“How has exploring cold brew coffee changed your summer coffee routine? What’s one unique cold brew method or recipe that you’ve found particularly refreshing?”
As someone deeply entrenched in the tech side of things, my relationship with coffee has always been about boosting productivity, especially in the bustling summer months. This summer, I delved into the world of cold brew, and it indeed transformed my coffee routine. The smooth, less acidic profile of cold brew has not only kept me cool but has also provided a refreshing contrast to the typical hot coffee I usually rely on when powering through meetings and calls.
One unique cold brew method I’ve come to cherish is the “Cascara Cold Brew.” Cascara refers to the dried husk of the coffee cherry, which is often overlooked. I steep a handful of cascara flowers in cold water for about 12-24 hours, depending on how strong I want it. The result is a subtly sweet, fruity beverage reminiscent of a light tea, perfect for those hot summer afternoons when the heat tends to drain your energy. It’s not just delicious; the antioxidants present in cascara also imbue it with additional health benefits.
Cold brew coffee has become more than just a beverage; it complements my busy days at VoiceAIWrapper, where we’re launching and scaling voice AI solutions that help businesses enhance their customer engagement. Just like the precise calibration required in crafting the perfect cold brew, we’re honing in on how voice technologies can transform interactions for our clients.
In some ways, the culture of savoring a well-brewed cold brew mirrors the patience and precision we advocate at VoiceAIWrapper. In both scenarios-whether cooling down with a refreshing drink or navigating the complexities of voice AI implementations-the goal is to create an experience that resonates on a personal level. As we continue this journey through summer (and beyond), I look forward to sipping my cascara cold brew while brainstorming ways our technology can empower more meaningful connections for businesses and their customers. If you haven’t experienced it yet, I highly recommend giving it a try – just as I encourage businesses to explore the transformative potential of voice AI.
Raj Baruah, Co Founder, VoiceAIWrapper
Cold brew shifted summer coffee from a quick caffeine fix to something more intentional and refreshing. Instead of relying on hot espresso over ice, I began steeping coarsely ground beans in filtered water for sixteen hours, which produced a smoother and less acidic base. The most refreshing variation came from infusing the brew with slices of orange peel and a stick of cinnamon during steeping. The citrus added a clean brightness, while the spice gave a subtle warmth that balanced the drink without added sugar. Served over ice with a splash of oat milk, it became a reliable alternative to heavier lattes on hot days. The preparation required foresight, but keeping a batch ready in the refrigerator meant there was always a naturally flavored option on hand that felt both energizing and restorative.
Rory Keel, Owner, Equipoise Coffee
Switching to cold brew during the summer created a smoother, less acidic alternative that fit the heat of the season without sacrificing the energy lift. The lower acidity also reduced the stomach discomfort that sometimes came with hot coffee on warmer days. A unique method I adopted was steeping coarsely ground beans with a cinnamon stick and a strip of orange peel for 16 hours in the refrigerator. The cinnamon added warmth while the citrus balanced the natural bitterness, producing a refreshing, almost tea-like finish. Served over ice with a splash of oat milk, it became a daily ritual that felt lighter yet sustained focus through long afternoons. Preparing a batch once or twice a week simplified the routine and ensured a consistent, chilled option without resorting to sugary bottled alternatives. The subtle spice and citrus infusion kept it distinct from traditional cold brews and made it a centerpiece of my summer routine.
Maegan Damugo, Marketing coordinator, Health Rising Direct Primary Care
Cold brew has shifted summer mornings from something hurried to something more relaxed. Instead of brewing hot coffee and waiting for it to cool, we prepare a batch the night before by steeping coarse grounds in cold water for 12 to 14 hours. A unique twist that became a favorite is adding a cinnamon stick and a slice of orange peel during the steeping process. The result is smooth, slightly spiced, and naturally sweet without added sugar. Served over ice with a splash of cream, it feels both refreshing and energizing in the Texas heat. Preparing it in advance also means there is always a ready-to-pour option in the fridge, which keeps mornings efficient while still offering a sense of indulgence. The small ritual has made summer coffee less about caffeine alone and more about enjoying a cool, flavorful moment before the day begins.
