The first time I stumbled upon the idea of apple in my coffee, I was skeptical, to say the least. It sounded like an odd pairing, a seasonal novelty more than a serious contender in my morning routine. But one crisp autumn morning, armed with an abundance of fresh apples and a desire to shake things up, I decided to give it a whirl. What I discovered was a surprisingly delightful combination – the sweetness of apple, the warmth of spices, and the bold kick of coffee all coming together in a perfectly chilled, refreshing drink. It’s a game-changer for anyone who loves fall flavors but isn’t quite ready to let go of their iced coffee habit.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
There’s something uniquely satisfying about blending the sweet, slightly tart essence of apples with the robust bitterness of coffee, especially when it’s served cold. These apple iced coffee recipes aren’t just a quirky experiment; they offer a genuinely refreshing and flavorful experience that stands out from your usual iced latte or cold brew. They’re perfect for those transitional days when the air is cool but the sun still feels warm, or anytime you’re craving a taste of autumn without committing to a hot beverage. Plus, with three distinct recipes, you can find the perfect apple-coffee combination to suit your mood, whether you prefer a creamy indulgence, a spicy kick, or a simple, elegant brew.
> “I thought apple and coffee was a strange combination, but this recipe changed my mind! It’s unexpectedly delicious and so refreshing. A must-try for fall!” – CoffeeLover92
How These Recipes Come Together
Making these apple iced coffee variations is a straightforward process, largely involving the preparation of an apple component – whether it’s a syrup, a puree, or spiced apple pieces – and then combining it with your preferred coffee and milk or creamer. For each recipe, you’ll start by crafting the apple base, which often involves a quick simmer on the stovetop to bring out the fruit’s natural sweetness and absorb those cozy fall spices. Once your apple infusion is ready, it’s a simple matter of assembling your iced coffee by layering ice, the apple mixture, coffee, and any dairy or non-dairy milk you choose. The beauty is in the simplicity and the ability to customize each drink to your liking.
What You’ll Need
Spiced Apple Syrup Iced Coffee
- 1 cup apple cider (or apple juice)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or to taste)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2-3 whole cloves
- Pinch of nutmeg
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee, chilled
- Ice
- Milk or cream of choice (optional)
- Cinnamon stick or apple slice for garnish
Apple Pie Cold Brew
- 1 cup cold brew coffee concentrate
- ½ cup apple puree (homemade or unsweetened store-bought)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon apple pie spice blend
- Ice
- Milk or cream of choice (optional)
- Whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for garnish (optional)
Caramel Apple Iced Latte
- 1 cup strong brewed espresso or coffee, chilled
- ½ cup milk of choice (dairy or non-dairy)
- 2 tablespoons apple butter
- 1 tablespoon caramel sauce, plus more for drizzling
- Ice
- Pinch of sea salt (optional, to enhance caramel flavor)
Directions to Follow
Here’s how to craft each delicious apple iced coffee:
For Spiced Apple Syrup Iced Coffee:
- Make the Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine apple cider, brown sugar, cinnamon stick, cloves, and nutmeg. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Reduce heat and let it gently simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until slightly reduced and fragrant. Remove from heat and let it cool completely. Strain out the spices if desired.
- Assemble: Fill a tall glass with ice. Add 2-3 tablespoons of the cooled spiced apple syrup (adjust to your sweetness preference). Pour in the chilled coffee.
- Finish: Top with milk or cream if using, stir gently, and garnish with a cinnamon stick or apple slice.
For Apple Pie Cold Brew:
- Combine Ingredients: In a glass, combine the apple puree, maple syrup, and apple pie spice. Stir well until thoroughly combined.
- Layer: Fill a tall glass with ice. Pour in the apple puree mixture.
- Add Coffee: Gently pour in the cold brew concentrate.
- Finish: If desired, top with milk or cream. For an extra treat, add whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
For Caramel Apple Iced Latte:
- Mix Base: In a glass, whisk together the apple butter, 1 tablespoon of caramel sauce, and a pinch of sea salt (if using).
- Add Milk: Pour in the milk of your choice and stir until the apple butter and caramel are well incorporated.
- Assemble: Fill a tall glass with ice. Pour in the apple-caramel milk mixture.
