La Colombe Cold Brew Recipe: Copycat in 5 Fun Steps
If you want the La Colombe Cold Brew Recipe, then I have it. Here it is:
- Step 1: Grind fresh medium-to-dark roast coffee beans coarsely, about the texture of sea salt. Avoid fine grounds, as they can make the cold brew bitter and cloudy.
- Step 2: Add the grounds to a 32-ounce or larger French press or glass jar. Slowly add 960 ml cold filtered water and gently stir until all the grounds are wet. Do not use hot water or stir too hard.
- Step 3: Cover and leave the coffee at room temperature, away from sunlight, for 12–13 hours. For a stronger brew, steep for up to 16 hours, but do not exceed 18 hours.
- Step 4: Slowly press or strain the coffee through a fine-mesh sieve, then filter it again through a paper coffee filter for a smoother brew. Transfer the concentrate to an airtight glass bottle and refrigerate.
- Step 5: To serve, mix 4 oz concentrate + 4 oz cold water, or 4 oz concentrate + 4 oz whole or oat milk. Stir, pour over ice, and serve cold.
I had the inspiration to make the best La Colombe cold brew copycat recipe, and I succeeded. Keep reading and check out the ingredients list, recipe steps, tips, and a lot more.
La Colombe Cold Brew Recipe Summary
| Detail | Value |
| Yield | 4 servings (8 oz each after dilution) |
| Concentrate Yield | About 16 oz |
| Serving Size | 8 fl oz (240 ml) |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Brew Time | 12–16 hours |
| Total Time | 12 hours 10 minutes to 16 hours 10 minutes |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Cuisine | American |
| Method | Cold Brew |
| Calories | 2 kcal per serving |
| Caffeine | Approximately 140–180 mg per serving |
Copycat La Colombe Cold Brew: Taste, Aroma, and More
La Colombe is one of the best commercially available cold brews. It’s popular because it has one of the smoothest chocolate flavors with no bitterness. Its sweetness comes from coffee only, and there is no added sugar in it.

What Does La Colombe Cold Brew Taste Like?
The flavour is often described as:
- Rich and smooth
- Naturally sweet
- Chocolatey
- Slight caramel and molasses notes
- Very little bitterness
- Clean finish
Unlike many bottled cold brews, it doesn’t have a burnt or smoky taste.
Aroma
Expect aromas of:
- Cocoa
- Dark chocolate
- Toasted nuts
- Caramel
- Fresh roasted coffee
- Light brown sugar
Body
La Colombe has a medium-full body. It feels:
- Silky
- Smooth
- Slightly creamy even without milk
La Colombe Cold Brew Ingredients
| Ingredient | US | Metric |
| Medium-dark roast coffee beans | 1 cup coarsely ground | 135 g |
| Cold filtered water | 4 cups | 960 g (960 ml) |
| Ice | as needed | as needed |
| Filtered water or milk (to serve) | equal amount to concentrate | optional |
Equipment
| Equipment | Purpose |
| Burr grinder | Consistent coarse grind |
| Digital scale | Accurate measurements |
| French press, mason jar, or pitcher | Brewing |
| Fine mesh strainer | Initial filtering |
| Paper coffee filter or cheesecloth | Final filtering |
| Storage bottle | Refrigeration |
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12–16 hours
- Total Time: 12 hours 10 minutes to 16 hours 10 minutes
La Colombe Cold Brew recipe: how to make La Colombe cold brew
To make La Colombe Cold brew, do this:
- Grind the Coffee Beans: Grind fresh medium-to-dark roast coffee beans coarsely, about the size of sea salt. Fine grounds can make the cold brew bitter and cloudy.
- Add Coffee and Cold Water: Put the coffee grounds in a 32-ounce French press or glass jar. Add 960 ml cold filtered water and gently stir until all the grounds are soaked.
- Steep the Cold Brew: Cover and leave it at room temperature, away from sunlight, for 12–13 hours. For a stronger brew, steep for up to 16 hours.
- Strain the Cold Brew: Strain through a fine-mesh sieve, then use a paper filter to remove any fine grounds. Transfer to an airtight glass bottle and refrigerate.
- Dilute and Serve: Mix 4 oz cold brew concentrate with 4 oz cold water, whole milk, or oat milk. Stir well, pour over ice, and serve cold.
Step 1: Grind the Coffee Beans
Take out fresh, medium-to-dark roast coffee beans first. Only choose them because of their smooth profile similar to La Colombe. Then, adjust your burr grinder to a coarse setting so that we get coarse consistency. The key is that it should be similar to coarse sea salt.