Ydette Macaraeg, Marketing coordinator, Santa Cruz Properties
Cold brew shifted my summer routine from quick, hot cups to a slower, more intentional preparation that stays refreshing throughout the day. Instead of reaching for multiple hot brews, I make a batch overnight and keep it chilled, which reduces both acidity and the jittery edge that sometimes comes with hot coffee. One recipe that stands out involves steeping coarsely ground beans with a few crushed cardamom pods and a strip of orange peel in cold water for about 14 hours. The result is a smooth base with subtle citrus and spice notes. I usually dilute it with sparkling water and a touch of honey, which makes it more of a summer tonic than a traditional coffee. Drinking it mid-afternoon provides steady energy without interfering with sleep, and the flavor profile keeps it distinct enough that it never feels repetitive.
Maegan Damugo, Marketing coordinator, MacPherson’s Medical Supply
Switching to cold brew in the summer has replaced the need for hot coffee in the morning, making hydration and energy feel less heavy in the Texas heat. The slow steeping process brings out a smoother taste that requires less sugar, which aligns better with a health-conscious approach to daily habits. A particularly refreshing method has been blending cold brew with coconut water in a one-to-one ratio. The combination provides natural electrolytes along with caffeine, creating a drink that cools, hydrates, and energizes without the crash that often comes from sweetened iced lattes. For those trying to maintain steady energy throughout long days, this mix delivers a balance that feels both restorative and indulgent. It turns a simple coffee routine into something more purposeful for overall well-being.
Belle Florendo, Marketing coordinator, RGV Direct Care
Cold brew replaced afternoon hot coffee because it offered steady energy without the crash in peak heat. A method that stood out was steeping coarsely ground beans overnight with a cinnamon stick and a few orange peels. The next day, the brew had a smooth base with a citrus lift that made it far more refreshing than traditional iced coffee. Diluting the concentrate with sparkling water instead of still water added a crisp finish that worked well on job sites during long summer days. It cut down on the need for sugary drinks while still delivering flavor and hydration. The combination of spice and citrus kept it from feeling heavy, making it a practical alternative to both hot coffee and soda when temperatures climb.
Ysabel Florendo, Marketing coordinator, Ready Nation Contractors
Cold brew shifted my summer routine by replacing the quick hot cup with a slower preparation that pays off in smoothness and consistency. Brewing a batch overnight means there is always a chilled option waiting in the morning, which cuts down on cafe visits and keeps afternoons more balanced without the bitterness of iced espresso. The lower acidity also makes it easier to enjoy multiple cups without the stomach strain that hot coffee sometimes brings in the heat.
A method that stood out was steeping coarsely ground beans with a cinnamon stick and a slice of orange peel for twelve hours. The result is subtly spiced and citrusy, needing little more than ice to feel like a crafted drink. That variation adds enough novelty that it feels less like a caffeine fix and more like a seasonal ritual. It elevated coffee from habit to refreshment, making summer mornings and even late afternoons noticeably more enjoyable.
Wayne Lowry, Founder, Best DPC
Cold brew replaced the need for midday iced lattes by offering a smoother flavor with less acidity, which proved easier on digestion during hot weather. A refreshing variation has been infusing the brew with slices of orange peel and a hint of cinnamon during steeping. After twelve hours, the result is a naturally sweet, spiced coffee that requires no added sugar and pairs well with sparkling water for an energizing afternoon drink. It turned the summer routine into something lighter, healthier, and more versatile without sacrificing flavor.
Ydette Macaraeg, Part-time Marketing Coordinator, ERI Grants
Exploring cold brew coffee completely shifted how I handle my summer mornings. I used to rely on iced lattes, but cold brew feels smoother and less acidic, which makes it easier to drink multiple cups without a stomach ache. One method I really enjoy is steeping coarsely ground beans in filtered water for 18 hours, then straining it and adding a splash of oat milk and a pinch of cinnamon. It’s simple but brings out a nutty, naturally sweet flavor that’s far more refreshing than standard iced coffee. I’ve even started making a batch on Sunday and storing it in the fridge, so I always have a ready-to-go glass. This routine has made mornings feel less rushed and more enjoyable, and I find myself experimenting with different beans and spices every week, which keeps it exciting through the hotter months.
Nikita Sherbina, Co-Founder & CEO, AIScreen
Cold brew has improved my quality of life and lets me enjoy my caffeine without the harsh, acidic swallow. Here’s how I make it: steep the beans for about 20 hours, then mix the concentrate with Perrier and a splash of lemon. My summer mornings are awesome, and cold brew is definitely a big part of that.
Jeremy Golan SHRM-CP, CPHR, Bachelor of Management, HR Manager, Virtual HR Hub