The Zesty Cold Brew Recipe

Combine coffee and water

In a large jar or pitcher, combine 1 cup coarsely ground coffee with 4 cups cold, filtered water. Stir gently to ensure all grounds are saturated.

Steep

Cover the container and steep at room temperature or in the refrigerator for 12 to 18 hours depending on desired strength (12 hours for milder, 18 hours for stronger).

Strain

After steeping, strain the coffee through a fine mesh sieve lined with a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean pitcher. If needed, strain a second time to remove sediment.

Sweeten (optional) and chill

If you prefer slightly sweet cold brew, stir 2 tablespoons simple syrup into the strained cold brew while it's cold. Transfer to the refrigerator to chill fully (or keep chilled if already cold).

Prepare serving

Fill a tall serving glass with about 1 cup ice. Pour 1 cup (about 240 ml) of the chilled cold brew over the ice, leaving room for cold foam on top.

Combine foam ingredients

In a mixing container or jar, add 1 cup cold heavy cream, 1 cup cold whole milk, 2 teaspoons powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon finely grated fresh orange zest, 1 teaspoon orange extract (optional), and a pinch (1/4 tsp) of fine salt.

Emulsify and froth

Using an electric milk frother, immersion blender, or an airtight jar, froth the mixture until it becomes light, airy, and slightly thickened—enough to float on top of the cold brew. With a frother or immersion blender, blend for about 30–60 seconds. If using a jar, shake vigorously for 45–90 seconds; the texture will be slightly less aerated but still creamy.

Taste and adjust

Taste a small spoonful of the foam. If you want more orange flavor, add up to 1/2 teaspoon more orange extract or a little more powdered sugar for sweetness; briefly re-froth to incorporate.

Spoon or gently pour a generous layer (about 1/3 to 1/2 cup) of the orange zest cold foam atop the prepared cold brew, allowing it to float. The foam should remain distinct from the coffee for visual contrast.

Finish by sprinkling about 1/2 teaspoon extra finely grated orange zest over the foam, and optionally perch a thin orange slice on the rim of the glass.

Serve immediately with a straw or spoon so the drinker can mix foam into the brew if desired.