This brown sugar vanilla iced coffee is a refreshing blend where cold brew meets luscious brown sugar syrup, enriched with vanilla and a creamy finish. Each sip offers indulgence reminiscent of a dreamy coffee shop experience. Relish the magic of Easy At Home Starbucks Drinks and Iced Coffee Recipe style creations.

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I love making my own brown sugar vanilla iced coffee at home knowing its nutritional benefits too. I start with 2 cups of cold brew coffee that provides a smoother caffeine boost compared to other methods.

Combining it with 1/2 cup of brown sugar and 1/2 cup of water helps dissolve the sweetness evenly and lower the sugar spike slightly due to the slow release of energy. I add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract which adds a natural note without any artificial flavoring.

The 1/2 cup of milk or cream can be adjusted to taste and gives a good amount of calcium. I complete the recipe with plenty of ice cubes which keeps it refreshing for those sunny days.

I find this recipe fits well with many popular barista drink recipes and is similar to the easy at home Starbucks drinks style. It’s a great, healthy iced coffee option that doesn’t compromise on flavor or nutritional facts.

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because it gives me a perfect balance of sweet and bitter flavors that really wakes me up in the morning. The brown sugar syrup adds a rich, caramel-like taste while the cold brew coffee keeps it bold and refreshing.

I also love how simple it is to make. It may have a few steps but it’s pretty fun to prepare, and i feel like i get to personalize it by adjusting the milk or cream to just how i like it.

Finally, the vanilla extract really rounds off the flavor. It brings a subtle sweetness and warmth that makes the whole drink feel special, especially on a sunny day when i just need something cool and tasty.

Ingredients

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Cold brew coffee offers a smooth, energizing base with antioxidants and low acidity boosts.
Brown sugar adds natural sweetness and quick carbs, giving the drink its rich flavor.
Water helps dissolve sugar evenly, keeping the texture consistent and balanced.
Vanilla extract intensifies the aroma, making the coffee taste extra inviting.
Milk or cream creates a creamy texture, adds calcium, and softens the coffee’s bold edge.
Ice cubes cool the drink rapidly, enhancing overall refreshment without altering taste.

Ingredient Quantities

2 cups cold brew coffee

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup water

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup milk or cream (adjust to taste)

Ice cubes

How to Make this

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1. In a small saucepan, mix the brown sugar with the water and heat it over medium heat; stir continuously so the sugar dissolves fully.

2. Once it starts to simmer, let it cook for about 2 minutes then take it off the heat and allow it to cool.

3. Grab a large glass and pour in the cold brew coffee.

4. Stir the cooled brown sugar syrup into the coffee until they’re well blended.

5. Add the vanilla extract and mix it in smooth.

6. Pour in your milk or cream, adjusting the amount to match your taste.

7. Now fill the glass with plenty of ice cubes.

8. Give the whole thing one last good stir to combine all the flavors.

9. Enjoy your refreshing brown sugar vanilla iced coffee on a sunny day!

Equipment Needed

1. Small saucepan
2. Measuring cup (for the brown sugar and water)
3. Stirring spoon (or spatula)
4. Stove (to heat the saucepan)
5. Large glass (for serving the coffee)
6. Measuring spoons (for the vanilla extract)
7. Ice cube tray (if you’re making your own ice)

FAQ

Question: can i make my iced coffee ahead of time?

Answer: yeah, but its best to prep the brown sugar mixture fresh so the flavor stays punchy.

Question: what type of coffee works best for this recipe?

Answer: cold brew coffee is ideal since its smooth and doesn't turn bitter when mixed with the other ingredients.

Question: can i adjust the milk or cream amount?

Answer: definitely, you can use more or less milk or cream based on how creamy you like your drink.

Question: can i use white sugar instead of brown sugar?

Answer: you can substitute if you have to, but brown sugar gives a deeper, richer flavor that really makes this recipe pop.

Question: how do i make sure the brown sugar dissolves well?

Answer: mix the brown sugar with water first and if needed, heat it up slightly to help it dissolve completely before adding the vanilla.

How To Make Brown Sugar Vanilla Iced Coffee Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you don’t have cold brew coffee, you can substitute it with strong brewed coffee that’s been chilled. It’ll still give you that bold flavor.
If you’re out of brown sugar, try using raw sugar or even a bit of maple syrup. Be careful cause they might change the sweetness a tad.
If you don’t have water, you can use a little more milk or cream or even try almond milk for a different twist.
If you’re missing vanilla extract, a few drops of vanilla essence or even vanilla bean paste can work. Just remember that these substitutes may have a stronger taste, so use them sparingly.
If you want a non-dairy version of the milk, oat milk or coconut milk are great alternatives that give a unique flavor to the coffee.

Pro Tips

1. Try chillin your glass and coffee before mixin it up so that the drink stays super cold all through even when you add the syrup and milk
2. Make a larger batch of the brown sugar syrup ahead of time and keep it in the fridge; that way you can whip up the drink real quick on a busy morning
3. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different kinds of milk, like almond or oat milk, to find what tastes best for you
4. If you’re feelin adventurous, toss in a pinch of cinnamon or even a tiny bit of maple extract along with the vanilla to mix up the flavor profile a bit