This Toasted Coconut Cold Brew combines smooth cold brew coffee with homemade toasted coconut syrup for a refreshing drink that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.
People assume I can’t function without coffee.
Honestly…
that’s only partially true.
Every January, I challenge myself to give up coffee for 21 days.
Am I successful? Usually.
Although the results may vary depending on how loudly my son decides to start his morning.
Truthfully, I don’t drink coffee because I need it.
I drink it because I genuinely love it.
The smell.
The ritual.
That first sip before the house fully wakes up.
Some of my favorite travel memories even revolve around coffee.
Growing up in Indonesia introduced me to incredible local coffee, but it wasn’t until our recent trip to Panama that I discovered Geisha coffee. Learning about the beans, the farms, and why coffee lovers around the world rave about them made me appreciate coffee in an entirely different way.
It reminded me that coffee isn’t just caffeine.
It’s culture.
It’s craftsmanship.
And sometimes…
it’s the quiet five minutes you manage to steal before someone asks where their favorite toy disappeared.
When I’m craving something refreshing at home, this Toasted Coconut Cold Brew is usually my answer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Better than coffee shop drinks
- Easy to make ahead
- Perfect for hot summer days
- Naturally refreshing
- Homemade toasted coconut syrup
- Budget-friendly
What Makes Cold Brew Different?
- Short explanation.
- Less acidic.
- Smoother.
- Chocolate notes.
Why Toasted Coconut Works So Well
Instead of simply tasting sweet…
Toasting coconut adds a warm, nutty aroma that pairs beautifully with smooth cold brew. It tastes tropical without overwhelming the coffee itself.
Homemade Coffee Shop Drinks Save So Much Money
One coffee…
$7.
Five coffees…
Well…
Let’s just say making them at home pays for itself surprisingly quickly.
Make It Your Own
- Add oat milk
- Coconut milk
- Vanilla cold foam
- Extra espresso
- Less syrup
Make Ahead
Toasted coconut syrup keeps well in the refrigerator for about a week, making busy mornings much easier.
What to Serve With It
Coffee has become one of those little rituals I genuinely look forward to.
Not because I can’t survive without it.
Because I enjoy slowing down long enough to appreciate it.
This Toasted Coconut Cold Brew feels like a tiny coffee shop tucked inside my own kitchen. And on the mornings when my 21-day coffee break happens to be over… It tastes even better.
Originally published in 2015. Updated in 2026 with new photos, improved instructions, and additional cooking tips.
Toasted Coconut Cold Brew
Ingredients
Toasted Coconut Syrup
- ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- ¾ cup water
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Coffee
- 6 ounces cold brew or chilled brewed coffee
- Ice
- ¼ cup canned coconut cream or to taste
- ¼ cup milk (or Fairlife)
Instructions
Make the Toasted Coconut Syrup
- Heat a small saucepan over medium-low heat.
- Add the shredded coconut and toast for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until lightly golden and fragrant. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Carefully pour in the water. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Stir in the brown sugar and honey. Continue cooking until the sugar has completely dissolved.
- Remove from the heat and let the syrup steep for 30 minutes. For a stronger coconut flavor, steep for up to 4 hours.
- Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean glass jar or bottle. Discard the toasted coconut.
Make the Coffee
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Pour in the cold brew coffee.
- Stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of toasted coconut syrup, depending on your preferred sweetness.
- Top with coconut milk and gently stir before serving.
Notes
- Store the toasted coconut syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- This syrup is delicious with cold brew, iced espresso, or even hot coffee.
- Try oat milk, almond milk, or whole milk if you don’t have coconut milk on hand.
Ohhh this looks and sounds SO good!
We sure did enjoy our cold brew this past summer. This looks like a welcome addition to try this summer. Love the coconut flavours, feels like you are on vacation in the tropics.
I love it, it sounds delicious and I love anything with coconut
It sounds like the perfect recipe to make cold brew at home! Yummy
What an interesting spin on cold brew. Never had it with coconut.
this sounds so good! I love a good cold brew 🙂
This Java House cold brew looks amazing, I wonder if they ship to the UK. Looks very tasty!
This sounds succulent. I can’t believe you actually got to visit with coffee growers in Bali. How cool is that!
This toasted coconut cold brew looks so tasty. I love anything coconut especially coffee. I haven’t seen decaffeinated cold brew so I’m excited to give this a try.
I am a coffee addict and have this goal of making my own cold brew (in my “spare” time). I would love to add these flavors to my coffee – so delicious!
I love a good cold brew, and the addition of coconut milk sounds delicious — so brilliant! Can’t wait to try this.
I am even later than you! I’ve never understood the fuss about cold brew, but I’ve never bothered to find out what it really was either, because like you I’m not really a coffee drinker. BUT that being said, I do like the smell of coffee and coffee made like this! Omg that coconut syrup really looks like the BOMB; I will definitely need to try this recipe! Like now!
I have yet to try cold brew coffee as haven’t seen it here in Italy yet! Sounds delicious and love that this recipe has coconut milk and syrup. Must taste delicious!
I really got into cold brew earlier this year. My cafetiere broke recently so I’ve stopped making it at home, but fingers crossed Santa Claus will be bringing me a new one very soon 🙂
I love the flavor of coconut milk in my coffee. It is so rich, sweet, and nutty. I bet this would be a great way to start the morning
I agree – that is such a relief to be able to make your own latte and not have to pay extra elsewhere! Fantastic recipe that I really want to try ASAP!
This sounds delicious! I love cold brew! This seems like something that would be perfect to make a pitcher of have and keep in the fridge!
Now this is something new. Never had a cold brew with toasted coconut. Looks yum and healthy.