Cold Brew Lemonade to Brighten Your Day

My coffee machine judged me this morning. It gave me that look. The one that says, “Another scorching hot cup of black lava? Really? You know it’s ninety degrees outside, right?” It was right. I needed a new plan. A plan involving caffeine and a way to defeat the summer heat.

This plan is Cold Brew Lemonade. It sounds a little weird. It tastes like a genius invented it while sitting in a hammock.

This drink combines two great things. It has the smooth, low-acid coffee taste. It also has the sweet, sharp taste of lemonade. They do not fight each other. They join forces. They become a superhero team for your taste buds.

Your brain might get confused at first. It will ask, “Is this coffee? Is this lemonade?” Just tell your brain to relax and enjoy the ride.

What You Will Need for This Adventure

Gathering your tools and ingredients is the first step. You do not need special gear. You probably have everything in your kitchen right now.

Kitchen Tools

A large jar or a pitcher. This is for brewing the coffee.
A coffee grinder. If you buy pre-ground coffee, you can skip this.
A measuring cup.
A long spoon for stirring.
A fine-mesh strainer, a nut milk bag, or cheesecloth. This is for filtering the coffee grounds.
A second pitcher or jar. This is for mixing the final drink.

The Ingredients

This part is simple. You need:

good coffee
lemons
sugar
water

That is it!

For the Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate

1 cup coarsely ground coffee beans. Use a light or medium roast. Dark roasts can be too strong.
4 cups cold, filtered water

For the Lemonade

1 cup fresh lemon juice. This is about 5-6 large lemons.
3/4 cup granulated sugar. You can adjust this later.
1 cup hot water. This is for making simple syrup.
2 cups cold water. This is for diluting the lemonade.
A pinch of salt. This makes the flavors pop.

Optional Extras for Fancy People

Some fresh mint leaves.
A few slices of lemon for garnish.
Ice cubes. Lots of ice cubes.

The Action Plan Making the Cold Brew

You must make the cold brew first. It needs time to sit. Do this the night before you want the drink. It is very easy. You basically just put coffee and water in a jar.

Step 1
Grind your coffee beans. Make the grind coarse. It should look like rough sand. If the grind is too fine, your drink will be muddy. Nobody wants a muddy drink.

Step 2
Put the coffee grounds in your large jar or pitcher.

Step 3
Pour the four cups of cold water over the grounds. Stir them gently with your long spoon. Make sure all the coffee gets wet. It will look like a dark, swampy mess. This is normal. Do not be afraid.

Step 4
Put a lid on the jar. If your jar has no lid, you can use plastic wrap. Place the jar on your counter. Or place it in the fridge. Let it sit for 12 to 24 hours. The longer it sits, the stronger it becomes. I find 18 hours is the perfect amount of time.

Step 5
Now, you filter your coffee. Place your strainer over your second pitcher. Line the strainer with cheesecloth or a nut milk bag. Slowly pour the coffee mixture through the filter. This will catch all the grounds. You will be left with a smooth, strong coffee concentrate. Throw away the wet coffee grounds. You have now made cold brew. Congratulations.

Making the Lemonade

Do not use store-bought lemonade. It is too sweet and tastes fake. Fresh lemonade is easy to make. It tastes one million times better.

Step 1
Make simple syrup. This is a fancy term for melted sugar. It helps the sugar mix into the cold lemonade. Put the 3/4 cup of sugar in a heatproof bowl. Pour the 1 cup of hot water over it. Stir it until you cannot see any sugar grains. The sugar has disappeared. It is now in the water. You made simple syrup. You are a kitchen wizard.

Step 2
Juice your lemons. Roll each lemon on the counter first. Push down with your palm. This makes the lemons easier to juice. Cut them in half. Use a juicer or your strong hands to get all the juice out. Strain the juice to remove any seeds or pulp. Nobody likes a surprise seed.

Step 3
Combine the lemon juice, simple syrup, two cups of cold water, and that tiny pinch of salt in your pitcher. Stir it all together. Taste it. Is it too sweet? Add a little more lemon juice. Is it too sour? Add a little more cold water. Make it taste right for you.

The Grand Finale Mixing the Drink

You have your cold brew concentrate. You have your fresh lemonade. Now for the magic.

The mixing ratio is important. Too much coffee and it will be bitter. Too much lemonade and you will lose the coffee taste. I use a one-to-one ratio. It is a good place to start.

Get a glass full of ice. Pour in half a cup of the cold brew concentrate. Pour in half a cup of the lemonade. Stir it gently. Look at the beautiful color. Smell the amazing aroma. Your coffee machine will be so jealous.

Important Tips for Maximum Success

You must use coarse ground coffee. Fine ground coffee will slip through your strainer. It will make your drink gritty. Do not rush the brewing time. The coffee needs those hours to become smooth. If you rush, your coffee will taste weak and sour.

You can make a big batch of cold brew concentrate. It keeps in your refrigerator for up to two weeks. This means you can make this drink anytime you want. You can make the lemonade ahead of time too. It keeps for about a week in the fridge.

The final drink is best served very cold. Use a lot of ice. The ice will melt a little and make it perfect. If you are feeling fancy, add a few mint leaves on top. It looks pretty and tastes fresh.

Answers to Questions You Might Have

Can I use decaf coffee?

Yes, you can. You will get all the flavor without the caffeine. This is a good option for a drink in the afternoon.

What if I do not have a strainer?

You can use a clean cotton t-shirt. Or you can use a paper towel inside a strainer. You just need something to catch the tiny grounds.

My drink tastes a little flat. What happened? You probably forgot the pinch of salt. Salt is a flavor booster. It makes the sweet and sour notes louder. Try adding a tiny bit now.

Can I make it sweeter?

Of course. You are the boss of your drink. Add more simple syrup to your glass. Stir it until it dissolves.

Bottom Line

This drink is the best solution for a hot day. You get your coffee fix. You also cool down. It is a two-for-one deal. Your taste buds will throw a party. Your brain will get a gentle caffeine buzz without getting overheated.

So, say goodbye to boring, hot coffee for the summer. Embrace the weird and wonderful combination. Tell your coffee machine not to worry. You have everything under control. You have a jar of cold brew in the fridge and a pitcher of lemonade. You are winning at summer.

Now go forth and drink something amazing ☀️🧊☕️🍋😂. Just try not to drink it too fast, or you’ll get a brain freeze that’ll make you forget your own name