There’s something magical about the combination of citrus and coffee—especially when it’s poured over ice and topped with a velvety layer of vanilla cream. This orange cream cold brew recipe brings all the nostalgic joy of a creamsicle and blends it with the smooth richness of cold brew coffee.
In this article, I’ll walk you through my go-to method for making this refreshing treat, from steeping your own cold brew to crafting a homemade orange-vanilla syrup. Whether you’re a seasoned coffee lover or someone who just loves trying new flavors, this one’s for you.
Table of Contents
A Taste of Childhood Meets Cold Brew
When I was little, orange creamsicles were the highlight of every summer afternoon. Their bright citrus flavor and creamy vanilla center were my ultimate treat—sweet, cooling, and full of joy. Now, as a home cook and recipe developer, I find so much joy recreating that nostalgic flavor in new ways. That’s exactly how this orange cream cold brew recipe came to life.
I remember experimenting one hot July morning, pouring cold brew over ice, adding a homemade orange-vanilla syrup I had made for pancakes, and topping it with hand-whipped cream. That first sip was unforgettable. The bitter depth of cold brew balanced perfectly with citrusy sweetness, and the cold foam made it feel like a dessert in a glass. Since then, it’s become a summer tradition in our house, especially during weekend brunches or lazy mornings on the patio.
The best part? This drink is incredibly simple to make at home. With just a few ingredients—coffee, oranges, cream, and vanilla—you can recreate that sunny, creamsicle feeling any time. You’ll not only get a delicious drink, but also a few moments of pure comfort and refreshment. It’s a beautiful blend of old memories and new rituals, and I can’t wait to share it with you.
(For more summer coffee ideas, check out my Iced Lavender Latte or the classic Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew you’ll love just as much.)
Why Orange and Coffee Just Work
At first, the idea of mixing orange and coffee might sound bold, but it’s a flavor pairing that surprisingly just works. The natural citrus oils from orange peel enhance the fruity notes in coffee, especially in medium or dark roast cold brew. When you layer in a touch of vanilla—either through extract or a vanilla bean—you add this comforting warmth that pulls the drink together.
The base of any good orange cream cold brew recipe is the syrup. This isn’t your everyday sweetener—it’s infused with fresh orange zest and real vanilla, giving it a rich, citrus-forward flavor that transforms plain coffee into a craft beverage. You can make it in advance and keep it in the fridge for up to a week, making it perfect for weekday mornings or when you want to impress guests with something special.
To finish it off, cold cream foam gives the drink that iconic “creamsicle” texture. Light, airy, and slightly sweet, it floats over the iced coffee and slowly blends in with each sip. It’s what takes this drink from good to irresistible.
For the best results, I recommend using homemade cold brew, but if you’re short on time, a good-quality store-bought version works too. And if you want more coffee pairings that surprise, don’t miss my Cardamom Honey Iced Latte or this Cinnamon Maple Cold Brew, both ideal for morning or midday refreshment.
What Goes into an Orange Cream Cold Brew?
Creating the perfect orange cream cold brew recipe starts with understanding the core elements. Each one contributes to the flavor, texture, and presentation—so let’s break it down.
Cold Brew Coffee: This is your base. A dark roast or medium-dark works best to balance the sweetness of the syrup and cream. If you’re short on time or prefer convenience, you can absolutely use a quality store-bought cold brew. Just make sure it’s smooth and not too acidic. Brands like Stumptown, Califia Farms, or Chameleon Cold-Brew are great choices.
Orange-Vanilla Simple Syrup: This is where the creamsicle magic happens. It’s a homemade blend of sugar, orange zest, water, and real vanilla—ideally from a vanilla bean. Letting the syrup steep overnight pulls out those bright citrus oils and deep vanilla warmth. This syrup sweetens the coffee and adds that signature flavor. You can store it in a jar in the fridge for up to a week.
Cold Foam: You’ll top the drink with a cold foam made from heavy cream or a cream-alternative. It’s whipped lightly until airy and thick enough to float. You can use a handheld milk frother or simply shake it in a sealed jar. Cold foam brings the “cream” to this orange cream cold brew and gives it a luxurious mouthfeel.
Want a quick twist? Use vanilla-flavored creamer in place of homemade foam, or try frothing half-and-half with a touch of vanilla extract. It’s an easy shortcut for busy mornings.