- Add Coffee: Top with the chilled espresso or strong coffee.
- Garnish: Drizzle with extra caramel sauce before serving.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
These apple iced coffees are fantastic on their own, especially as a mid-morning pick-me-up or an afternoon treat. For a truly autumnal experience, pair any of them with a freshly baked apple muffin, a slice of pumpkin bread, or even a classic snickerdoodle cookie. The crispness of the apple in the coffee cuts through the richness of baked goods beautifully. If you’re feeling fancy, a dollop of whipped cream and an extra drizzle of caramel or a sprinkle of cinnamon can turn them into a dessert-worthy indulgence.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
Apple Syrup: The spiced apple syrup can be stored in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 weeks.
Apple Puree: Homemade apple puree will last for about 3-5 days in an airtight container in the fridge. Store-bought, once opened, should follow package instructions.
Individual Drinks: These iced coffees are best enjoyed immediately after preparation, as the ice will dilute the flavors over time. If you have leftover mixed syrup or puree, you can easily whip up another fresh coffee whenever the craving strikes!
Professional Chef Tips
- Freshness Matters: While apple juice works, using fresh apple cider for the spiced apple syrup will give you a richer, more authentic apple flavor.
- Balance the Sweetness: Always taste your apple base (syrup, puree, or butter mix) before adding coffee. Adjust the sugar or maple syrup to your preferred level, as the sweetness of apples can vary.
- Strong Coffee is Key: Since these are iced drinks with additional flavors, using strong brewed coffee, espresso, or cold brew concentrate is crucial. This ensures the coffee flavor doesn’t get lost in the apple and spices.
- Chill Components: Make sure your brewed coffee is completely chilled before assembling, otherwise, it will melt the ice too quickly and dilute your drink.
- Garnish for Impact: Don’t underestimate the power of a simple garnish! An apple slice, a dusting of cinnamon, or a drizzle of caramel can elevate the visual appeal and enhance the sensory experience.
Creative Twists
- Ginger-Kissed Apple: Add a thin slice of fresh ginger to your spiced apple syrup while simmering for a gentle, warming kick.
- Creamy Coconut Apple: Swap out regular milk for full-fat coconut milk in any of these recipes for a tropical twist that still complements the apple.
- Boozy Apple Coffee: For an adult-only treat, add a shot of apple brandy or a spiced rum to your prepared iced coffee.
- Nutty Apple Brew: Infuse your apple syrup with a few pecans or walnuts while simmering, then strain them out, for a subtle nutty depth.
- Vegan Delight: All these recipes can easily be made vegan by choosing plant-based milks (almond, oat, soy) and ensuring your caramel sauce is dairy-free.
FAQ
Can I use instant coffee for these recipes?
A: While you technically can use instant coffee, we highly recommend using freshly brewed strong coffee, espresso, or cold brew concentrate for the best flavor. Instant coffee often lacks the depth and richness needed to stand up to the apple and spice flavors.
How can I make my own apple puree?
A: Making apple puree is simple! Core and chop 2-3 apples (any sweet-tart variety like Fuji or Honeycrisp works well). Place them in a saucepan with about 1/4 cup of water and simmer until very soft. Then, mash with a fork or blend until smooth. For a spiced puree, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or apple pie spice while simmering.
Are these drinks very sweet?
A: The sweetness level is entirely customizable! We provide starting points for sugar/syrup, but you can always adjust to your preference. If you prefer less sweet, start with half the recommended amount and add more to taste. The natural sweetness of the apple also plays a role.
Spiced Apple Iced Coffee
Equipment
- Glass
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Freshly brewed coffee cooled
- 1/2 cup Apple juice unsweetened or low sugar
- 1 teaspoon Maple syrup or to taste
- Ice cubes As needed
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- Ground ginger Pinch
Garnish (Optional)
- Thin apple slices
- Cinnamon stick
Instructions
Preparation
- Brew your favorite coffee and allow it to cool completely; refrigerate for faster cooling.
- Combine the cooled coffee and apple juice in a glass.
- Stir in maple syrup, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of ground ginger until well mixed.
- Fill the glass generously with ice cubes.
- Garnish with thin apple slices and/or a cinnamon stick if desired.
- Give it a final stir and enjoy your Spiced Apple Iced Coffee.