Cold Brew Beyond the Glass: Creative Recipes for Coffee Ice Cream, Cocktails & Marinades

Cold brew isn’t just for sipping on a hot day — it’s a smooth, bold ingredient that can take your desserts, drinks, and even savory dishes to the next level. Whether you’re cooling down with coffee ice cream, mixing up an espresso martini twist, or marinating a steak, your cold brew can be the star of the show.

At JL Hufford, we carry everything you need to brew the perfect cold brew at home — from the Hario Cold Water Coffee Dripper to Fellow Clara French Press — plus the syrups, barware, and culinary tools to bring these recipes to life.

Perfect Your Cold Brew Base

Before we get creative, you’ll need a rich, balanced cold brew concentrate. We recommend:

• Hario Cold Water Coffee Dripper – This elegant glass tower uses a slow drip method to produce a smooth, low-acid cold brew concentrate over several hours. It's a conversation starter and a brewing masterpiece.

• Fellow Clara French Press – Ideal for smaller batches and sleek countertop style.

• Baratza Encore ESP Grinder – Freshly ground beans = maximum flavor.

Brew strong — a 1:4 coffee-to-water ratio works best for recipes where the cold brew is mixed with other ingredients.

1. Cold Brew Coffee Ice Cream

Creamy, dreamy, and full of coffee flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cold brew concentrate

• 2 cups heavy cream

• 1 cup whole milk

• ¾ cup sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Whisk sugar into cold brew until dissolved.

2. Stir in cream, milk, and vanilla.

3. Pour into an ice cream maker 

4. Churn until thick, then freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.

Pro Tip: Drizzle with DaVinci Salted Caramel Syrup from JL Hufford for an indulgent finish.

2. Cold Brew Espresso Martini Twist

A refreshing take on a classic cocktail.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz cold brew concentrate

• 1.5 oz vodka

• 1 oz coffee liqueur

• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients to a Cocktail Shaker.

2. Shake vigorously with ice for 15–20 seconds.

3. Strain into a chilled martini glass.

4. Garnish with coffee beans for that signature look.

Pro Tip: Use cold brew instead of espresso for a smoother, less bitter flavor.

3. Cold Brew Coffee Marinade for Steak

Deep, smoky, and perfect for the grill.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cold brew concentrate

• ½ cup soy sauce

• ¼ cup olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp brown sugar

• 1 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Whisk all ingredients in a mixing bowl.

2. Place steak in a resealable bag and pour marinade over it.

3. Refrigerate for 4–6 hours.

4. Grill or sear as desired — your Le Creuset Cast Iron Handle Skillet will give perfect sear marks.

Pro Tip: Cold brew’s acidity helps tenderize meat while adding a subtle coffee richness.

Take Cold Brew Further

Cold brew’s smooth profile makes it the perfect ingredient to experiment with. Try adding it to:

• Brownie batter for mocha depth

• BBQ sauce for smoky sweetness

• Whipped cream for coffee-topped desserts

And when you’re ready to make your next batch, shop JL Hufford’s full collection of:

• Espresso & Coffee Machines

• Syrups & Flavorings

• Barware & Culinary Tools

Shop now at JLHufford.com and turn your cold brew into a kitchen superstar.