For similar ingredients and setups, my Brown Sugar Iced Shaken Espresso also uses cold foam and infused syrups—and if you love bright, fruity flavors, the Strawberry Matcha Latte offers another stunning combo.
Make It Your Way
One of the best things about this orange cream cold brew recipe is how customizable it is. Whether you’re dairy-free, low-sugar, or simply love to experiment, you’ve got options.
Dairy-Free or Vegan Options: Swap the heavy cream for oat milk, coconut cream, or even a plant-based vanilla creamer. Coconut cream, in particular, whips up beautifully and gives the drink a tropical twist. Just be sure it’s full-fat for that silky texture.
Decaf Drinkers Welcome: Use decaf cold brew for a caffeine-free version that’s just as delicious. You’ll still get that deep coffee flavor without the buzz.
Adjusting Sweetness: Prefer your coffee less sweet? Use half the amount of orange syrup or stir it directly into the foam instead of the coffee. Want it sweeter? Add a little honey or agave to the mix—or even a touch of orange blossom water for extra complexity.
Infuse Your Own Twist: Add a few drops of almond extract or a pinch of cinnamon to the syrup for depth. Feeling bold? Try it with blood orange zest or a touch of cardamom. There are so many ways to make this your signature drink.
(If you’re into experimenting, you might enjoy my Pineapple Espresso Tonic or Coconut Cream Cold Brew, both equally customizable.)
Cold Brew & Orange Syrup from Scratch
Making this refreshing orange cream cold brew recipe at home is easier than you might think. With a little prep ahead of time, you’ll have a coffeehouse-quality drink ready to impress. Start by preparing two key components: the cold brew coffee and the orange-vanilla simple syrup.
Brew the Cold Brew Coffee
Use a French press or any glass container for steeping.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz (about 12 tbsp) coarsely ground dark roast coffee
- 2 cups (480 ml) cold filtered water
Instructions:
- Add the ground coffee to your French press.
- Pour in the cold water and stir gently.
- Cover with the plunger (don’t press down yet).
- Let it steep for 12–24 hours at room temperature or in the fridge.
- After steeping, press the plunger down and transfer the coffee to a jar or carafe.
Step 2: Make Orange-Vanilla Syrup
This sweet syrup brings the creamsicle flavor to life.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup turbinado or granulated sugar
- ½ cup water
- Zest of 1–2 oranges (preferably Valencia)
- 1 vanilla bean, split (or 1 tsp pure vanilla extract)
Instructions:
- In a small pot, combine sugar, water, and orange zest.
- Bring to a light simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Add in the vanilla bean or extract.
- Remove from heat and let the mixture steep for 1 hour (or overnight for stronger flavor).
- Strain and store in the fridge for up to one week.
(You can find similar cold brew prep in my Iced Cinnamon Oat Latte and Mocha Cold Brew Float—both worth trying next.)
Assembling the Perfect Glass
This is the fun part—layering everything to get that dreamy, café-style look and flavor. Here’s how to put your orange cream cold brew together:
Ingredients per serving:
- 7 oz (just under 1 cup) cold brew
- 1.5–2 oz orange-vanilla syrup
- 2 oz cold heavy cream (or alternative)
- Ice
- Optional: Candied orange peel or extra zest for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a 16 oz glass with ice.
- Pour in the cold brew coffee.
- Add the orange-vanilla syrup and stir to combine.
- In a separate cup, froth the cream using a handheld frother or shake it in a sealed jar until thickened but still pourable.
- Gently pour the cold foam over the coffee to create a stunning layered effect.
- Garnish with a twist of orange peel or a pinch of zest if you like.
Sip and enjoy. Every sip brings smooth coffee, bright citrus, and silky cream together in perfect harmony.
(Need more easy drink recipes like this? Try my Sweet Cream Iced Chai Latte or the bold Espresso Lemonade—both summer-ready and full of flavor.)
Cold Brew Barista Tips at Home
The beauty of this orange cream cold brew recipe is that it looks impressive but is actually easy to master. These tips will help you get barista-quality results every time—without leaving your kitchen.
Chill Your Glass First: Want an extra-cold sip? Pop your serving glass in the freezer for 10 minutes before assembling. This helps prevent ice from melting too quickly and keeps your layers distinct.
