12th Day of Christmas Coffee: The Grand Finale with Bold Cold Brew
The Grand Finale with Bold Cold Brew
The holiday season is winding down, but we're not leaving quietly. For the 12th Day of Christmas Coffee, we're finishing strong with a bold and refreshing cold brew.
Yes, you read that right—cold brew in winter! Before you give me a puzzled look, let me explain: cold brew is the coffee equivalent of a mic drop. It's smooth, refreshing, and undeniably bold, making it the perfect way to end our coffee-filled countdown in style.
Whether you're a seasoned cold brew fan or someone who typically reserves it for summer, let's dive into why this chilled coffee is a showstopper all year round—and how you can make the ultimate version at home.
Why Cold Brew in Winter?
I get it—when the temperatures drop, and snowflakes start falling, most of us instinctively reach for hot coffee. But hear me out: there's something wonderfully refreshing about cold brew, even in winter. It's smooth and less acidic than regular coffee, and its bold flavor pairs beautifully with seasonal treats like gingerbread cookies or peppermint bark. Plus, a glass of cold brew can feel surprisingly cozy when you're huddled inside with the heat cranked up.
And let's not forget the star power of nitro cold brew—creamy, slightly frothy, and downright luxurious. It's like drinking a cold cloud of caffeinated happiness. If you've never tried it, it's worth the hype.
The Secret to Great Cold Brew
Cold brew is different from your standard iced coffee. Instead of brewing and chilling hot coffee, cold brew is made by steeping coarse coffee grounds in cold water for an extended period.
This slow, low-temperature brewing process extracts all the rich flavors without the bitterness or acidity you might get from hot brewing methods.
The result is a smooth, bold, and versatile coffee concentrate. You can enjoy it straight over ice, dilute it with water or milk, or even use it as a base for coffee cocktails.
How to Make Cold Brew at Home
The best part about cold brew? It's ridiculously easy to make at home if you don't have time to stop by your favorite cafe, All you need are coffee grounds, water, and a little patience. Here's my go-to recipe:
The Ultimate Cold Brew Recipe
Yield: About 4 cups of cold brew concentrate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Steep Time: 12–18 hours
Ingredients:
1 cup coarsely ground coffee (choose a medium or dark roast for a bolder flavor)
4 cups cold, filtered water
Here's What You'll Need:
A large jar or pitcher with a lid
A cheesecloth or, a fine mesh strainer, or a coffee filter
Instructions:
Combine coffee and water.
In your jar or pitcher, add the coffee grounds and pour in the cold water. Gently stir to make sure all the grounds are saturated.
Let it steep.
Cover the jar and let it sit at room temperature (or in the fridge, if you prefer) for 12–18 hours. The longer it steeps, the stronger the flavor will be.
Strain the coffee.
Place a cheesecloth, fine mesh strainer, or coffee filter over a second container and slowly pour the coffee to separate the grounds.
Serve and enjoy.
Dilute the cold brew concentrate with water or milk with or without ice, to your liking (a 1:1 ratio is a good starting point). Serve over ice and enjoy the smooth, bold flavors.
Customizing Your Cold Brew
Cold brew is a blank canvas for creativity. Here are a few ways to make it your own:
Sweeten it up: Add a splash of vanilla syrup, caramel, or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness.
Go creamy: Mix in your favorite milk or non-dairy alternative. Oat milk, in particular, pairs beautifully with cold brew.
Get festive: Add a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or peppermint extract for a holiday twist.
Level up with nitro: If you're feeling ambitious, use a whipped cream dispenser with a nitrous oxide cartridge to make nitro cold brew at home.
The Cold Brew Debate: Hot Coffee vs. Cold Brew in Winter
Let's address the big question: are you team hot coffee or team cold brew during the winter months?
For many of us, hot coffee is a winter staple. There's something comforting about wrapping your hands around a steaming mug first thing on a chilly morning.
But cold brew offers something different—especially in a warmer climate. It's a smooth, refreshing and just as energizing as its hot counterpart.]
What about you? Do you stick with hot coffee all winter or mix it with some cold brew?
The Perfect Pairing: Cold Brew and Pastries
Cold brew pairs beautifully with food, and it's the perfect excuse to treat yourself to a holiday pastry. Here are a few ideas to inspire your next coffee-and-snack combo:
Cinnamon rolls: A warm cinnamon roll's rich, spicy sweetness is heavenly with a bold flavor of cold brew.
Almond croissants: An almond croissant's buttery, nutty goodness is a match made in coffee heaven.
Holiday cookies: Think gingerbread, sugar cookies, or chocolate crinkle cookies—classic holiday flavors that shine alongside cold brew.
Dark chocolate: Keep it simple with a piece of dark chocolate. The bittersweet richness perfectly complements the cold brew's smooth notes.
Cold Brew Beyond the Cup
Cold brew isn't just for sipping—it's also a fantastic ingredient for cooking and baking. Here are a few creative ways to use cold brew in your holiday recipes:
Cold Brew Brownies: Add cold brew concentrate to your brownie batter for a subtle coffee flavor that enhances the chocolate.
Coffee Glaze: Mix cold brew with powdered sugar for a quick glaze to drizzle over cakes or donuts.
Cocktails: Use cold brew as the base for festive coffee cocktails, like an espresso martini or White Russian cold brew.
Cold Brew Traditions to Start
Since we're wrapping up the 12 Days of Christmas Coffee, why not make cold brew part of your holiday tradition? Here are a few ideas:
New Year's Day Pick-Me-Up: Start the new year with a glass of cold brew to kick off your resolutions with energy and focus.
Cold Brew Cheers: Serve nitro cold brew in champagne glasses at your holiday brunch for a unique and classy touch.
DIY Gifts: Share the cold brew love by gifting friends and family a jar of homemade cold brew concentrate with instructions for how to enjoy it.
Final Sip: Wrapping Up the 12th Day of Christmas Coffee
As we conclude our 12 Days of Christmas Coffee journey, I can't think of a better way to end than with a bold cold brew. It's a drink that's equal parts simple and sophisticated, proving that great coffee is always in season.
So, whether you're sipping it over ice, turning it into a cocktail, or pairing it with your favorite pastry, cold brew is the ultimate way to toast to the holidays—and beyond.
Cheers to the season, to good coffee, and to creating new traditions. Here's to bold flavors, bright moments, and caffeinated joy all year round.
Until next time…
Happy Holidays!
Patty Bonsera is the founder and editor-in-chief of Local Coffee Talk Magazine and host of the Local Coffee Talk Podcast. She combines her love for sharing the stories of specialty coffee and the passionate people behind them with her own love of travel and coffee to foster the connections among coffee enthusiasts, travelers, and local communities. Through her work with the magazine and podcast, she strives to inspire meaningful experiences and celebrate the vibrant culture of specialty coffee, one cup and conversation at a time.
