Make a keto cold brew with just two ingredients at home. With a smooth, refreshing flavor, you’ll never buy Starbucks again. It’s a flavorful and invigorating pick-me-up to start your day or as an afternoon boost.
This cold brew coffee recipe is the perfect coffee to enjoy chilled over ice for any occasion. The concentrate of cold brew is generally stronger than drip coffee but also much better for sensitive stomachs.
The secret lies in the cold brewing method, where coarsely ground coffee beans are left to steep in cold water for an extended period. This process brings out the coffee’s naturally bold essence without the bitterness associated with traditional brewing methods. The result is a smooth, refreshing cold brew that’s second to none.
You can whip up a small batch for yourself or have a larger jar on hand for guests and gatherings.
Kick your coffee shop habit and save some money by making this Starbucks keto cold brew at home instead!
Table of Contents (click to view)
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple ingredients – only two ingredients make this recipe as easy as possible.
- Amazing flavors – a smooth, rich coffee flavor that can be customized to your preference.
- Budget-friendly – save money by making this cold brew coffee recipe at home instead of buying from Starbucks.
- Basic kitchen equipment – all you need is a mason jar and fine mesh sieve.
- Easy-to-follow directions – walk through just four easy steps.
- Minimal cleanup
How to Make Keto Cold Brew
The best part about this cold brew recipe is how easy it is to make. with only two ingredients you’ll have it prepped in under five minutes.
All you need to do is combine the ground coffee and cold water in a jar and stir it well.
Let it sit for at least 12 hours on the counter and shake it a time or two if you remember.
The next day, strain the coffee grinds out with a fine-mesh sieve, pour it over ice, and get ready to enjoy.
Ingredients You Need
- Coffee – a fresh, coarse ground coffee will maximize flavor. The flavor can be adjusted depending on the coffee you choose.
- Water – you need cold, filtered water as the base of the keto cold brew.
Just like regular coffee, you have the choice of drinking a cold brew black or with milk and a sweetener. Per serving of cold brew, add ¼ cup of coconut milk, two teaspoons of sweetener, and ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract.
You’ll also need a handful of ice cubes.
Ingredient Substitutions
Even though this is such a simple recipe, you might be missing one of the key ingredients. Review the recommendations here for quick and clever substitutions.
Here are suggested substitutions:
- Coffee – avoid the caffeine and use decaf coffee instead. This cold brew will also work with herbal coffee as well though the flavor will vary slightly.
- Coconut milk – substitute with nut or seed milk or a splash of heavy cream instead.
- Sweetener – use any keto sweetener you like: erythritol, stevia, monk fruit, or xylitol.
- Vanilla – other flavor extracts like almond and hazelnut are also nice.
- Ice – chill the liquid in the fridge or freezer before serving. Also, mix with chilled coconut milk or water to bring the temperature down.
Variations
Want to add your own spin? Make these fun variations and stretch this recipe into more delightful renditions.
Try these variations:
- Make coffee concentrate by doubling or tripling the ratio of coffee to water, then dilute it accordingly upon serving.
- Sweeten with flavored simple syrup or sugar-free caramel syrup and a pinch of salt.
- Mix ¼ teaspoon cacao powder per serving with the milk and sweetener for a chocolate twist.
- Add up to a tablespoon of MCT oil to each serving of cold brew for a bulletproof approach. Blend it in a blender or with a milk frother before serving.
- When fall is here, mix ¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice and sweeten with sugar-free pumpkin spice syrup.
Homemade recipes have the flexibility to be completely customized to your tastes, so enjoy experimenting with what works best for you.
What Diet Is This Best For?
As written in the recipe card, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, sugar-free, low-carb, low-oxalate, and low-fiber.
As a zero-fiber recipe, this is keto-carnivore-friendly when served black or with heavy cream.
Pick and choose the ingredients you do best with. Consider sweetening with honey or maple, if not keto.
This recipe is dairy-free, nut-free, grain-free, egg-free, and nightshade-free.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Only 5 minutes of prep time but the coffee does need at least 12 hours to steep. Plan to make this the night before or have a jar ready to go in your fridge for days you need it.
Follow these simple directions, and you can’t go wrong!
- In a large container or jar, combine the coarsely ground coffee beans and cold water. Stir well to make sure all the coffee grounds are submerged in the water.
- Cover the container and let it sit at room temperature for at least 12 hours, overnight, or up to 24 hours. Don’t worry, it won’t be bitter. You can shake the contents a few times but don’t have to.
- After the steeping time, strain the cold brew using a cheesecloth, fine-mesh sieve, or coffee filter to remove the coffee grounds. Discard the grounds.
- Mix in the optional sweetener and vanilla, if using. Pour over ice or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use. Upon serving pour the milk into the coffee and stir to combine well.
Expert Tips
- Use high-quality coffee beans for the best flavor.
