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I still remember the first time I tasted proper cold brew. It was at this tiny little cafe tucked away on a backstreet during my trip to Portland, Oregon. The barista, with his perfectly sculpted beard and even more perfectly pulled espresso shots, convinced me to try their cold brew. I was immediately hooked. The lack of acidity, the smooth, almost chocolatey notes – it was a completely different coffee experience. Ever since, I've been trying to recreate that magic at home.
This Vanilla Bean Cold Brew Bliss recipe is my attempt to bottle that magic. It's not just about adding vanilla; it's about infusing the cold brew with the subtle, complex flavor of real vanilla beans. This isn't your average sugary, artificial vanilla syrup. This is something…more. You’ll love it.
What does this mean for you? It means you’re about to embark on a journey to coffee nirvana. Forget those bitter, acidic iced coffees of the past. Prepare yourself for a smooth, sweet, and utterly addictive cold brew experience. I think you will, too!
Indulge in the smooth, creamy perfection of Vanilla Bean Cold Brew. This easy-to-make recipe delivers a rich, subtly sweet coffee experience that's perfect for a morning boost or afternoon treat.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield:4 servings
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
Grind your coffee beans: Coarsely grind 1 cup (about 80g) of your favorite coffee beans. A burr grinder is ideal for even grinding, but a blade grinder will work too. Don't grind too finely, or your cold brew will be sludgy.
Prepare the vanilla bean: Slice one vanilla bean lengthwise, splitting it open. Scrape out the seeds with the back of a knife. Don't throw away the pod! We'll use that too.
Combine coffee and vanilla: In a large jar or pitcher (at least 48 ounces), combine the ground coffee, vanilla bean seeds, and the vanilla bean pod. The pod adds a deeper, more complex vanilla flavor.
Add water: Pour 4 cups (32 ounces) of cold, filtered water over the coffee and vanilla mixture. Stir gently to ensure all the coffee grounds are saturated.
Steep in the refrigerator: Cover the jar or pitcher and refrigerate for 18-24 hours. The longer it steeps, the stronger the coffee will be. I usually go for 20 hours – it's the sweet spot for me.
Strain the cold brew: After steeping, strain the cold brew through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth or a coffee filter. This will remove the coffee grounds and vanilla bean pieces. For an extra-clean brew, strain it twice.
Make vanilla syrup (optional): While the cold brew steeps, make a simple vanilla syrup. In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of water and 1/2 cup of sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Let cool completely before using. Or, if you are feeling fancy, you can use your scraped vanilla bean pods!
Serve and enjoy: Fill a glass with ice. Pour the vanilla bean cold brew over the ice. Add a splash of milk, cream, or your favorite non-dairy milk alternative, if desired. Sweeten with vanilla syrup to taste, or just try it without. Garnish with a vanilla bean or a sprinkle of cocoa powder, if you're feeling fancy. Enjoy your Vanilla Bean Cold Brew Bliss!
📝 Notes
For a stronger coffee flavor, use a dark roast coffee bean.
Adjust the steeping time to your preference. Longer steeping results in a stronger brew.
Use good quality water - it will make a difference!