Butter Scotch Cold Brew is making a flavorful comeback! Explore why this retro taste is trending, how to make it at home, and how coffee culture is reviving nostalgic flavors. A must-read for every coffee lover chasing new and vintage vibes!
Butter Scotch Cold Brew Is Back – Here’s Why Everyone’s Obsessed
In the ever-evolving world of coffee, trends come and go, but every once in a while, a forgotten flavor makes a grand return — and in 2025, Butter Scotch Cold Brew is that flavor. As coffee lovers increasingly lean into nostalgia and retro coffee trends, this golden, velvety blend of butterscotch syrup and smooth cold brew coffee is quickly becoming a favorite among baristas, influencers, and café-goers worldwide. From its unique flavor profile to its emotional ties to the past, there’s more to this trend than just sweetness in a cup.
What Is Butter Scotch Cold Brew?
Butter Scotch Cold Brew is a refreshing iced coffee beverage that merges the bold, slow-steeped richness of cold brew with the sweet, buttery notes of butterscotch — a flavor often associated with old-school candies and desserts. Unlike caramel or vanilla, butterscotch offers a deeper, more complex sweetness, with hints of brown sugar and butter that create a nostalgic taste sensation. This blend offers a smooth mouthfeel, balanced sweetness, and a sophisticated finish, setting it apart from other flavored cold brews currently on the market.
The Origins of Butterscotch and Cold Brew Coffee
To understand why this combination feels so magical, it helps to trace its roots. Butterscotch, believed to have originated in Yorkshire, England in the early 19th century, was originally made from butter, brown sugar, and sometimes treacle. It quickly became a staple in classic British and American desserts — from pudding to hard candies. Meanwhile, cold brew coffee has ancient roots tracing back to Kyoto, Japan in the 1600s. Known for its low acidity and silky texture, cold brew became a mainstream hit in the U.S. in the 2010s. The fusion of these two time-tested flavors results in a drink that bridges the past and present — making it the perfect candidate for a retro revival.
Why This Combo Works: Flavor Profile and Experience
What makes Butter Scotch Cold Brew so irresistible is the interplay between coffee’s natural bitterness and the smooth, buttery sweetness of butterscotch. The result? A balanced, indulgent drink that’s not overly sweet nor overly strong. It’s no surprise that sensory scientists often describe flavor as a memory trigger. This beverage taps into that science, evoking memories of grandma’s kitchen, holiday treats, and simpler times. It’s a beverage that tastes like comfort but looks like innovation — served over ice in a tall glass, often topped with cold foam or even a butterscotch drizzle.
“Coffee is a language in itself.” – Jackie Chan
Why Butter Scotch Cold Brew Is Trending Again in 2025
The resurgence of this flavor is not accidental. In an era where consumers seek not just taste but emotional connection, Butter Scotch Cold Brew delivers both.
The Rise of Nostalgic Flavors in Modern Coffee Culture
According to the 2024 Coffee Consumption Report by the International Coffee Organization, 48% of Gen Z and Millennials actively seek out drinks that remind them of their childhood. The “comfort food” movement — popularized during the pandemic — has now extended into beverages. As a result, retro flavors like cinnamon toast, peanut butter mocha, and butterscotch are popping up across menus.
In fact, Starbucks Korea launched a limited-time Butterscotch Cream Cold Brew in early 2025, citing “public demand for warm memories in a cold cup.” The drink sold out in under a week. Similarly, Blue Bottle Coffee introduced a Vintage Series featuring a butterscotch cold brew in New York and Tokyo, earning rave reviews from nostalgic coffee fans.
Social Media Buzz and Brand Revivals
Instagram and TikTok have become powerful engines behind coffee trends. A single viral video of a café pouring cold brew over house-made butterscotch ice cubes racked up over 3.2 million views in two days. The hashtag #ButterscotchColdBrew has garnered over 18 million views, with content ranging from home recipes to latte art tutorials.
This digital buzz has encouraged both big brands and local shops to revive classic flavors. Coffee chains like Dunkin’, Dutch Bros, and Peet’s Coffee are experimenting with flavored cold brews to appeal to younger, trend-savvy audiences. At the same time, nostalgic branding — using fonts, colors, and packaging from the 80s and 90s — adds another layer of retro charm.
“What’s old is new again — especially when it tastes this good.”
See more: Yuzu Nitro Cold Brew: Cold Brew With a Tropical Twist
How to Make Butter Scotch Cold Brew at Home
Craving a cup already? You don’t need to wait for your favorite café to offer it. Making Butter Scotch Cold Brew at home is easier than you might think — and it’s the perfect way to impress your guests or simply indulge in a quiet moment.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to prepare this delicious drink at home:
1 cup cold brew coffee (homemade or store-bought)
2 tablespoons butterscotch syrup (store-bought or homemade)
1/4 cup milk or non-dairy alternative (oat milk works beautifully)
Ice cubes
Optional toppings: Cold foam, whipped cream, a dash of cinnamon, or butterscotch chips
Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions
Prepare your cold brew: You can either buy ready-made cold brew or make your own by steeping coarsely ground coffee in cold water for 12–18 hours. Strain and chill.
Mix your butterscotch syrup: Add the syrup into the bottom of your serving glass.
Add ice cubes: Fill the glass halfway or more with ice.
Pour cold brew: Gently pour your cold brew coffee into the glass, allowing the syrup to slowly mix.
