Dunkin’ Donuts has become a go-to destination for coffee lovers seeking refreshing and flavorful beverages during the hot summer months. Their cold brew offerings have gained particular popularity, providing a smooth and robust coffee experience without the bitterness often associated with traditional iced coffee.
This summer, Dunkin’ is elevating its cold brew game with an array of creative variations. These innovative cold brew options combine the rich, full-bodied taste of Dunkin’s signature cold brew with unique flavor combinations, giving coffee enthusiasts new and exciting ways to enjoy their favorite caffeinated beverage. From sweet and indulgent to light and refreshing, there’s a cold brew variation to suit every palate.
1) Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew
Dunkin’s Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew is a seasonal favorite that blends the smooth taste of cold brew coffee with the warm flavors of fall. This beverage features Dunkin’s signature cold brew coffee as its base, which is steeped for 12 hours to create a rich, full-bodied flavor.
The drink is topped with a layer of pumpkin cream cold foam, adding a creamy texture and sweet pumpkin taste. The foam is made with milk, cream, sugar, and pumpkin flavor, creating a delightful contrast to the bold coffee beneath.
A brown sugar cinnamon flavored syrup is also added to enhance the autumnal taste profile. This syrup includes brown sugar, molasses, and natural flavors, complementing the pumpkin notes perfectly.
The Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew is typically available during Dunkin’s fall menu period. It offers a refreshing way to enjoy traditional pumpkin spice flavors while still getting a caffeine boost from the cold brew coffee.
For those looking to customize their drink, asking for less syrup can reduce the sweetness. Alternatively, swapping the regular cream for a non-dairy option like oat milk can create a vegan-friendly version of this popular seasonal beverage.
2) Salted Caramel Cold Brew
Dunkin’ brings back its popular Salted Caramel Cold Brew for the summer season. This fan-favorite combines the smooth taste of Dunkin’s classic cold brew with a sweet and salty twist.
The drink features Dunkin’s signature cold brew coffee infused with salted caramel flavoring. It offers a perfect balance of rich coffee notes and indulgent caramel sweetness, with a hint of salt to enhance the flavor profile.
For those who prefer a creamier texture, the Salted Caramel Cold Brew can be customized with the addition of cream or milk. Dunkin’ also offers the option to top it with cold foam for an extra layer of indulgence.
This beverage is an ideal choice for coffee lovers seeking a refreshing summer drink with a unique flavor combination. The cold brew base provides a smoother, less bitter taste compared to regular iced coffee.
Dunkin’ recommends pairing the Salted Caramel Cold Brew with their Caramel Chocoholic Donut for a complementary flavor experience. The drink is available for a limited time as part of Dunkin’s summer menu.
3) Irish Cream Cold Brew
Irish Cream Cold Brew offers a delightful twist on traditional cold brew coffee. This beverage combines the smooth, rich flavor of cold brew with the creamy sweetness of Irish cream syrup.
The base of this drink is cold brew coffee, which is made by steeping coffee beans in cold water for 8 to 12 hours. This method produces a less acidic and more flavorful coffee compared to traditional brewing methods.
To create the Irish Cream Cold Brew, baristas add a non-alcoholic Irish cream flavored syrup to the cold brew. This syrup imparts notes of vanilla, cocoa, and a hint of nuttiness to the drink.
The beverage is typically served over ice and can be customized with various additions. Some popular options include a splash of cream or milk to enhance the creamy texture.
For those who enjoy a bit of indulgence, a dollop of cold foam on top can add an extra layer of richness. The cold foam complements the smooth texture of the cold brew and Irish cream flavors.
This refreshing drink is perfect for warm summer days, offering a cool and satisfying coffee experience. It’s an excellent choice for those who appreciate the bold taste of cold brew with a touch of sweetness.
4) Mocha Cold Brew
Dunkin’s Mocha Cold Brew offers a delightful fusion of smooth cold brew coffee and rich chocolate flavor. This variation combines the bold taste of cold-steeped coffee with the sweetness of mocha syrup.
