Cold Brew Three Ways: Saudi Arabia’s Ultimate Iced Coffee Guide
Why Cold Brew Is Saudi Arabia’s Summer Essential
Cold brew coffee — steeped in cold water for 12–18 hours — is naturally smooth, low in acidity, and incredibly refreshing. In a country where summer temperatures regularly exceed 45°C, a well-made cold brew is not just a drink but a necessity. These three recipes use the same basic cold brew concentrate and transform it three different ways.
The Base: Cold Brew Concentrate
Coarsely grind 100g of good coffee. Combine with 400ml cold filtered water in a jar. Stir, seal, and refrigerate for 14–18 hours. Strain through a fine mesh and coffee filter paper. This concentrate keeps in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Recipe 1: Classic Cold Brew
Dilute 1 part concentrate with 1 part cold water over ice. That’s it. Clean, smooth, and showcases the coffee’s natural flavour without bitterness. Sweeten with a little simple syrup if desired.
Recipe 2: Creamy Cold Brew Latte
Combine 80ml cold brew concentrate with 150ml chilled whole milk (or oat milk) over a glass full of ice. Add a splash of vanilla syrup and stir. Top with a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent café-style drink.
Recipe 3: Date Cold Brew (The Saudi Special)
Blend 80ml cold brew concentrate with 3 pitted Medjool dates, 120ml milk, a pinch of cardamom, and 4 ice cubes until smooth. Pour into a chilled glass. The dates provide natural sweetness and a thick, satisfying texture. This is arguably the most distinctly Saudi cold brew recipe you can make.
Make a batch of concentrate on Thursday evening and enjoy all three versions across the weekend. Once you taste the date cold brew, it may become your permanent summer ritual.
For a deeper dive into cold brew technique, our complete cold brew guide covers ratios, grind size, and steeping times in detail. If you prefer your coffee hot, see our Spanish Latte recipe — Saudi Arabia’s other favourite.