Avoid fine grounds, which make cold brew muddy. I have also found that dusty beans make the beverage bitter. Coarse grounds allow water to flow freely, which means you will get a clean, sweet extraction.
Step 2: Add Water to the Grind Coffee
After grinding, add the grounds to a large French press or glass jar. Use a large 32-ounce (or larger) French press or a clean, wide-mouth glass mason jar. Glass is ideal because it does not absorb odors or oils, which is why you enjoy only the true taste.
After this, slowly pour all 960 ml of cold filtered water over the coffee. Never use hot water, as heat triggers the release of bitter acids.
Take a long-handled spoon and stir very gently, just enough to wet every dry pocket of coffee. Do not whip, beat, or aggressively stir the mixture, as it will create cloudiness.

Step 3: Cover!
In the third step of the La Colombe Cold Brew recipe, place the lid loosely on your French press or secure the cap on your glass jar. Leave the container undisturbed at room temperature out of direct sunlight (very important).
Steep for 12–13 hours, exactly as La Colombe recommends. If you prefer a slightly stronger brew, you can extend to 16 hours. Do not exceed 18 hours to prevent over-extraction.

Step 4: Filter the Mixture
Filter through a fine-mesh metal sieve or press down the French press plunger slowly to catch the large coffee grounds. Then, take a paper coffee filter and pass the mixture again.

The reason behind filtering is to remove all sediment.
Whatever is left, you can do two things with it:
- Discard it
- If you have a garden, use it as compost
Transfer la colombe cold brew concentrate into an airtight glass bottle and Refrigerate immediately.
Step 5: Serve the Right Way
La Colombe recommends serving their concentrate diluted.
Mix:
- 4 oz concentrate
- 4 oz cold filtered water
OR
- 4 oz concentrate
- 4 oz whole milk or oat milk
Whatever you choose, stir well. After stirring, serve over a full glass of ice without any delay.

La Colombe Cold Brew Nutrition (Per 8 oz Prepared Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 2 kcal |
| Protein | 0.3 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 0 g |
| Sugar | 0 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sodium | 5 mg |
| Caffeine | 140–180 mg |
La Colombe cold brew recipe with milk
If you want to recreate the exact feel of a canned La Colombe Cold Brew with Milk right at home, the process is remarkably easy. You do not need fancy equipment or barista training. The brand itself keeps it simple, noting that their signature cold brew is best enjoyed with just a splash of milk.
For reference, their standard ready-to-drink version comes in a 9-ounce can, packs a solid 180 milligrams of caffeine, and has zero added sugar.
Here is how you make a copycat version that hits every single time:
- Yield: 1 serving
- Prep time: 2 minutes
- Drink type: Iced coffee or cold brew latte-style drink
La Colombe cold brew recipe with milk Ingredients:
- La Colombe Cold Brew: 6 to 8 ounces
- Cold milk: 1 to 2 ounces
- Ice: 1 cup
- Sweetener: Optional, to taste
Method:
- Grab a clean tall glass and fill it right to the brim with fresh ice cubes so the drink stays ice-cold from the first sip to the last.
- Measure out 6 to 8 ounces of your cold brew and pour it slowly over the ice. Let the coffee chill instantly (very important).
- Pour 1 to 2 ounces of cold milk directly into the glass over the coffee, watching as it naturally swirls.
- Take a long spoon and stir everything together gently for about 5 to 10 seconds until the milk and cold brew are completely mixed. They should also be chilled through.
- Take a quick sip to check the flavor profile, and only add your preferred liquid sweetener or sugar at the end.

