a coarser filter, while a coffee filter will give you a super clean concentrate.
• Experimenting with Coffee-to-Water Ratios: I like the ratio in the recipe, but you can adjust it to make a stronger or weaker concentrate.
• The Importance of Cold Water Temperature: Using cold water is key for a smooth, less acidic cold brew.

Variations

This recipe is a great base for all sorts of fun variations!

• Vegan Cold Brew: Use your favorite plant-based milk – oat milk is amazing with this!
• Spice Level Adjustments: More or Less Nutmeg & Cinnamon: My friend, Priya, loves a really spicy brew, so she adds an extra pinch of nutmeg. Feel free to adjust the spices to your preference.
• Iced Mocha Variation: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder and a little extra sweetener to the concentrate for a delicious iced mocha. My kids adore this one!
• Festival Adaptations: Summer Refreshments: During the summer, I sometimes add a splash of orange juice or a few mint leaves to the concentrate for a refreshing twist.

Serving Suggestions

I love serving this cold brew with a splash of almond milk and a sprinkle of cacao nibs on top. It’s also delicious with a dollop of whipped cream (if you’re feeling indulgent!).

Storage Instructions

This concentrate will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

What is the ideal coffee-to-water ratio for this cold brew?

I recommend about 1 cup of coffee to 1 ½ – 2 cups of water, but feel free to experiment!

Can I use pre-ground cacao nibs, or is it better to grind them myself?

You can use pre-ground, but grinding them yourself will give you a more intense chocolate flavor.

How long can I store the cold brew concentrate in the refrigerator?

Up to 2 weeks in an airtight container.

What type of milk works best with this spiced cold brew?

Oat milk and almond milk are my favorites, but any milk you like will work!

Can I reuse the coffee grounds after making the concentrate?

Unfortunately, no. The grounds have already given up most of their flavor.

Enjoy your delicious, homemade spiced cold brew! Let me know in the comments if you try it and what variations you come up with. Happy brewing!