Bulletproof Coffee Using Cold Brew: A Recipe

Quick answer

• Yes, you absolutely can make Bulletproof Coffee with cold brew.
• It’s actually a pretty smooth way to get your fat and caffeine fix.
• You’ll need your cold brew concentrate, unsalted butter (grass-fed is king), and MCT oil.
• Blend it all up until it’s frothy and delicious.
• Start with smaller amounts of butter and oil, then adjust to your taste.
• It’s a quick, no-fuss way to start your day.

For the best results, consider using a high-quality grass-fed butter like this one.

Kerrygold Grass-Fed Pure Irish Salted Butter Sticks, 16 OZ

• KERRYGOLD PURE IRISH SALTED BUTTER: Our European-style salted butter is made on family farms from the milk of grass-fed cows, who graze year round on lush Irish pastures, for a golden yellow butter that's rich & creamy.
• ALL-NATURAL, ALL-PURPOSE: Kerrygold Salted Butter is a great all-purpose, all-natural butter. Keep a block in your butter dish to spread on fresh bread, or enhance the flavor of your baking & cooking.
• KERRYGOLD BUTTER: Made from the milk of grass-fed cows, our pure Irish butter is rich and soft. From salted butter to unsalted, garlic and herb to reduced fat, Kerrygold butter elevates your dishes.
• MORE THAN BUTTER: Beloved for our richly flavorful butter, we put the same care and quality into our all-natural cheese, like our classic Dubliner, aged cheddar, Swiss, and Blarney Castle cheese.
• TASTE THE DIFFERENCE: Kerrygold butter & cheese are made with milk from grass-fed cows not treated with rBST or other growth hormones* & raised on Irish family dairy farms. This all-natural milk is what makes our products so flavorful & creamy.

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Who this is for

• Anyone looking for a low-acid coffee option.
• Folks who want a quick, energy-boosting breakfast alternative.
• People who already love cold brew and want to try the Bulletproof trend.

What to check first

• Brewer type and filter type: You’re already using cold brew, so this is covered. Just make sure your cold brew setup is clean. No one wants funky flavors from old grounds.

• Water quality and temperature: For cold brew, water quality is key. Filtered water is your friend. Since it’s cold brew, temperature isn’t a factor during brewing, but you’ll want your final coffee to be hot or cold, depending on your preference.

• Grind size and coffee freshness: With cold brew, you’re usually using a coarse grind. Freshly ground beans always taste better. If your cold brew concentrate tastes stale, it’s time for new beans.

• Coffee-to-water ratio: This is crucial for your cold brew concentrate. Too weak and it won’t have enough flavor. Too strong and it might be overwhelming. For Bulletproof, you want a robust base.

• Cleanliness/descale status: This is non-negotiable. A dirty blender or coffee maker will ruin even the best ingredients. Give everything a good scrub.

Step-by-step (brew workflow)

1. Brew your cold brew concentrate.

• What good looks like: A rich, smooth, low-acid coffee concentrate.
• Common mistake: Using too fine a grind, which leads to over-extraction and bitterness, or too coarse a grind and weak coffee. Use a coarse grind and steep for 12-24 hours.

2. Gather your ingredients.

• What good looks like: Your cold brew concentrate, unsalted butter (grass-fed preferred), and MCT oil ready to go.
• Common mistake: Forgetting an ingredient. Double-check your counter before you start blending.

3. Measure your cold brew concentrate.

• What good looks like: About 8-12 oz of strong cold brew concentrate.
• Common mistake: Using regular hot coffee or a weak brew. You need that concentrated flavor base.

4. Add butter.

• What good looks like: 1-2 tablespoons of unsalted, grass-fed butter.
• Common mistake: Using salted butter. It will make your coffee taste weird. Stick to unsalted.

Remember, using unsalted butter is key for the right flavor profile; this unsalted butter is a great option.

Vital Farms Unsalted Butter, 16oz

• UNSALTED BUTTER: Each package comes with 4 sticks of Vital Farms Unsalted Butter made with cream from cows raised on family farms.
• 90% GRASS-FED: The girls enjoy a diet of 90% grass, while the remaining 10% is nutritionally balanced feed to ensure a well-rounded diet.
• PASTURE-RAISED: The farmers we work with raise their four-legged ladies with care and respect on family farms where cows enjoy outdoor access 200 days per year on average.
• HIGH BUTTERFAT: The girls supply a rich cream that’s churned into creamy, melt-in-your mouth butter
• CONSCIOUS CAPITALISM: Vital Farms is a Certified B Corporation with a purpose to improve the lives of people, animals, and the planet through food.

