Got that fresh bottle of Upstate's Cold Brew Concentrate from Kha + Mel in your hand? Aight, bet. It's time we take this beyond just your regular morning cup of iced cold brew. Our concentrate, is super smooth, packed with flavor, got none of that harsh acidity and its versatile AF.
So let's unlock your concentrates full potential - here are 5 wild ideas that Kha + Mel swear by!
Brown-Sugar Oat Latte — Farmer's Market Favorite at Home
Alright, let’s kick things off with our most popular drink—the one we serve every Saturday at the Troy’s Farmers Market. And I’m not just hyping it up—people literally cross state lines just to get their hands on our Brown Sugar Oat Latte!
But what fun is a secret recipe if we keep it to ourselves? We think you should be able to enjoy the magic at home too. So without further ado, here’s the recipe for our beloved brown sugar elixir.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Upstate’s cold brew concentrate
- 3 oz Cold, filtered water
- 3 oz Extra-creamy oat milk
- ½ oz Brown-sugar oat creamer
- 1 oz Vanilla oat creamer
- ½ oz Brown-sugar syrup
How to Make
Add concentrate and water to a glass with ice; give it a quick swirl.
2. Pour in oat milk, both creamers, and syrup.
3. Stir a little more
4. Dust with a pinch of Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cinnadust seasoning if you’re feeling fancy.
Enjoy!
Protein-Packed Morning Smoothie
This one? It’s our go-to for busy mornings when you need something quick, energizing, and odee satisfying. It’s breakfast, caffeine, and protein—all in one yummy blend. And yes, we use Upstate’s cold brew as the base, because why not start your day with the good stuff? Whether you’re hitting the gym or just trying to make it to your first meeting, this smoothie’s got your back.
- ½ cup Upstate’s concentrate
- 1 frozen banana
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- ½ cup almond or oat milk
- 2 Tbsp nut butter
- Ice
Blend until velvety. The concentrate delivers roasty depth without watering down flavor.
*Add a teaspoon of cocoa powder for a mocha-protein kick*
Overnight Oats
Let tomorrow’s breakfast steep while you sleep. This one’s for the folks who wanna wake up with their breakfast already"cooked". It’s creamy overnight oats blended with cold brew—so you get that smooth caffeine hit and a full belly - no stove, no stress. Got a lil’ sweetness, a touch of vanilla, and that mellow oat milk vibe.
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup oat milk
- ¼ cup concentrate
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- splash of vanilla
Stir, seal, and chill at least eight hours. Wake up to creamy, caffeinated oats ready to start you off correctly.
Affogato Dessert
Look, with this heat?!.. An affogato made with Upstate’s Cold Brew Concentrate is the only thing standing between you and a full meltdown.
Traditionally, an affogato is that Italian treat—ice cream topped with a hot espresso shot. But our take? It’s the upgrade you didn’t know you needed. Still bold like espresso, but cooler, smoother, and way more flavorful. No sweat, no steam—just a scoop of joy that’ll have your tastebuds dancing while keeping you wide awake!
1. Scoop premium vanilla gelato (or your favorite ice cream) into a chilled glass or bowl.
2. Slowly pour 2 oz of Upstate’s concentrate over the top.
If you want to get fancy with it - sprinkle flaky sea salt or crushed hazelnuts for crunch.
You can also order one at our favorite ice cream shops, Emack & Bolio's
(366 Delaware Ave. Albany, NY)
Espress Yourself Martini
Espresso Martinis have been makin’ a serious comeback these past few years—and trust, we’ve sipped more than a few. But if we're being honest - None of them hit quite like the one made with our cold brew.
We teamed up with Albany Distilling Co. to craft what might just be the smoothest, boldest, most unforgettable Espresso Martini we’ve ever had. Don't take our word for it though—check the recipe below and kick off your Thirsty Thursday the right way.
You’ll Need
- 1 oz Upstate’s cold brew concentrate
- 2 oz Albany Distilling Co. Awakened Spirit vodka (or your fav coffee vodka)
- ½ oz simple syrup
- Ice
- Cocktail Shaker
How to make
Add concentrate, vodka, simple syrup, and plenty of ice to a shaker.
2. Shake hard—really hard—until the exterior frosts.
3. Strain into your favorite chilled martini glass.
4. Drop a few coffee beans on top for that razzle-dazzle finish.
You can also order this directly from the bar at Albany Distilling Co
(75 Livingston Ave, Albany, NY)
Then turn on our BrewBops playlist and enjoy!
Bring Home the Bottle & Start Creating
Ready to put these recipes to the test? Cop a fresh bottle of Upstate’s Cold Brew Concentrate every Saturday at Troy's Farmer's Market @ 22 Second Street from 9 a.m.–2 p.m.—or skip the trip and order online for local pickup or nationwide shipping.
Wanna save while you sip? Subscribe to our weekly or monthly plan and get 25% off every bottle—flavor on deck, savings in your pocket.
And when you whip something up, tag @upstatescoldbrew—Kha + Mel are always hyped to see how you bring the flavor to life.