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This Dark Cherry Mocha Cold Brew is my favorite pick-me-up when I want something smooth and refreshing with a hint of indulgence. It blends the richness of coffee with the sweet tartness of cherry and a touch of chocolatey syrup making it perfect for warm mornings or an afternoon treat.
I stumbled on this combination when craving something different than plain cold brew and it quickly became a weekend staple in my house.
Ingredients
- Coarse ground coffee: for best extraction and smooth taste choose a fresh batch from your local roaster or supermarket
- Cold water: to steep the grounds ensuring a mellow brew low acidity
- Dark cherry juice: adds a vibrant fruity dimension look for 100 percent juice without added sugar
- Black Forest syrup: to give a subtle rich mocha sweetness select a quality brand or homemade if possible
- Milk or cream: to round out and soften the drink opt for whole milk or cream for creamier texture or dairy-free option if preferred
Instructions
- Build The Brew:
- Combine one cup of coarse ground coffee with four cups of cold water in a large jar or pitcher. Stir gently to make sure all grounds are wet. Cover tightly and place in the fridge to steep for 12 hours. This slow cold brew method avoids bitterness and gives a clean smooth coffee base.
- Strain The Coffee:
- After steeping remove the jar and strain the coffee through a fine-mesh sieve or a coffee filter into a clean container. This step gets rid of all the grounds so your drink is silky not gritty.
- Add The Cherry Mocha:
- Pour in half a cup of dark cherry juice and two tablespoons of Black Forest syrup. Stir well to blend the fruity and chocolate flavors into the coffee.
- Serve With Cream:
- Fill a glass with ice cubes then pour the cherry mocha cold brew over. Top it with half a cup of milk or cream and stir lightly. You can garnish with fresh cherries or a dusting of cocoa powder for a fancy touch.
The cherry juice is my secret weapon here it adds just the right tang to brighten the deep coffee notes reminding me of summer mornings shared with friends over endless cups. It always brings a little joy whenever I make it.
Storage Tips
Keep the cold brew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Stir gently before serving as some ingredients may settle. You can also freeze the strained coffee concentrate in ice cube trays and thaw cubes as needed for quick iced coffee.
Ingredient Swaps
If cherry juice is not available try pomegranate or cranberry juice for a similar tartness. Maple syrup or a chocolate hazelnut spread dissolved in warm water can replace the Black Forest syrup. Coconut or oat milk work great too for a dairy-free creamy finish.
Serving Ideas
Serve this cold brew in a tall glass with plenty of ice and a reusable straw for a cafe feel at home. It pairs wonderfully with buttery pastries or fresh fruit for a balanced brunch. For dessert consider adding whipped cream and dark chocolate shavings on top.
Enjoy this delicious and easy twist on cold brew coffee that feels like a special treat but takes almost no effort apart from wait time.
Frequently Asked Recipe Questions
- → How long should the coffee steep?
Steeping the coarse ground coffee in cold water for 12 hours extracts a smooth, bold flavor without bitterness.
- → Can I use a different type of syrup?
Yes, while Black Forest syrup enhances the cherry notes, alternatives like chocolate or vanilla syrups can create different flavor profiles.
- → Is dark cherry juice necessary?
Dark cherry juice provides a fruity tartness that complements the mocha and coffee, but other tart fruit juices can be experimented with.
- → What is the best milk choice?
Milk or cream adds creaminess; whole milk offers richness, but alternatives like oat or almond milk give a different texture and flavor.
- → How should this drink be served?
Serve over ice for maximum refreshment. Garnishing with a cherry or chocolate shavings enhances presentation and flavor.