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5. Add MCT oil.

• What good looks like: 1-2 tablespoons of MCT oil. Start with less if you’re new to it.
• Common mistake: Adding too much MCT oil too soon. It can cause digestive upset. Ease into it.

6. Heat if desired.

• What good looks like: Warm, not boiling, coffee. You can gently heat the concentrate before blending, or just blend cold.
• Common mistake: Boiling the concentrate. This can degrade some of the beneficial compounds and create a bitter taste.

7. Pour into a blender.

• What good looks like: All your ingredients in the blender jar.
• Common mistake: Overfilling the blender. Leave some room for frothing.

8. Blend on high speed.

• What good looks like: A creamy, frothy, emulsified mixture that looks like a latte. Blend for 30-60 seconds.
• Common mistake: Not blending long enough. This is key to getting that smooth, emulsified texture.

9. Pour and enjoy immediately.

• What good looks like: A delicious, frothy drink.
• Common mistake: Letting it sit too long. It can separate. Drink it while it’s fresh and hot (or cold).

Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

Decision rules (simple if/then)

• If your cold brew tastes bitter, then reduce your steeping time or use a coarser grind next time because bitterness often comes from over-extraction.
• If you experience digestive upset after drinking, then reduce the amount of MCT oil you’re using because too much too soon can cause this.
• If your Bulletproof coffee separates quickly, then blend it for longer next time because proper emulsification is key.
• If you prefer a hotter drink, then gently warm your cold brew concentrate before blending because boiling can negatively impact the flavor.
• If you’re new to MCT oil, then start with 1 teaspoon and gradually increase because this minimizes digestive discomfort.
• If your goal is sustained energy without a crash, then stick to the recommended ingredients (butter and MCT oil) because sugar will negate this effect.
• If your cold brew concentrate is too weak, then increase the coffee-to-water ratio or steeping time for your next batch because a strong base is needed.
• If you want a creamier texture, then ensure you’re using enough butter and blend thoroughly because fat is what creates that creamy mouthfeel.
• If you’re sensitive to caffeine, then use less cold brew concentrate or a decaf bean for your cold brew base because cold brew can still be potent.
• If your Bulletproof coffee tastes oily, then you may need to blend longer or use a more powerful blender because emulsification is crucial.

FAQ

Can I use regular butter instead of grass-fed?

You can, but grass-fed butter often has a richer flavor and more beneficial nutrients. Regular unsalted butter will still work if that’s what you have.

What if I don’t have MCT oil?

You can skip the MCT oil, but you’ll miss out on some of the specific benefits associated with it. The butter alone will still make it rich.

Is Bulletproof Coffee healthy?

It’s a high-fat, low-carbohydrate drink that some people find provides sustained energy. Its health benefits are debated, and it’s not a complete meal replacement for everyone.

How much caffeine is in Bulletproof Coffee made with cold brew?

This depends entirely on the amount of cold brew concentrate you use and the beans themselves. Cold brew can be quite concentrated, so it can have a significant amount of caffeine.

Can I make this ahead of time?

It’s best enjoyed immediately after blending. If left to sit, the oils and coffee can separate, and the frothy texture will be lost.

What’s the difference between this and regular coffee with butter?

The primary difference is the use of cold brew, which is naturally lower in acidity and smoother. The addition of MCT oil is also a hallmark of Bulletproof Coffee.

Can I add flavorings like cinnamon?

Sure, feel free to experiment! Just be mindful that adding sugar or sweeteners will change the nature of the drink and its intended effects.

What if I don’t have a blender?

An immersion blender can work, but it might take a bit more effort to get a good emulsion. You might end up with a slightly less frothy result.

What this page does NOT cover (and where to go next)

• Detailed health claims and scientific research on Bulletproof Coffee. (Look for nutritional science resources).
• Specific brands of MCT oil or butter to purchase. (Check product reviews and specialty food stores).
• Advanced cold brew techniques and troubleshooting. (Explore dedicated cold brew guides).
• Recipes for other coffee drinks. (Search for barista guides or coffee recipe collections).
• The ketogenic diet in general. (Consult resources on low-carb and ketogenic lifestyles).