Best Cold Brew Recipes for Summer
Chill Vibes. Bold Brews. Community Sips.
Summer at The Mental Bar is about slowing down, sipping something cold, and staying connected. Whether you’re catching up with a friend on our patio or brewing from home, cold brew is our go-to for cool, bold energy with a smooth finish.
Come grab some of San Diego’s best cold brew, and make some magic at home. We've rounded up a few of our favorite cold brew recipes — from feel-good refreshers to a cocktail worth raising a glass to.
Espresso White Russian
A creamy, coffee-forward twist on the classic
This one feels like a sweet reward at the end of the day. It’s indulgent without being heavy — and the cold brew gives it that signature Mental Bar boldness.
What You’ll Need:
-
1.5 oz vodka
-
1 oz coffee liqueur
-
1 oz The Mental Bar cold brew coffee
-
1 oz cream or milk (we love oat milk for this)
-
Ice cubes
How to Make It:
Fill a glass with ice cubes. Pour in the vodka, coffee liqueur, and The Mental Bar cold brew. Stir gently. Float the cream or milk on top — don’t rush it. Let the layers settle, take a deep breath, and sip slow.
✨ Pro tip: Use our house-made cold brew for that bold-yet-smooth kick we’re known for.
Cold Brew Martini
Elegant, energizing, and just the right amount of indulgent
This one’s made for those golden hour moments — when you’re stepping into your evening flow and want something cool, bold, and effortlessly classy.
What You’ll Need:
-
2 oz vodka
-
1 oz coffee liqueur
-
1 oz The Mental Bar cold brew coffee
-
Ice cubes
-
Optional: 3 coffee beans for garnish
How to Make It:
Add vodka, coffee liqueur, and The Mental Bar cold brew to a shaker with ice. Shake until chilled, then strain into a martini glass. Float a few coffee beans on top for a traditional touch — said to represent health, wealth, and happiness.
✨ We love this one paired with music, candlelight, and a few good friends.
Just for Today, Sip Differently
Cold brew doesn’t have to be complicated — it just has to be intentional. Whether you’re mixing these recipes at home or grabbing your favorite drink at The Mental Bar, remember:
It’s not just about what’s in the cup.
It’s about how it makes you feel.
Just for today, get out of your head — and into something cool, bold, and beautifully brewed.