Add milk: Pour in your milk of choice. For added creaminess, froth it slightly before pouring.
Top it off: Add cold foam, whipped cream, or a dash of cinnamon if desired.
Pro Tip: If you’re feeling adventurous, make your own butterscotch syrup using butter, brown sugar, cream, and vanilla extract. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened, cool it down, and store for up to a week.
Where to Find the Best Butter Scotch Cold Brew
While making Butter Scotch Cold Brew at home is rewarding, nothing compares to sipping on a perfectly crafted version at a well-loved café. Across major cities and coffee hotspots around the world, baristas are bringing back this flavor with flair, fusing retro inspiration with modern brewing techniques. Whether you’re in New York, Tokyo, Melbourne, or Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll find versions of this drink being offered as part of limited-time menus, vintage series, or even signature house specials.
Best Coffee Chains Offering the Flavor
Here’s a list of well-known coffee brands currently serving or testing butterscotch cold brew drinks:
| Coffee Chain | Location | Offer Details |
|---|---|---|
| Starbucks | Global | “Butterscotch Cream Cold Brew” featured in Korea and Japan |
| Dutch Bros | USA (West Coast) | Seasonal menu item with house-made butterscotch drizzle |
| Peet’s Coffee | USA | “Cold Brew Classics” featuring custom-flavored add-ons |
| Tim Hortons | Canada & select US | Testing butterscotch cold foam topping |
| Lyoncafe | Vietnam (HCMC, Hanoi) | “Nostalgia Brews” series with Butter Scotch Cold Brew frontlining the menu |
At Lyoncafe, we’ve always believed that coffee is more than a beverage — it’s a cultural experience. Our baristas undergo extensive sensory training to craft nostalgic coffee flavors with precision and personality. The Butter Scotch Cold Brew at Lyoncafe blends single-origin cold brew with handmade butterscotch syrup inspired by classic French confections. Served in clear vintage glasses with a splash of oat cream, it’s a flavor-forward experience wrapped in heritage.
“A cup of coffee shared with a friend is happiness tasted and time well spent.” – Old Italian Proverb
Hidden Gem Cafés Bringing It Back With Style
For those looking to explore artisanal takes on this retro revival, here are a few noteworthy stops:
Velvet Brew (Melbourne, Australia): Butterscotch infused cold brew with burnt sugar foam.
Café Nostalgia (Portland, USA): Uses bourbon barrel-aged beans to complement butterscotch sweetness.
Retro Beans Café (London, UK): Butterscotch affogato with cold brew and vanilla bean gelato.
Tramway Espresso (HCMC, Vietnam): Offers Butter Scotch Cold Brew over coffee jelly and shaved ice.
The Future of Retro Coffee Flavors
Butter Scotch Cold Brew might be the flavor of the moment, but it’s also part of a larger movement — one that’s bringing vintage flavors back to the forefront of modern coffee culture. According to Global Coffee Trends 2025, flavors such as hazelnut praline, orange zest mocha, and Irish cream latte are also experiencing a rise in demand. This revival is largely driven by:
Emotional consumption: Consumers seek comfort, familiarity, and warmth.
Millennial and Gen Z memory mapping: 72% prefer flavors that remind them of their childhood.
Café as theatre: Visual aesthetics and storytelling drive experiential drinking.
AI and flavor science: Brands are using AI to analyze nostalgic trends and recommend flavor combos.
What Experts Say About the Comeback of Old-School Flavors
Dr. Lydia Barnes, a sensory psychologist at the University of Toronto, notes:
“Nostalgic consumption isn’t a regression. It’s a progression toward emotional equilibrium. In uncertain times, we reach for flavors that remind us of certainty — grandma’s cookies, candy shop caramels, and, yes, butterscotch.”
Coffee consultant and barista championship judge Marco Benedetti adds:
“Retro flavors give baristas a new canvas to work with. Butter Scotch Cold Brew is versatile, elegant, and crowd-pleasing. It’s a trend that elevates both menu creativity and customer satisfaction.”
Other Vintage Flavors Making Waves
Coffee menus in 2025 are starting to look like a retro candy aisle — and we love it. Here are some other vintage-inspired drinks trending globally:
Cinnamon Toast Latte: Inspired by breakfast cereals.
Cream Soda Cold Brew: Sparkling, sweet, with vanilla undertones.
Maple Bourbon Espresso: Alcohol-free but packed with depth.
Irish Cream Nitro: Rich and foamy with herbal-sweet notes.
Coconut Macaroon Mocha: Dessert in a cup with texture and aroma.
Final Thoughts: Is Butter Scotch Cold Brew Here to Stay?
As the market continues to evolve, one thing remains constant — people crave connection. Whether it’s a memory, a moment, or a mug, coffee becomes a vessel for storytelling. And Butter Scotch Cold Brew isn’t just a seasonal trend — it’s a symbol of our collective yearning for warmth, familiarity, and creativity in a cup.
I’m Kara Chavez, and I love coffee. I like to create some of the best coffees around – espressos, lattes, macchiatos . I strive for perfection in my coffee-making skills, and I take great pride in providing a delicious cup of joe to my customers.
I’ve been working in the coffee industry for years now, and I know everything there is to know about making a perfect cup of coffee. My passion for coffee shines through in every cup that I make, and I hope that you’ll stop by soon so that I can share my love of coffee with you!