Fall just might be my favorite season thanks to all those cozy vibes!
The weather is usually warm enough to enjoy the outdoors, but not so hot that melting feels inevitable.
And seeing the vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows as trees silently transition from summer to fall might be the highlight of my year.
Today’s post captures the best of fall with simple ingredients and the natural flavors of apple.
This recipe is so easy and delicious that you’ll crave it year-round!
Without further ado, let’s get to it!
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What is a Caramel Apple Cold Brew?
As you may have guessed, cold brew forms the basis of this recipe.
The cold brew is then sweetened with apple syrup and topped with caramel-flavored cold foam.
For an extra indulgent treat, add a drizzle of caramel over the top.
The caramel apple cold brew is sweet, slightly tart, and a refreshing way to celebrate the fall season.
What’s in a Caramel Apple Cold Brew?
This drink comes together with a few simple ingredients.
Coffee
The base of this drink is cold brew coffee.
You can either buy premade cold brew or brew your own with this simple cold brew pitcher.
When using a cold brew concentrate, mix it with cold water and plenty of ice cubes.
My new favorite way to quickly whip up a brew similar to cold brew is using my Aeropress.
This handy little gadget can make a stellar cup of coffee and a tasty shot of espresso.
It’s a great way to brew a quick, tasty cup of joe.
And thanks to this handy little HyperChiller, your coffee will be ice cold in about a minute.
The Aeropress and HyperChiller are the easiest way to whip up a cold brew copycat in minutes!
Flavor Syrups
The caramel apple cold brew relies on two flavor syrups for its epic flavor combo: apple and caramel.
For this recipe, I opted for a premade syrup. My favorite is Da Vinci gourmet apple syrup.
The flavor of this syrup is so close to the real thing that I could swear I’m biting into a Granny Smith apple with every bite!
Homemade apple syrup is also a fantastic option. If you’d like a recipe, check out my previous post, Best Copycat Honeycrisp Apple Caramel Espresso Shaker.
Although I will often use the thicker caramel sauce for decorating the glass and drizzling over whipped cream, I generally use the thinner caramel syrup form in cold drinks because it mixes much more easily.
Another option is using caramel extract to reduce sugar. You can also opt for a sugar-free caramel syrup.
Cold Foam
You can top off your apple cold brew with layers of tasty cold foam by combining heavy whipping cream and skim milk.
I am lactose intolerant, so I generally opt for a vegan heavy whipping cream that foams just as nicely as the dairy version.
And I will sometimes use plant milk, but also substitute lactose-free milk.
Drizzle a bit of caramel syrup, use this handheld frother, and you’ve got a cold foam that rivals any cold foam made in a fancy coffee shop!
Caramel Apple Cold Brew Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup cold brew concentrate + ½ cup cold water OR
- 1 cup coffee chilled to at least room temperature
- 1-2 tbsp apple flavor syrup
- ice
- 3 tbsp heavy whipping cream
- 1 tbsp skim milk
- 1-2 tbsp caramel syrup
Instructions
- Combine the cold brew concentrate and water, or chilled coffee, with the apple-flavored syrup in your favorite glass. Stir and add ice.
- In a small pitcher, combine the heavy whipping cream, milk, and caramel syrup. Use a hand frother to mix to your desired consistency.
- Pour the caramel cold foam over the cold brew and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make a caramel apple cold brew without cold brew concentrate?
Yes! If you don’t have cold brew on hand, you can use any strongly brewed coffee that has been chilled. An Aeropress or other quick-brew method works great when you’re short on time.
What kind of apple syrup works best for this recipe?
A high-quality apple syrup—such as Da Vinci or a homemade apple syrup—will give you the most vibrant apple flavor. Avoid apple pie syrups or overly spiced versions if you want that crisp apple taste.
Can I make a dairy-free caramel apple cold brew?
Absolutely. You can substitute vegan heavy whipping cream and your favorite plant-based milk to make the cold foam. Oat milk foams the best, especially when you use the “barista” variety.
Is it possible to make a sugar-free caramel apple cold brew?
Yes! You can find sugar-free apple and sugar-free caramel syrups on Amazon.
Final Thoughts on the Caramel Apple Cold Brew
The caramel apple cold brew is one of the best ways to enjoy all the best that fall has to offer!
One of the best parts about making coffee recipes at home is that you can tailor them to your exact tastes.
Home brews are also a heck of a lot cheaper than coffee shop versions, and there are no limits on the season when you’re your own barista!
If you loved this post, check out my other coffee-inspired content:
- How to Make a Copycat Iced Caramel Apple Cream Latte
- Copycat Starbucks Raspberry Cream Cold Brew
- Epic Cinnamon Sugar Caramel Espresso Shaker Recipe
- How to Make the Best Cranberry White Chocolate Latte
- Copycat Elphaba’s Cold Brew: A Deliciously Wicked Recipe!
