Category: News

10 Add-Ins That’ll Make Your Cold Brew Taste Like a Coffee Shop in Your Kitchen

Cold brew is already the cool kid of the coffee world—smooth, strong, and effortlessly chill. But if you’ve been drinking it straight and thinking, “Is this it?”—oh friend, buckle up. We’re about to take your cup from basic to boujee with 10 add-ins that make cold brew sing (or at least hum a very caffeinated tune).

And yes, there are actual measurements and how-tos here. We don’t gatekeep greatness.

1. Vanilla Extract

Add 1/4 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract per 12 oz of cold brew. Stir it in before you add ice, and suddenly your coffee tastes like it got a degree in sophistication.

Pro tip: If you’re feeling fancy, try vanilla bean paste. You’ll feel like you’re in a French café, but with laundry drying in the background.

2. Oat Milk

Pour in 1/3 to 1/2 cup of oat milk—it’s creamy, it’s naturally sweet, and it won’t split like your ex’s almond milk. Bonus points if it’s the barista version.

Want it extra smooth? Shake your oat milk in a jar before adding for a cold foam vibe. You’re welcome.

3. Cinnamon

Sprinkle 1/8 tsp of ground cinnamon right into the brew or stir it into your sweetener. You can also cold steep a cinnamon stick with your grounds for next-level depth. Either way, your coffee now smells like fall and ambition.

4. Maple Syrup

Start with 1 tablespoon of real maple syrup per 12 oz of cold brew. Stir it in while your coffee’s still room temp so it dissolves like a dream. It brings a caramel warmth that makes you whisper, “Ohhh yes” out loud.

5. Sweet Cream Foam

Mix 1/4 cup heavy cream, 2 tablespoons milk, and 1 tsp vanilla syrup (or your sweetener of choice). Shake it in a jar or use a milk frother. Then, float it on top of your cold brew like you’re in a Starbucks commercial but with better lighting.

Warning: You will feel like a barista. Do not attempt latte art with cold brew.

6. Chocolate Syrup (aka the mocha hack)

Add 1–2 tablespoons of chocolate syrup (or 1 tsp cocoa powder + sweetener) and stir like your life depends on it. Cold brew + chocolate = dessert in a glass, minus the guilt.

Pro move: Rim your glass with chocolate syrup before pouring. It’s Instagram-worthy and delicious.

7. Fresh Mint

Slap 4–5 fresh mint leaves (yes, slap—it wakes up the oils), toss them in, and stir. You can also steep them in the brewing process if you want a stronger flavor. Great with coconut milk or lime if you’re feeling summery.

8. Citrus Peel

Add a thin strip of orange or lemon peel to your cold brew and let it sit for 2–3 minutes before drinking. You’ll get a light, zesty aroma that makes the coffee feel so bright. Like, “I remembered to water my plants” bright.

9. Almond or Hazelnut Extract

Add just 1/8 teaspoon of almond or hazelnut extract. Seriously—any more and your coffee will taste like a scented candle. But get it right? Chef’s kiss. It gives major “hazelnut latte” energy with none of the sugar crash.

10. Sparkling Water or Tonic

Pour equal parts cold brew and sparkling water over ice. Add a splash of citrus juice or a twist of lemon. It’s weird. It’s wonderful. It’s your new summer obsession.

Try it with tonic water and orange peel for a grown-up, caffeine-loaded mocktail. Cheers!

Bonus Tips (Because We Love You):

  • Always sweeten before adding ice—your syrupy dreams deserve a chance to mix.
  • Don’t be afraid to experiment. Mix and match: Chocolate + mint? Yes. Vanilla + cinnamon + oat milk? Triple yes.
  • Get a cute glass. Cold brew deserves better than your old plastic tumbler from college.

You Got This, Barista-in-Training

Cold brew isn’t just a drink—it’s a vibe. And with these add-ins, you’ll be vibing all the way to your fridge. So go on, make your kitchen your favorite coffee shop. Just don’t forget to tag us when you do. 😉

👉 Ready to brew like a pro? Grab our signature cold brew blend here.

