Autumn Spiced Brown Sugar Cold Brew Float
When the crisp air of autumn meets your craving for something cool and refreshing, this Autumn Spiced Brown Sugar Cold Brew Float delivers the best of both worlds.
Smooth, bold cold brew coffee is sweetened with a cozy homemade spiced brown sugar syrup, then crowned with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for a decadent finish.
It’s indulgent yet refreshing, the kind of drink that feels like a dessert and a coffee break all in one.
Perfect for fall gatherings, cozy afternoons, or whenever you want to give your cold brew a festive twist.
Autumn Spiced Brown Sugar Cold Brew Float
Equipment
- Small saucepan – for making the brown sugar spiced syrup
- Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula – for stirring syrup
- Fine mesh strainer – to remove spices and orange peel from syrup
- Tall glass (12–16 oz) – to serve the float
- Measuring cups & spoons – for accurate proportions
- Long spoon or straw – for mixing and sipping
- Ice cream scoop – for neat, round scoops
- Optional but nice to have:
- Pitcher or jar – to store the syrup in the fridge
- Coffee maker, French press, or cold brew pitcher – if making cold brew at home
Ingredients
- 1 cup cold brew coffee strong concentrate, unsweetened
- 2–3 tbsp brown sugar spiced syrup recipe below
- ¼ to ½ cup milk or non-dairy milk
- 1 scoop vanilla or caramel ice cream or chilled whipped cream
- Optional: sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg
- Ice cubes
Brown Sugar Spiced Syrup
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2–3 whole cloves
- 1 strip of orange peel no white pith
Instructions
- Make the syrup: In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, water, cinnamon stick, cloves, and orange peel. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat, let it cool, and strain out solids.
- Build the drink: Fill a tall glass with ice. Pour in cold brew coffee. Add brown sugar spiced syrup (start with 2 tbsp, adjust to taste). Stir to combine.
- Add milk: Pour in milk (or non-dairy milk) to lighten the drink. Stir gently.
- Float the cream: Top with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of chilled whipped cream. Let it sink slowly and swirl in.
- Garnish: Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg on top. Optionally garnish with a thin orange twist.
- Serve: Provide a straw and longer spoon so people can swirl and scoop as they drink.
Notes
- Make Ahead: The brown sugar spiced syrup can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. This makes it quick and easy to whip up future floats.
- Custom Milk Options: Whole milk makes the drink creamy, but you can swap in oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk for a dairy-free version. Oat milk pairs especially well with the brown sugar and spice.
- Adjust Sweetness: Start with 2 tablespoons of syrup and taste. You can always add more for a sweeter, dessert-like drink, or less if you prefer a stronger coffee flavor.
- Flavor Variations: Try adding a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the syrup for a spicier kick, or swap the vanilla ice cream for caramel, cinnamon, or even pumpkin spice ice cream.
- Serving Tip: For a pretty layered look, pour the milk in slowly over the cold brew before topping with ice cream. This creates a “coffeehouse” style presentation.
- Affogato Twist: If you prefer a warm version, replace the cold brew with 2 shots of freshly pulled espresso and pour it directly over the ice cream for an autumn spiced affogato.
- Budget Friendly: Making cold brew at home in bulk saves money compared to store-bought bottles and keeps the cost of each serving around $1.25.
With its cozy spiced syrup, creamy ice cream, and smooth cold brew, this Autumn Spiced Brown Sugar Cold Brew Float is more than just a coffee; it’s a seasonal treat that feels special every time you make it.
Whether you’re enjoying a quiet moment at home, hosting friends for a fall gathering, or simply looking for a creative way to upgrade your coffee routine, this recipe brings a little indulgence to your cup.
Give it a try, make it your own with flavor twists, and savor every sip of this festive coffeehouse-style drink right from your kitchen.