Does Cold Brew Have Milk? And When to Add Milk

Does cold brew have milk? Some like it with milk, while others prefer to drink it black. And either way is fine. We’ll tell you what cold brew is, how to make it, the best kinds of creamer to use, and how much creamer to use. Let’s get started!

What is Cold Brew?

Cold brewed coffee is made with cold water and regular coffee. It is generally served as cold coffee and is an especially great way to enjoy a refreshing drink during the summer months.

Depending on the cold brewing method used, coffee grounds are traditionally left to steep overnight to maximize coffee extraction and for the best results.

Because of the cold brewing process, the caffeine level tends to be more concentrated. On the other hand, one of the benefits is it has lower acidity and a cold brew taste compared to regular coffee.

How is Cold Brew Made?

There are different ways cold brew concentrate can be made. And you don’t really need any special equipment to make it.

Our all-time favorite brewing method for cold brewing is simply to use a Mason jar. You’ll also need a coarse grind of coffee and cold water.

To cold brew, you simply add the desired amount of coffee grounds right into the cold water and let them steep in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours. You’ll want to strain out the coffee grounds before serving the coffee.

An alternate solution to using a Mason jar is to use a French press coffee maker or a couple of glass pitchers. Letting the coffee grounds steep in the room temperature water or cold water for a length of time is key for a successful cold brew method outcome. And we think cold foam is the added bonus.

What Does Cold Brew Taste Like?

Compared to regular coffee, the cold brew taste is a smooth flavor that’s less acidic and less bitter. If you like coffee, we think you’ll appreciate trying it.

What Cold Brew is Not

There is sometimes confusion between cold brew coffee and iced coffee. So, we thought it would be important to lay out what cold brew is not.

Cold brew is not hot coffee, brewed with hot water like regular coffee. Though cold brew can be heated if desired after it’s been brewed.

Cold brew is not brewed like hot brewed coffee in a coffee maker like drip coffee is made.

Instead, the brewing process uses a vital lengthy extraction time to allow the grounds to steep and create coffee concentrate.

Does Cold Brew Have Milk?

Cold brew can have milk added to it which serves as a coffee creamer and providing a richer flavor that is creamier. Whether milk is added generally depends on your preference when making it at home.

Since cold brew is a concentrate, sometimes it’s served with milk or water added to dilute it a bit.

When ordering cold brew at coffee shops, you’ll want to ask whether theirs contains milk, especially if you have a dairy allergy or sensitivity.

Types of Creamer to Use in Cold Brew

There are several different types of creamer that can be used in cold brewed coffee. Liquid creamers such as whole milk, half and half, heavy cream, and liquid commercial coffee creamers are a popular choice.

Then, there are plant-based milk options that are best if you have an intolerance to milk or milk allergy.

Some of the best plant-based milk creamers include coconut milk, oat milk, soy milk, or almond milk. And there’s not really a risk of any of these liquids curdling since you will add cold milk to cold-brewed coffee.

How Much Creamer Should I Use?

If you’re not sure how much milk you should add to your cold brew, we recommend using 1-2 tablespoons for every 8 ounces of coffee. This is a good starting point and can always be adjusted depending on the perfect cup of coffee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Following are frequently asked questions that relate to does cold brew have milk. If you have a question that’s not answered here, feel free to drop it to us in the comments box below and we’ll be happy to respond.

Is there any milk in cold brew?

As a matter of personal preference, you can add milk to cold brew coffee before you consume it, just like you’d add coffee creamer to your regular coffee before you drink it.

Is cold brew dairy free?

Yes, homemade cold brew is naturally dairy free. If you’re ordering cold brew from a coffee shop or restaurant, you’ll want to be sure to ask whether their cold brew contains dairy.

How much milk is in cold brew?

Traditionally, cold brew concentrate is made with coarse coffee grounds and water. Milk can be added before the coffee is served, if desired.

We recommend adding 1-2 tablespoons of milk to the coffee as creamer, depending on your preference.

Does cold coffee contain milk?

Cold coffee such as iced coffee generally contains milk. But we should point out that iced coffee is different than cold brewed coffee.

Iced coffee is brewed hot and poured over ice with milk and added sweetener, but cold brew is brewed cold over a longer length of time.

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