So, did you like this La Colombe cold brew latte recipe? Try it with Starbucks Cold Brew and then let me know which one you liked the most.
La Colombe cold brew: where to buy?
You can buy La Colombe Cold Brew straight from their official website. They sell a 12-pack of their 9-ounce cans for 34 dollars, and they also offer a 32-ounce Cold Brew Concentrate for 28 dollars before any membership discounts.
If you want to shop in person, finding it depends a lot on where you live. People often spot La Colombe at stores like Target and Costco, and it is smart to check local inventory online first rather than assuming it is always on the shelf.
Choosing the right product comes down to what you like to drink:
- For a ready-to-drink black coffee, pick the standard La Colombe Cold Brew.
- For mixing your own milk or making homemade iced lattes, grab the Cold Brew Concentrate.
- For a ready-made creamy drink, choose the original Draft Latte.
- For specific flavors, go with the Vanilla Draft Latte or the Oatmilk Draft Latte if you want a dairy-free option.
Authentic La Colombe Flavor Tips
- Skip the fruity, bright beans and go for a medium-dark roast instead. You want a profile that leans heavily into rich chocolate, caramel, toasted nuts, and cocoa.
- Do not use heavy tap water for your brew. Since there are only a few ingredients, mineral-heavy water will completely ruin that clean, crisp taste.
- Make sure your coffee beans are ground on a coarse setting. This helps pull out all the natural sweetness while keeping bitter flavors out of your cup.
- Keep your coffee on the counter while it brews. You want to brew it at room temperature rather than shoving it straight into the refrigerator.
- Strain your finished cold brew twice. Running it through a double filter catches any stray sediment and leaves you with that signature, ultra-smooth finish.
- For a richer experience, make Iconic Wendy’s Frosty Swirl and Chameleon cold brew with it.
La Colombe Storage
| Item | Storage |
| Concentrate | Refrigerate up to 2 weeks |
| Diluted cold brew | Best within 3 days |
La Colombe Cold Brew Recipe FAQs
What is French Press Cold Brew Ratio
The easiest ratio is 1 part coffee to 7 parts water. For example, use 100 g coffee and 700 ml water.
Use coarsely ground coffee. Put the coffee in your French press and add the water. Stir gently so all the grounds are wet.
Put the lid on and leave it for 12–13 hours at room temperature. La Colombe recommends brewing its French press cold brew this way.
After brewing, slowly press the plunger down. Pour the cold brew into a container and keep it in the refrigerator.
To serve, pour it over ice. You can drink it black or add a little milk, water or sweetener.
If you want stronger cold brew, use more coffee. If it tastes too strong, add more water or milk.
For an easy starting point, remember:
100 g coffee + 700 ml water + 12 hours = cold brew.
How to Make La Colombe Draft Latte
Making a La Colombe-style Draft Latte at home is very easy. You need cold brew, milk and a little sweetener.
For one drink, use:
- 4 oz cold brew
- 2 oz milk
- 1–2 teaspoons simple syrup
- Ice
Put the cold brew, milk and syrup into a jar. Close it tightly and shake for about 20 seconds.
Fill a glass with ice and pour the mixture over it.
For a vanilla Draft Latte, add about ½ teaspoon vanilla syrup.
Whole milk gives you a richer taste. You can also use oat milk if you prefer a dairy-free drink.
La Colombe’s real canned Draft Latte has a special creamy texture that is difficult to copy exactly at home. However, shaking the drink well gives you a similar smooth and creamy feel.
The most important thing is to use strong cold brew. Weak coffee will make the latte taste watery.
Is la colombe coffee machine good?
La Colombe is mainly known for its coffee and ready-to-drink drinks, not for making coffee machines.
