Salted Bourbon Caramel Cheesecake Cold Brew
This Salted Bourbon Caramel Cheesecake Cold Brew combines cold brew coffee with cheesecake cold foam, salted caramel gelato, and homemade bourbon caramel sauce for an indulgent iced coffee dessert. The layered combination of creamy, sweet, and boozy flavors makes it a gourmet take on traditional cold brew.
Total
5 minServings
1Ingredients
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7 Ingredients
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Instructions
- 1
Add vanilla brulee syrup to the bottom of a 16 oz cup.
- 2
Pour in cold brew coffee until the cup is about two-thirds full.
- 3
Add ice to the coffee.
- 4
In a separate glass, combine the cheesecake filling and the sweet cream cold foam base.
- 5
Use a handheld milk frother to whip the cheesecake mixture until it becomes a smooth, pourable foam.
- 6
Gently pour the cheesecake cold foam over the iced cold brew.
- 7
Top the drink with a scoop of salted caramel gelato.
- 8
Finish with a generous drizzle of salted bourbon caramel sauce.
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Tips & Notes
Pro tips
- Chill all components before assembly to keep the drink cold and prevent the gelato from melting too quickly.
- Layer the cheesecake cold foam gently on top of the cold brew to create a distinct visual separation and better mouthfeel.
- Add the salted bourbon caramel sauce last, drizzling it over the gelato so it cascades into the drink for flavor in every sip.
- Use high-quality cold brew concentrate or freshly chilled cold brew—weak coffee will be overpowered by the sweet toppings.
Substitutions
- Salted caramel gelato → vanilla gelato or salted caramel ice cream (texture differs slightly but flavor works)
- Vanilla brulee syrup → vanilla syrup or caramel syrup (adjusts sweetness and flavor profile)
- Cheesecake filling → cream cheese mixed with a touch of sugar or mascarpone (creates similar creamy topping)
- Sweet cream cold foam base → heavy cream whipped with a pinch of salt (achieves similar foam texture)
Storage & make-ahead
Assemble and serve immediately. Pre-made salted bourbon caramel sauce keeps refrigerated for up to 2 weeks; reheat gently before drizzling.
Equipment
milk frother or whisk (for cold foam) · ice cream scoop (for gelato)
Common Questions
Can I make the cheesecake cold foam ahead of time?
Yes. Mix the cheesecake filling with sweet cream cold foam base and refrigerate for up to 4 hours, then froth or top just before serving to maintain texture.
What type of cold brew works best?
Use a smooth, less acidic cold brew concentrate or freshly brewed cold brew chilled overnight. Avoid overly bitter varieties, as the caramel and cheesecake flavors work best with mellow coffee.
Can I skip the gelato or use a different flavor?
Yes. Vanilla, bourbon vanilla, or cream-based gelato are good substitutes. You can also use whipped cream or ice cream if gelato is unavailable.
Is this drink alcoholic?
The bourbon caramel sauce contains alcohol, but most of it burns off during cooking. The final drink has minimal alcohol content, though it does contain traces.
How do I make the salted bourbon caramel sauce?
This recipe assumes homemade sauce. Typically, caramelize sugar, remove from heat, add butter and bourbon, then finish with sea salt. Exact proportions should match your preferred caramel recipe.
