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Inspired by the classic creamsicle popsicle, this creamsicle orange coffee recipe features unsweetened cold brew, homemade orange simple syrup, and a touch of vanilla bean paste.
What is Creamsicle Orange Coffee?
When it comes to popsicles, you can’t go wrong with a Creamsicle. Manufactured by Good Humor-Breyers, this summertime staple reminds me of chasing the ice cream truck as it ambled through our suburban cul-de-sac on a sunny afternoon.
This creamsicle orange coffee recipe evokes all of the flavors of the classic ice pop (zesty orange and sweet, creamy vanilla) in the form of a grown-up beverage, marrying cold brew coffee with homemade orange simple syrup, real vanilla bean paste, and just a splash of cream. Easy to make and easier to enjoy, this refreshingly simple creamsicle iced coffee will keep you cool and caffeinated during the last, lazy days of summer.
Ingredients for Making Orange Iced Coffee
This easy creamsicle drink requires just four ingredients. You’ll need:
- Orange Simple Syrup – It’s not difficult to make your own orange simple syrup, using granulated sugar, water, and orange peels. For a shortcut, you can substitute an orange cocktail syrup such as DaVinci or Torani.
- Cold Brew Coffee – You can make this beverage with a store-bought cold brew coffee (in the US, my preferred brand is Stōk Extra Bold Unsweetened) or homemade cold brew. For a shortcut, order a cold brew from Starbucks or your favorite local coffee shop. If I’m feeling particularly lazy, I’ll simply use the cooled leftovers from my morning pot of coffee!
- Vanilla Bean Paste – Vanilla bean paste (not extract) gives this iced beverage its distinctive vanilla ice cream flavor. (You can also use the scrapings of 1/2 vanilla pod. ) This recipe isn’t quite as good with vanilla extract, but it will work in a pinch.
- Whole Milk – Or cream, half-and-half, or your favorite plant-based milk alternative. For a more pronounced vanilla flavor, try making this recipe with vanilla coffee creamer or vanilla-flavored almond milk or oat milk.
How to Make This Orange Creamsicle Drink
This orange iced coffee comes together in less than five minutes. To prepare, spoon 2-3 teaspoons of orange simple syrup (or to taste) into the bottom of a glass. (If your syrup is cold, add a tablespoon of warm water to prevent it from seizing when it comes in contact with the cold ingredients.) Add cold brew coffee, then stir in vanilla bean paste, ice, and milk or cream.
I developed this coffee drink using my own homemade orange syrup recipe. Making orange simple syrup is incredibly easy, and it’s nice to keep on hand for making cocktails, teas, cakes, and fruit salads. But if you don’t have time to make the syrup from scratch, you can substitute store-bought cocktail syrup—see my suggestions above.
Creamsicle Iced Coffee Tips and Tricks
- Use Unsweetened Coffee – Whether starting with store-bought or homemade cold brew, be sure to choose an unsweetened option. The orange syrup is plenty sweet on its own.
- Add Warm Water – A tablespoon of warm water helps to prevent the syrup from seizing when you add ice. You can skip this step if using still-warm orange simple syrup.
- Taste and Adjust – Everyone prefers different levels of sweetness. Start with 2 or 3 teaspoons of simple syrup, then taste and adjust as desired to suit your personal preferences.
- Go for Real Vanilla – While vanilla extract will work in a pinch, it’s the vanilla bean paste that gives this coffee its “creamsicle” taste. Even if you don’t use it frequently, it’s worth purchasing a jar of vanilla bean paste (Nielsen-Massey and Taylor and Colledge are my favorite brands) to keep in the cabinet. It makes a big difference in recipes where vanilla is a prominent flavor, and a little goes a long way, so one jar or tube will last for months.
Make-Ahead and Storage Suggestions
You can prepare the orange syrup in advance and refrigerate until you’re ready to make your creamsicle coffee. Homemade simple syrup keeps well for 4-6 weeks when stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
Other orange recipes you might enjoy:
Orange Creamsicle Truffles
Candied Orange Peels
Chocolate Orange Shortbread
Flourless Orange Almond Cake
And if you do make these, or any of my recipes, don’t forget to tag me @bastecutfold or use the hashtag #bastecutfold on Instagram. I always love to see what you’re making!
Creamsicle Orange Coffee
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 iced coffee 1x
Description
A creamsicle-inspired orange coffee recipe made with unsweetened cold brew, orange simple syrup, and vanilla bean paste.
Ingredients
2–3 teaspoons orange simple syrup, or to taste
200 milliliters unsweetened cold brew coffee
1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste, or to taste
Whole milk, cream, or half-and-half, or your favorite plant milk
Instructions
Add 2-3 teaspoons orange simple syrup (or to taste) to the bottom of a glass. If your syrup is cold, add a tablespoon of warm water to prevent it from seizing when you add the cold ingredients.
Add cold brew coffee, then stir in the vanilla bean paste.
Add ice, followed by whole milk, cream, half and half, or your favorite plant-based milk.
Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Beverages
- Method: No Cook
