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Autumn Spiced Brown Sugar Cold Brew Float

Autumn Spiced Brown Sugar Cold Brew Float

A twist on the classic cold brew: combine spiced brown sugar syrup, cold brew coffee, and creamy float (ice cream or chilled whipped cream). Lightly spiced, sweet, and indulgent — perfect for fall or anytime you want a treat.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Calories: 325
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

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

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

Method
 

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Add milk: Pour in milk (or non-dairy milk) to lighten the drink. Stir gently.
  4. Float the cream: Top with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of chilled whipped cream. Let it sink slowly and swirl in.
  5. Garnish: Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg on top. Optionally garnish with a thin orange twist.
  6. 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.