Water-based adhesive composition are disclosed, the compositions comprising an acrylic dispersion, an epoxy-terminated polyester incorporated into the acrylic dispersion, and a water-dispersible isocyanate. Methods for laminating a first substrate to a second substrate are also disclosed, the methods comprising (a) providing an acrylic dispersion, (b) providing an epoxy-terminated polyester, (c) mixing the acrylic dispersion and the epoxy-terminated polyester, (d) mixing the mixture of (c) with a water-dispersible isocyanate to form an adhesive composition, (e) coating the adhesive composition of (d) on a surface of the first substrate, (f) drying the adhesive compositions on the first substrate to remove water, and (g) bringing the adhesive composition on the surface of the first substrate into contact with a surface of a second substrate, thereby laminating the first substrate to the second substrate. Laminates prepared comprising the water-based adhesives and according to the disclosed methods are also disclosed.