Light, Medium, Dark: What Coffee Roasts Actually Mean (And Why You Should Care)

Let’s be real—if you’ve ever stood in the coffee aisle staring at “light roast,” “medium roast,” and “dark roast” like they were secret codes for personality types, you’re not alone.

Are light roasts weaker? Are dark roasts stronger? Which one will make me feel like I have my life together before 9 a.m.?
We’ve got you.

Grab your mug, and let’s break down the three main roast levels.

Light Roast: Bright, Peppy, and Kinda Fancy

Vibe: Your friend who hikes before brunch and actually enjoys it.
Color: Light brown, matte—not shiny (they haven’t hit their oily phase yet).
Taste Notes: Fruity, floral, tea-like, sometimes a little zesty.
Caffeine Level: High. Yes, really. Light roasts are basically the espresso of the introverts—quiet but powerful.

Best For:

  • Pour-over fans
  • Cold brew lovers who want that wine-like complexity
  • Anyone who says things like “I taste hints of jasmine”

How to Brew It: Use a gooseneck kettle and pretend you’re on a cooking show. Or just steep it overnight for cold brew that tastes like it has a passport.

Medium Roast: Smooth, Balanced, Everyone’s Favorite

Vibe: The chill friend who’s always down for brunch and never cancels last-minute.
Color: Classic medium brown. A little oil may peek through, but it’s subtle.
Taste Notes: Nutty, chocolatey, slightly sweet—like a warm hug in a mug.
Caffeine Level: Still plenty. Don’t worry, you’ll still be talking faster than your group chat.

Best For:

  • Drip coffee machines
  • French press (for a richer texture)
  • Moka pots (because why not be a little Italian today?)

How to Brew It: Honestly, this roast loves a basic setup. Your trusty Mr. Coffee or a budget French press will do just fine.

Dark Roast: Bold, Intense, Not Here to Play

Vibe: Your espresso-drinking friend who owns only black clothes and probably journals at 5 a.m.
Color: Dark brown to nearly black with an oily shine (like a leather jacket in coffee form).
Taste Notes: Smoky, toasty, bitter-sweet. Think dark chocolate and late-night thoughts.
Caffeine Level: Slightly lower than light roast per bean, but you usually use more of it, so you’ll still be bouncing off the walls in no time.

Best For:

  • French press with cream or sugar
  • Espresso shots (hello, cappuccino)
  • Iced coffee with milk and maybe a therapy session

How to Brew It: Go bold or go home. Use a strong ratio (think 2 heaping tablespoons per 6 oz water), add cream, and conquer the world—or your inbox.

Wanna Get Roasty?

We small-batch roast all three levels (light, medium, and dark) because flavor matters. So whether you’re making cold brew for brunch or pulling shots like a boss, we’ve got the beans to match your mood.

👉 Browse Our Roast Collection and level up your coffee game.


Iced Coffee vs. Cold Brew: What’s the Difference (and Which One’s Better)?

Okay, let’s settle the battle once and for all: iced coffee vs. cold brew. Both are chilled. Both look great in a glass. But they’re not the same, and if you’ve ever accidentally ordered one expecting the other, you know the betrayal.

Let’s break it down so you can order (or make!) with confidence and zero regret.

Continue reading “Iced Coffee vs. Cold Brew: What’s the Difference (and Which One’s Better)?”

How to Brew the Perfect Cup of Coffee at Home (No Fancy Gear Required)

So here’s the deal: You love coffee. You’ve probably spent way too much money at cafes. You’ve flirted with the idea of a home espresso machine, then checked the price and nearly spit out your store-bought cold brew.

We get it.

But here’s the good news—you don’t need a barista badge or a kitchen full of gadgets to make amazing coffee at home. With a few basic tools (some you probably already own), a good bag of beans, and a dash of confidence, you can brew something that tastes way better than that sad office pot you pretend to like.

Let’s break down the best ways to brew coffee at home—no $300 equipment, no complicated steps, just delicious results. Your mornings are about to get way more exciting.

Continue reading “How to Brew the Perfect Cup of Coffee at Home (No Fancy Gear Required)”