Smooth, creamy, and caramel-sweet, this brown sugar oat milk cold brew is a fall favorite that feels indulgent but easy to make at home. Inspired by your favorite coffeehouse drink, this homemade iced coffee recipe combines Everyday People Coffee & Tea's signature cold brew with a homemade brown sugar syrup and velvety oat milk foam.
This easy cold brew recipe delivers the viral coffeehouse experience at a fraction of the cost. With just 5 ingredients and 10 minutes, you'll master the art of café-quality brown sugar cold brew without leaving your kitchen.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes | Servings: 1 drink
Why You'll Love This Brown Sugar Oat Milk Cold Brew
- Costs under $2 per drink vs. $6+ at coffee shops
- Customizable sweetness and dairy-free with oat milk
- Make-ahead brown sugar syrup lasts 2 weeks
- Perfect for fall mornings or afternoon pick-me-ups
Ingredients for Brown Sugar Cold Brew
For the Brown Sugar Syrup:
- ½ cup dark brown sugar
- ½ cup water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of cinnamon (optional, adds warmth)
For the Cold Brew Coffee Drink:
- 1 cup cold brew coffee (Our Bali Blue or Breakfast Blend recommended)
- 3–4 tbsp brown sugar syrup (adjust to taste)
- ½ cup oat milk (barista-style works best for foam)
- Ice cubes
- Optional garnish: sprinkle of cinnamon or brown sugar
How to Make Brown Sugar Oat Milk Cold Brew
Step 1: Make the Brown Sugar Syrup
Combine brown sugar and water in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until sugar completely dissolves (about 3-4 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and cinnamon if using. Let cool completely before using. Store leftover syrup in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Step 2: Prepare Your Glass
Fill a tall glass with ice cubes. For an Instagram-worthy presentation, use a clear glass to show off the beautiful layers.
Step 3: Add Brown Sugar Syrup and Cold Brew
Pour 3-4 tablespoons of cooled brown sugar syrup over the ice (start with less and adjust to your sweetness preference). Add 1 cup of cold brew coffee and stir gently to combine.
Step 4: Create Oat Milk Foam
Froth your oat milk using a handheld milk frother, electric frother, or shake vigorously in a sealed jar for 30 seconds. Pour the frothed oat milk over the cold brew, allowing it to cascade through the ice for a beautiful layered effect.
Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy
Finish with a light sprinkle of cinnamon or a pinch of brown sugar on top of the foam. Stir before drinking to combine all the delicious flavors.
Tips for the Best Brown Sugar Cold Brew
Use Quality Cold Brew: The coffee is the star here. We recommend using Everyday People Coffee Bali Blue for its natural chocolate and molasses notes that complement the brown sugar, or our Breakfast Blend for a classic, smooth base.
Choose Barista Oat Milk: Barista-style oat milk (like Oatly Barista or Minor Figures) froths better than regular oat milk due to higher fat content and added stabilizers. This creates that signature thick, creamy foam.
Make Syrup in Advance: Batch-make brown sugar syrup on meal prep day. It stays fresh refrigerated for 2 weeks, making it easy to whip up this drink any morning.
Adjust Sweetness: Start with 2-3 tablespoons of syrup and taste. You can always add more, but you can't remove sweetness. The brown sugar adds caramel depth that regular white sugar can't match.
Try Different Coffees: For a deeper, more complex flavor, try this recipe with our Whiskey Barrel Aged Coffee. The barrel-aged notes add bourbon-like caramel undertones that elevate the brown sugar syrup.
Variations and Substitutions
Make it Hot: Use hot espresso or strong brewed coffee instead of cold brew for a warm brown sugar oat milk latte.
Extra Creamy: Add 1-2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk or coconut cream for ultra-rich texture.
Spiced Version: Add a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or pumpkin pie spice to your syrup for seasonal flair.
Sugar-Free Option: Substitute brown sugar with monk fruit brown sugar alternative (adjust quantity as monk fruit is sweeter).
Dairy Alternative: Can't find oat milk? Coconut milk, almond milk, or macadamia nut milk work well. Note that not all alternatives foam as nicely as oat milk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular coffee instead of cold brew?
Yes, but the flavor will differ. Cold brew is naturally sweeter and less acidic than regular coffee. If using regular coffee, brew it double-strength and let it cool completely, or brew directly over ice.
How do I make cold brew at home?
Combine 1 cup coarse-ground coffee with 4 cups cold water in a jar. Refrigerate for 12-24 hours, then strain through a coffee filter. This makes concentrate that you can dilute 1:1 with water or use full-strength for this recipe.
Why won't my oat milk foam?
Regular oat milk often won't foam well. Look for "barista" or "barista edition" oat milk, which contains added fats and stabilizers specifically for frothing. Temperature matters too—slightly warm oat milk froths better than ice-cold.
How long does brown sugar syrup last?
Homemade brown sugar syrup keeps refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. If you notice any mold or off smell, discard and make fresh.
Can I make this drink ahead of time?
The syrup can be made in advance, but assemble the drink fresh for best results. Oat milk foam deflates within minutes, and ice will dilute the coffee. You can prep your glass with ice and syrup, then add coffee and foam right before serving.
