Can I use vanilla extract instead of vanilla bean?

Yep! Just add a tiny bit of vanilla extract to each individual iced coffee, or use a vanilla-flavored milk like vanilla almond milk. I've also used just u003cstrongu003eu003cemu003ehalfu003c/emu003eu003c/strongu003e of the vanilla bean in one batch so you can get twice the amount of usage from your expensive vanilla beans.

Can I make this as hot coffee instead of iced coffee?

Sure! You could make this a hot vanilla mint latte. You can check out our u003ca href=u0022https://pinchofyum.com/oatmilk-honey-latteu0022u003eOatmilk Honey Latteu003c/au003e if you want the low-down on making a latte at home!

What's the difference between iced coffee and cold brew coffee?

Method-wise, cold brew coffee is brewed for about 18 hours with cold water, while iced coffee starts with hot coffee that is then poured over ice to be cooled. Cold brew is often more concetrated since it's not cooled with ice, which adds water.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eFlavor-wise, cold brew is often smoother and stronger than iced coffee.

Vanilla Mint Iced Coffee Recipe

Description

Creamy, subtly sweet, Vanilla Mint Iced Coffee on repeat! Smooth and lush thanks to the cold brew and oat milk, with a special blend of flavor from bright, fresh mint, and a gently split whole vanilla bean.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Mint Syrup:

1 1/2 cups water
1 1/2 cups sugar
fresh mint (about 1/4 to 1/2 cup mint leaves, or one .75 ounce package)
vanilla bean (optional – see notes)

My Ideal Vanilla Mint Iced Coffee:

1/2 cup strong cold brew
1 cup oatmilk, or milk of choice
2–3 tablespoons mint syrup
a couple of ice cubes

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Instructions

Simple Syrup: Add the water, sugar, and mint to a small saucepan and bring to a low simmer for about 15-20 minutes, until the sugar has dissolved and the syrup tastes like mint. If using the vanilla bean, split it down the middle and scrape out the seeds; add both the seeds and pod to the saucepan for simmering. Store the simple syrup in the fridge – you can even leave the mint leaves and/or vanilla bean in the jar to concentrate the flavor further. (I usually pull out the mint after a day or two.)
Iced Coffee: To make the iced coffees, just pour the cold brew, milk of choice, and as much simple syrup as you want into a glass with ice cubes.

Equipment

Cold Brew Coffee Maker

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Notes

As an alternative to using a vanilla bean in the simple syrup, just add a tiny bit of vanilla extract to each individual iced coffee, or use a vanilla flavored milk like vanilla almond milk. I’ve also used just half of the vanilla bean in one batch so you can get twice the amount of usage from your expensive vanilla beans. 🙂

This syrup also makes for a delicious hot coffee – I like to brew strong coffee, load up with half and half or heavy cream to make it nice and rich, and then add a couple tablespoons of syrup. It’s a bit more coffee-forward and it’s more of a slow sipper and less of a straw drinker, like the iced coffee, but perfect for colder or rainy mornings.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Drinks
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: ice coffee, mint iced coffee, vanilla mint iced coffee, cold brew