- Use a coarse grind coffee if you’re sensitive or prefer an extra smooth flavor.
- Play with the coffee-to-water ratio based on your desired strength. Use more ground coffee for a stronger brew or reduce the amount for a milder one.
- Scale the serving size up or down depending on how many people you have to serve.
- Taste and adjust the milk and sweetener before serving. I always recommend tasting while cooking, so you can get to know the dish and adjust it as you like best.
How To Make Large Batches
You’ll want a big batch if serving this keto cold brew at a party or shower. Instead of having a large jar in the fridge, make a stronger cold brew and dilute it in water.
Double or triple the ratio of coffee to water. Then dilute it with cold water accordingly.
For example, if the concentrate is double strength. Dilute with 50% water before serving. That would mean combining one cup of water with every cup of concentrate.
Big batches are great to pour into a pitcher and have people self-serve. Arrange the milk and sweetener on the side so everyone can help themselves and adjust to the taste they like best.
Nutritional Info
This recipe yields 1 (16-ounce) serving of keto cold brew.
Per serving with optional coconut milk, sweetener, and vanilla:
- 334 calories
- 3 g protein
- 36 g fat
- 5 g total carbs
- 1 g fiber
- 4 g net carbs
Please note that the nutritional value will change if you substitute ingredients. Use a nutrition app to recalculate and reflect your changes.
How to Store This Recipe
Store plain or sweetened keto cold brew coffee in an air-tight jar for up to two weeks in the fridge.
Wait to mix the milk or cream in just before serving.
Do not add ice to the coffee if storing, because the ice will melt over time.
Can I make cold brew ahead of time?
This is an ideal recipe for people who like to plan ahead. Get a jump start on your meal prep whenever works best for you, and save the cold brew in the fridge until serving.
Can I freeze cold brew?
Freeze cold brew coffee in ice cubes for future use. It’s as simple as pouring the brew into an ice cube mold and popping it in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy a cold coffee, let the ice cubes melt in a glass or blend them in a blender with a splash of water or milk.
What to Serve with Keto Cold Brew
Pair a cold brew with anything you like to eat with coffee.
Serve with sweet treats like no-bake coconut macaroons, keto peanut butter cups, or a bowl of fresh berries.
At a party, spread out savory snacks for a crowd like a bacon cheddar “crack” dip, pickle chips, cheese curds, or other weight loss-friendly options.
More Keto Coffee Recipes To Try
- Dirty Chai Smoothie – A bold blend of espresso and chai spices in a creamy smoothie.
- Keto Espresso Martini – A low-carb cocktail with espresso, vodka, and sugar-free syrup.
- Ashwagandha Coffee – Coffee infused with ashwagandha, known for stress reduction.
- Bone Broth Latte – A nutritious latte combining the power of bone broth with coffee.
If you make this recipe, please leave a review. I appreciate each 5-star rating and review comment!
Keto Cold Brew Recipe
Equipment
- 1 pint-sized glass jar with lid
- 1 Cheesecloth fine-mesh sieve, or coffee filter
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups water
- 1 ½ tablespoons coarsely ground coffee freshly ground is best
- ¼ cup coconut milk
- 2 teaspoons Keto sugar substitute
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine the coarsely ground coffee beans and cold water in a jar.1 ½ cups water, 1 ½ tablespoons coarsely ground coffee
- Stir well to make sure all the coffee grounds are submerged in the water.
- Cover the container and let it sit at room temperature for at least twelve hours, overnight, or up to twenty-four hours. Don’t worry, it won’t be bitter. You can shake the contents a few times but don’t have to.
- After the steeping time, strain the cold brew using a cheesecloth, fine-mesh sieve, or coffee filter to remove the coffee grounds. Discard the grounds.
- Mix in the optional sweetener and vanilla, if using. Pour over ice or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use. Upon serving pour the optional milk into the coffee and stir to combine well.¼ cup coconut milk, 2 teaspoons Keto sugar substitute, ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Notes
- Use high-quality coffee beans for the best flavor.
- Use a coarse grind coffee if you’re sensitive or prefer an extra smooth flavor.
- Play with the coffee-to-water ratio based on your desired strength. Use more ground coffee for a stronger brew or reduce the amount for a milder one.
- Scale the serving size up or down depending on how many people you have to serve.
- Taste and adjust the milk and sweetener before serving. I always recommend tasting while cooking so you can get to know the dish and adjust it as you like best.
Nutrition & Macros
To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in a given recipe, please calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients and amounts used, using your preferred nutrition calculator. Under no circumstances shall the this website and the author be responsible for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on the given nutritional information.
Just tried the keto cold brew coffee recipe and I love it. The smoothness of the coffee perfectly complements the coconut milk. This is officially my go-to summer drink.
Thanks for the great feedback. It’s always a pleasure to hear what people are loving!