The Ultimate Summer Cold Brew Guide: 5 Recipes to Beat the Heat

Summer Is Here — And So Is Cold Brew Season

Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer, and for coffee lovers, that means one thing: it's cold brew season. Whether you're headed to the beach, firing up the grill, or just trying to survive the afternoon heat, cold brew is the smooth, bold, low-acid answer to your summer caffeine needs.

At Paddle & Pour, we believe great coffee should match the moment — and summer moments call for something cool. Here are five cold brew recipes that'll carry you from Memorial Day straight through Labor Day.

1. The Classic Cold Brew

Let's start with the foundation. A well-made classic cold brew is silky, naturally sweet, and incredibly refreshing.

What you need:

  • 1 cup coarsely ground coffee (we recommend Gold Coast for its smooth, balanced profile)
  • 5 cups cold filtered water
  • A large jar or cold brew pitcher

How to make it:

  1. Combine coffee grounds and water in your jar.
  2. Stir gently to ensure all grounds are saturated.
  3. Cover and refrigerate for 16-20 hours.
  4. Strain through a fine mesh filter or cheesecloth.
  5. Serve over ice. The concentrate keeps in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Pro tip: The 1:5 ratio gives you a ready-to-drink cold brew. For concentrate (to dilute with water or milk), use a 1:3 ratio.

2. Vanilla Tide Cold Brew

Our Vanilla Tide coffee was practically made for cold brewing. The natural vanilla notes become even more pronounced when steeped cold, creating something that tastes like a dessert without any added sugar.

The method: Follow the classic recipe above using Vanilla Tide (coarse grind). Once strained, serve over ice with a splash of oat milk and a tiny pinch of sea salt. The salt enhances the vanilla and cuts any bitterness. Trust us on this one.

3. Salted Caramel Surf Shake

Part cold brew, part milkshake, entirely addictive. This is what you make when you need fuel for a long day on the water.

What you need:

  • 1 cup Salted Caramel Break cold brew concentrate
  • 1 frozen banana
  • ½ cup milk of choice
  • 1 tbsp almond butter
  • A handful of ice

How to make it: Blend everything until smooth. Pour into your favorite travel mug. Grab your board and go.

4. Cinnamon Roll Wave Iced Latte

For those mornings when you want something cozy even though it's 85°F outside.

What you need:

  • ½ cup Cinnamon Roll Wave cold brew concentrate
  • ½ cup milk (oat or whole milk works beautifully)
  • 1 tsp maple syrup
  • A dash of cinnamon
  • Ice

How to make it: Fill a glass with ice. Pour in the cold brew, then milk. Stir in maple syrup and top with a dusting of cinnamon. The Cinnamon Roll Wave's baked-goods flavor profile makes this taste like breakfast in a glass.

5. The Deep Six Tonic

Coffee tonic is the sleeper hit of summer drinks, and our Deep Six blend has the boldness to stand up to tonic water's bitterness.

What you need:

  • ¼ cup Deep Six cold brew concentrate
  • ¾ cup quality tonic water
  • Fresh lime wedge
  • Ice

How to make it: Fill a tall glass with ice. Pour in tonic water first, then slowly pour the cold brew concentrate over the back of a spoon so it layers on top. Squeeze the lime wedge and drop it in. The cascade of dark coffee through sparkling tonic is as beautiful as it is refreshing.

Cold Brew Tips From the Paddle & Pour Team

  • Grind matters: Always use a coarse grind for cold brew. Too fine and you'll get a gritty, over-extracted mess.
  • Water quality counts: You're steeping for hours — use filtered water for the cleanest flavor.
  • Patience pays off: 16 hours is the minimum. 20 hours gives you a richer, more developed flavor.
  • Batch it: Cold brew concentrate keeps for up to 2 weeks in the fridge. Make a big batch on Sunday and you're set for the week.

Make It Count

Every bag of Paddle & Pour coffee puts 10% back toward ocean conservation. So while you're enjoying your cold brew on the beach, by the pool, or on the patio, you're also helping protect the waters we love. That's what Brew Good. Do Good. is all about.

Ready to start your summer cold brew journey? Check out our full lineup at paddleandpour.co — and don't forget to grab a bag of Gold Coast to get started.

☀️🌊☕ See you out there.

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