However, La Colombe coffee works well in normal coffee makers. The company recommends using about 1 part coffee to 16 parts water for drip coffee.
La Colombe coffee is a good choice if you like smooth, rich and strong coffee. You can also use it to make iced coffee, cold brew and lattes.
If you are choosing a coffee machine, you do not need to buy one because it is connected to La Colombe. A good regular coffee machine will work perfectly with La Colombe coffee.
So the simple answer is:
Yes, La Colombe coffee is good in a coffee machine. But choose the machine based on its quality and features, not just the La Colombe name.
Is La Colombe Cold Brew Coffee Brazilian Medium Roast 12ct Good?
La Colombe makes several cold brew products, so check the exact name on the package before buying.
In general, La Colombe Cold Brew is a good choice if you like strong and smooth iced coffee. Its regular Cold Brew comes in a 9 oz can and contains 180 mg of caffeine.
You can drink it straight from the can or pour it over ice. Adding a little milk also works very well.
Brazilian coffee is often known for smooth, chocolatey and nutty flavours, although the exact taste depends on the coffee blend and product.
The biggest advantage of La Colombe Cold Brew is convenience. You do not need a coffee maker or any preparation. Just open the can and drink it.
If you like bold coffee without a lot of bitterness, it is worth trying.
For the 12-pack, always check the package for the exact roast and product details because La Colombe sells several different cold brew products.
Is la colombe brand in usa
Yes. La Colombe is an American coffee brand.
The company started in Philadelphia in 1994. It became known for specialty coffee and later became especially popular for its ready-to-drink products.
La Colombe now sells many coffee products in the United States. These include:
- Cold Brew
- Draft Latte
- Oatmilk Draft Latte
- Coffee beans
- Coffee capsules
The company also has La Colombe cafés in the US.
One of its most popular products is the Draft Latte. It was first created for La Colombe cafés and later became available in cans.
So, if you are asking whether La Colombe is a US coffee brand, the answer is yes.
It is an American company that started in Philadelphia and has become a well-known name in the US coffee market.
la colombe oatmilk draft latte vanilla recipe
You can make a simple La Colombe-style vanilla oatmilk latte at home.
For one glass, you need:
- 5 oz cold brew
- 3 oz oat milk
- ½–1 teaspoon vanilla syrup
- Ice
Add the cold brew, oat milk and vanilla syrup to a jar.
Close the jar and shake it well for about 20 seconds. This makes the drink smoother and slightly foamy.
Fill a glass with ice and pour the drink over it.
That’s it.
For a sweeter latte, add more vanilla syrup. For a stronger coffee taste, use 6 oz cold brew and 2 oz oat milk.
Use barista-style oat milk if you want a creamier drink.
La Colombe’s canned Oatmilk Vanilla Draft Latte contains oatmilk, coffee, vanilla and sugar. Its creamy texture comes from the way the commercial drink is made, so a homemade version will not be exactly the same.
But this simple recipe gives you a very similar cold, creamy, and vanilla coffee drink at home.
Conclusion
La Colombe Cold Brew recipe is simple. Start by grinding fresh medium-to-dark roast coffee beans coarsely, about the size of sea salt. Add the coffee to a 32-ounce French press or glass jar, then pour in 960 ml of cold filtered water and give it a gentle stir. Cover it and let it sit at room temperature (away from sunlight) for 12–13 hours.
If you like a stronger cold brew, you can leave it for up to 16 hours. When it’s ready, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve. Then, use a paper filter to catch any leftover fine grounds. Pour the cold brew into an airtight glass bottle and refrigerate it.
To serve, mix 4 oz cold brew concentrate with:
- 4 oz cold water
- whole milk
- oat milk.
Give it a quick stir, pour it over ice, and enjoy.