Filtered Water = Better Brew: Whether you’re making cold brew or syrup, filtered water makes a big difference in flavor clarity.
Don’t Overfroth: The cream should be thick but pourable. You want it to float, not sit like whipped cream. Use a frother on low or shake gently for about 30 seconds.
Batch It: Prep a big batch of cold brew and syrup to keep in the fridge. You’ll be set for the week—just froth cream fresh each day.
Sweetness Balance: Start with 1.5 oz of syrup per cup of coffee and adjust to taste. Everyone’s sweetness preference is different.
(If you enjoy at-home coffee tips, my Iced Coffee Brewing Guide is another must-read, along with this DIY Coffee Syrups Guide.)
Fun Ways to Serve Orange Cream Cold Brew
There are so many ways to enjoy this drink. Whether you’re serving guests or making a treat for yourself, these ideas make it even more memorable.
Pair It with Brunch: This coffee is perfect alongside lemon-ricotta pancakes, vanilla waffles, or almond scones. It’s bright and creamy—just like a brunch cocktail, but better.
Make Coffee Popsicles: Pour your cold brew and syrup into molds, leaving a bit of room at the top. Freeze for 30 minutes, then add cold foam and freeze until solid. It’s a delicious frozen twist!
Try a Cocktail Version: Add a splash of orange liqueur and shake with ice before topping with foam. Perfect for coffee-loving guests at summer parties.
Serve it at a Coffee Picnic: Pack jars of cold brew, pre-made syrup, and cold cream in a cooler and let everyone assemble their own drinks.
FAQs
What is orange cream cold brew made of?
It’s made with three core components: cold brew coffee, an orange-vanilla simple syrup, and cold frothed cream. The syrup is infused with orange zest and vanilla to replicate the nostalgic creamsicle flavor.
Can I use store-bought cold brew for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought cold brew works perfectly. Just choose a smooth, less acidic version for the best taste—Stumptown, Califia Farms, or Chameleon are all great picks.
Does orange cream pair well with coffee?
Yes, surprisingly well! The bright citrus balances the natural richness of coffee, while vanilla adds warmth. It’s a sophisticated flavor combo that feels both nostalgic and grown-up.
How do I make orange cream for cold brew at home?
Start by making an orange-vanilla syrup with orange zest, sugar, and vanilla. Then froth chilled heavy cream or a dairy-free alternative. Pour it over your cold brew and syrup to create that dreamy orange cream finish.
Conclusion
There’s something truly satisfying about crafting your own café-style drink at home—and this orange cream cold brew recipe is a standout. With its bold coffee base, citrusy sweetness, and velvety foam, every sip is like a sunny afternoon in a glass. It’s perfect for warm mornings, special brunches, or anytime you need a pick-me-up that feels indulgent yet easy.
Give it a try this week, and don’t be afraid to make it your own—whether that means adding a twist of spice, going dairy-free, or batch-prepping your brew. And if you do, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Tag me on Instagram or leave a comment on dinnerscoop.com!
Printorange cream cold brew recipe
This orange cream cold brew recipe combines citrusy orange-vanilla syrup with bold cold brew and a layer of velvety cold foam. It’s refreshing, creamy, and perfect for summer mornings or coffee brunches.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 24 hours (cold brew)
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Cold Brew
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 oz coarse ground dark roast coffee
- 2 cups cold filtered water
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup water (for syrup)
- Zest of 2 oranges
- 1 vanilla bean or 1 tsp extract
- 2 oz cold heavy cream (or dairy-free option)
- Ice for serving
Instructions
1. Add coffee and cold water to French press. Stir gently and cover.
2. Let steep for 12–24 hours at room temp or in fridge.
3. Strain cold brew into jar.
4. In saucepan, combine sugar, water, orange zest. Simmer 5 minutes.
5. Add vanilla and let steep for 1 hour. Strain and chill.
6. Froth cream until thick but pourable.
7. Add ice to glass. Pour in 7 oz cold brew and 1.5–2 oz syrup.
8. Top with cold foam and optional orange zest.
Notes
Store syrup in fridge for up to 1 week.
Use store-bought cold brew for convenience.
Adjust syrup for sweetness preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
