I’m usually such a coffee purist. Unsweetened iced coffee with a splash of almond milk is my coffee order..no matter what the season. Sometimes I’ll even get just an iced black americano. If I’m feeling super crazy, I’ll get an iced vanilla almond milk latte. There are those days where I just need a little something FUN and EXTRA, and that’s where these coffees come in!
I absolutely LOVE all things coffee, and all things vanilla..especially vanilla bean. There’s something so special about using vanilla bean instead of vanilla extract. Nothing really measures up to that warm vanilla flavor that those little specks offer. I always have vanilla beans on hand, especially after I found them for super cheap in Europe. Let’s just say I stocked up BIG TIME. If you don’t have them or want a more cost effective option, feel free to use a teaspoon or two of vanilla extract instead!
Those specks!
I usually make my own cold brew, but I found this Stumptown Cold Brew at my local Whole Foods in an effort to save a little time. It’s SO delicious..and I’m pretty picky about my coffee. I also love the little bottles it comes in. I’m such a sucker for cute things.
I also used dates and a little maple mint simple syrup to sweeten this, so it’s 100% naturally sweetened! I think the vanilla gives it a warm “sweetness” in a sense too, without actually being sweet..if that makes any sense?
Also, how do you guys take your coffee? Black, cream and sugar, almond milk, hot, iced? Tell me!
Mint Vanilla Bean Cold Brew Iced Coffee
Ingredients
- For the SIMPLE SYRUP:
- 1/2 c. water
- 1/2 c. pure maple syrup
- 7-8 mint leaves
- For the COFFEE:
- 3 c. cold brew coffee (I used Stumptown Cold Brew)
- 1 c. unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- 2 T. maple mint simple syrup
- 1/8 tsp. mint extract (you can use up to 1/4 tsp. if you like things more minty)
- 1 Medjool date, chopped
- seeds from 1 vanilla bean
- ice
- fresh mint to garnish
Instructions
- Make the maple mint simple syrup. Combine water, maple syrup, and mint leaves in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and boil for 30 seconds. Remove from heat and let cool.
- In a blender, combine cold brew coffee, almond milk, 2 T. simple syrup, mint extract, date, and vanilla bean seeds. Blend on high for a minute or two, until completely smooth and no date pieces remain.
- Pour over ice and garnish with mint. Add more simple syrup to taste if desired!
Recipe Notes
I don't like my coffee super sweet, so feel free to add a lot more simple syrup if you like things on the sweeter side!
If you can't find cold brew coffee, or don't want to make homemade cold brew, you can brew your own hot coffee and then just chill in the fridge overnight before making the recipe.
Just what Monday needs!
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