The drink starts with Dunkin’s signature cold brew, made from 100% Arabica beans steeped for 12 hours. This process creates a full-bodied, less acidic coffee base with subtle notes of sweetness.
To create the mocha version, baristas add pumps of chocolate syrup to the cold brew. The amount can be adjusted based on customer preference, allowing for a customized level of sweetness and chocolate intensity.
For those seeking a creamier texture, milk or a dairy alternative can be added. This addition softens the coffee’s edge and enhances the drink’s smooth, dessert-like quality.
The Mocha Cold Brew is an excellent choice for chocolate lovers who enjoy a caffeinated boost. It provides a perfect balance of coffee and cocoa flavors, making it a refreshing treat for warm summer days.
5) Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew
Dunkin’s Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew offers a delightful twist on their classic cold brew. This refreshing beverage combines smooth cold-brewed coffee with a creamy vanilla flavor.
The drink starts with Dunkin’s signature cold brew, known for its bold taste and lower acidity compared to traditional iced coffee. A splash of cream is added to enhance the smoothness.
The star of this variation is the vanilla flavoring. Dunkin’ offers both vanilla swirl syrup and sugar-free vanilla flavor shots, allowing customers to customize the sweetness level to their liking.
For those seeking an extra indulgence, adding Dunkin’s sweet cold foam on top creates a luxurious texture and flavor contrast. The foam slowly melts into the drink, creating a gradual flavor transformation.
This cold brew variation is perfect for vanilla lovers and those who enjoy a balance of bitter coffee notes with creamy sweetness. It’s an ideal choice for warm summer days when you need a refreshing caffeine boost.
6) Toasted Almond Cold Brew
Dunkin’s Toasted Almond Cold Brew offers a unique twist on their classic cold brew coffee. This beverage combines the smooth, rich flavor of cold brew with the nutty essence of toasted almonds.
The drink features Dunkin’s signature cold brew coffee as its base. This coffee is steeped in cold water for 12 hours, resulting in a less acidic and more flavorful brew compared to traditional iced coffee.
To create the toasted almond variation, baristas add a sugar-free, calorie-free toasted almond flavor shot. This addition imparts a subtle nutty taste without overwhelming the coffee’s natural flavors.
For those watching their calorie intake, the Toasted Almond Cold Brew is an excellent choice. A medium-sized serving contains only 10 calories and 0 grams of sugar when ordered without additional sweeteners or milk.
Customers can customize their Toasted Almond Cold Brew by adding their preferred milk or sweetener. For a dairy-free option, almond milk complements the toasted almond flavor well.
This cold brew variation is ideal for coffee lovers seeking a refreshing summer drink with a hint of nuttiness. Its smooth texture and balanced flavor profile make it a popular choice among Dunkin’ enthusiasts.
7) Coconut Caramel Cold Brew
Dunkin’ offers a delightful twist on their classic cold brew with the Coconut Caramel Cold Brew. This refreshing beverage combines the smooth, rich taste of cold brew coffee with the tropical sweetness of coconut and the indulgent flavor of caramel.
The base of this drink is Dunkin’s signature cold brew, made by steeping 100% Arabica coffee beans in cold water for 12 hours. This process creates a less acidic, fuller-bodied coffee with subtle chocolate notes.
To create the Coconut Caramel Cold Brew, baristas add coconut flavor and a swirl of caramel to the cold brew. The result is a perfectly balanced drink that’s both refreshing and satisfying.
Customers can customize their Coconut Caramel Cold Brew by adjusting the sweetness level or adding cream. For an extra touch of indulgence, they can request sweet cold foam on top, which adds a velvety texture to each sip.
This beverage is ideal for coffee lovers seeking a tropical-inspired drink without sacrificing the bold flavor of cold brew. It’s a perfect choice for hot summer days when a regular iced coffee just won’t cut it.
What Is Cold Brew?
