Making cold brew is incredibly simple, especially if you have the right equipment. But it does take time — at least 16 hours — so it makes sense to make a big batch. Once you have enjoyed a cup or two of cold brew, you may start wondering: what else can you do with cold brew concentrate?
We’re here to answer that question! We’ve put together eight creative and tasty ideas that will help you use your cold brew concentrate. Keep reading to find everything from smoothies and muffins to soup and martinis.
How Long Does Cold Brew Last?
Before we start, we should address one big question. How long will your cold brew concentrate last? If you keep your cold brew concentrate in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it will last up to two weeks. For the best flavor, you may want to drink it within one week.
Top 8 Great Uses for Cold Brew Concentrate:
1. Coffee (Hot or Cold)
First, the most straightforward use for cold brew concentrate: a good old cup of coffee! The most obvious use is iced coffee since your concentrate is already cold. Just add ice and water and enjoy!
You can also turn your concentrate into hot coffee by — you guessed it — adding hot water. This will not result in a piping hot cup of coffee, but it will be warm and ready to drink.
2. Smoothies
Cold brew makes a great addition to a smoothie, combining a caffeine buzz with a refreshing breakfast. Mix in chocolate, peanut butter, bananas, or berries for a fun morning treat — and see our favorite coffee smoothie recipes here.
3. Baking
Espresso powder is a more common baking ingredient, but you can easily incorporate cold brew into recipes from muffins to ice cream. Soak ladyfingers in cold brew to make tiramisu or whip up some cinnamon coffee cookies.
4. Coffee Marinade
Looking for an interesting new flavor for your steak or chicken? Try marinating it in the cold brew! Coffee is acidic, and when you combine it with other acidic ingredients like vinegar and Worcestershire sauce, you form a mixture perfect for tenderizing meat. You will be amazed at the unusual taste of your cold brew steak!
5. Barbecue Sauce
Many barbecue recipes use brewed coffee to add depth of flavor. Why not substitute in your cold brew? The results will be stronger, so you won’t need much to produce a very interesting sauce.
6. Coffee Soup
Continuing our savory uses for cold brew, you whip up a coffee soup. The Amish make a coffee soup with chunks of bread or saltines. But you can also try making a French onion soup that uses coffee (or cold brew) as a soup base.
7. Cold Brew Jelly
Coffee jelly is a tasty Japanese dessert that’s typically made with regular brewed coffee. But you can substitute coffee concentrate for an extra-powerful flavor. See our recipe here.
8. Cold Brew Cocktails
If you can handle the late-night caffeine, there are quite a few cold brew cocktails that might be calling your name. Make a cold brew martini with vodka and Kahlua, try a creamy cold brew white Russian, or treat yourself to a cold brew, maple syrup, and bourbon drink.
- SEE ALSO: The Best Kahlua Coffee Cocktails
The Bottom Line
There are so many delicious ways to use cold brew concentrate, aren’t there? We hope this list helps you explore your options — and keep any of that tasty brew from going to waste. Whether you opt for cinnamon coffee cookies, French onion cold brew soup, or a caffeinated white Russian, we know you’ll enjoy your cold brew.
Looking for more coffee recipes?
- Healthy Coffee Recipes: 24 Delicious & Guilt-Free Drinks
- How to Make DIY Coffee Scrub (Fast & Affordable)
- How to Make Frozen Coffee: Simple Steps
- Delicious Maple Latte Recipe (Try This Today!)
Featured image credit: FootMade0525, Shutterstock