Cold brew coffee is a smooth, less acidic alternative to traditional hot-brewed coffee. It’s made by steeping coarse coffee grounds in cold water for an extended period, typically 12-24 hours. This method produces a concentrated coffee that’s often diluted before drinking.
History of Cold Brew
Cold brew coffee has roots dating back to 17th century Japan, where it was known as “Kyoto-style” coffee. Dutch traders introduced this method, which involved steeping coffee grounds in cold water for extended periods. The technique slowly spread to other parts of the world.
In the 1960s, cold brew gained popularity in New Orleans, where it was often served with chicory. The 21st century saw a surge in cold brew’s popularity, with major coffee chains like Starbucks and Dunkin’ introducing it to their menus.
Today, cold brew is a staple in many cafes and homes, appreciated for its smooth taste and versatility.
Cold Brew vs. Iced Coffee
Cold brew and iced coffee are distinct beverages with different preparation methods and flavor profiles:
Brewing process:
- Cold brew: Steeped in cold water for 12-24 hours
- Iced coffee: Brewed hot and then cooled over ice
Flavor:
- Cold brew: Smooth, less acidic, slightly sweet
- Iced coffee: More acidic, traditional coffee taste
Caffeine content:
- Cold brew: Generally higher due to longer steeping time
- Iced coffee: Varies based on brewing strength
Cold brew’s smoother taste and higher caffeine content make it a popular choice for many coffee drinkers seeking a refreshing summer beverage.
Health Benefits of Cold Brew
Cold brew coffee offers several potential health advantages compared to regular hot brewed coffee. Its unique brewing process contributes to a different chemical profile that may benefit certain individuals.
Lower Acidity
Cold brew coffee typically has lower acidity levels than hot brewed coffee. This reduced acidity can be easier on the stomach for those with sensitive digestive systems or acid reflux issues.
The cold brewing process extracts fewer acidic compounds from the coffee beans. As a result, cold brew often has a smoother, less bitter taste profile.
For people who experience discomfort when drinking regular coffee, cold brew may be a more tolerable option. It allows them to enjoy their caffeine fix with less potential for digestive upset.
Potential Antioxidant Boost
Cold brew coffee may contain higher levels of certain antioxidants compared to hot brewed coffee. Antioxidants help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals in the body.
The cold brewing process can extract and preserve more chlorogenic acids, which are potent antioxidants found in coffee. These compounds have been linked to potential health benefits, including improved blood sugar regulation and reduced inflammation.
Regular consumption of antioxidant-rich beverages like cold brew coffee may contribute to overall health and well-being. However, more research is needed to fully understand the specific antioxidant profile and potential benefits of cold brew compared to other coffee brewing methods.
Expert Tips for Brewing Perfect Cold Brew at Home
Mastering cold brew at home requires attention to detail and quality ingredients. The right coffee beans and proper brewing time are crucial for achieving a smooth, flavorful result.
Choosing the Right Coffee Beans
Opt for medium to dark roast coffee beans for cold brew. These roasts offer rich, bold flavors that shine in the cold brewing process. Coarsely ground beans work best, resembling the texture of raw sugar. This grind size allows for optimal extraction without over-extracting and creating bitterness.
Look for beans with chocolate, nutty, or caramel notes. These flavors complement the naturally smooth profile of cold brew. Single-origin beans from regions like Colombia or Ethiopia can provide unique taste experiences.
Store beans in an airtight container away from light, heat, and moisture to maintain freshness.
Optimal Brew Time
Cold brew requires patience, but the wait is worthwhile. Steep ground coffee in cold water for 12 to 24 hours. This slow extraction process results in a less acidic, smoother coffee concentrate.
For a balanced flavor, aim for 16-18 hours of brew time at room temperature. Shorter steeping periods may result in weaker coffee, while longer times can lead to over-extraction.
Experiment with different durations to find your preferred strength. Use a timer or set a reminder to ensure consistent results.
After brewing, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove grounds. Store the concentrate in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.