Cold Brew Recipe

Cold brew recipe (coffee) has become a popular go-to for coffee lovers, especially during hot summer days. Unlike traditional coffee brewed with hot water, cold brew is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in cold water for an extended period. This brewing method results in a smoother, less acidic, and naturally sweet flavor, making it the perfect refreshing drink. Whether you’re new to cold brew or looking to perfect your technique, this simple recipe will show you how to make it easily at home.

A Brief History of Cold Brew:

While cold brew may seem like a modern trend, its origins trace back to the 1600s when Dutch traders popularized cold brewing as a way to make coffee concentrate for long voyages. Over time, cold brew spread to Japan, where it became known as Kyoto-style coffee, and eventually gained global popularity. Today, cold brew has found its place in coffee shops and homes around the world, appreciated for its bold, smooth taste and versatility.

Cold Brew Recipe

Pinklady

While cold brew may seem like a modern trend, its origins trace back to the 1600s when Dutch traders popularized cold brewing as a way to make coffee concentrate for long voyages. Over time, cold brew spread to Japan, where it became known as Kyoto-style coffee, and eventually gained global popularity.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Course Drinks

Cuisine Dutch

Servings 4

Calories 5 kcal

Equipment

• A large jar or pitcher with a lid
• Fine-mesh strainer or coffee filter
• Cheesecloth (optional)
• A spoon for stirring

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup coarsely ground coffee beans (about 85 grams)
• 4 cups cold filtered water (about 1 liter)
• Optional: milk, cream, or sweetener (like vanilla syrup or simple syrup) for serving

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Instructions

 

• Select good-quality coffee beans. Medium or dark roast beans are ideal for cold brew because they produce a richer, bolder flavor.
• Once chosen, coarsely grind the coffee beans. The grind size should resemble breadcrumbs; too fine, and it may result in a bitter brew.
• In your large jar or pitcher, add 1 cup of coarsely ground coffee. Pour 4 cups of cold, filtered water over the grounds. Stir gently to ensure all the coffee grounds are fully saturated.
• Cover the jar or pitcher with a lid and let it sit at room temperature or in the refrigerator for 12 to 24 hours
• The longer it steeps, the stronger and more concentrated the flavor. If you’re after a lighter brew, 12 to 16 hours should suffice. For a bolder, richer cold brew, aim for closer to 24 hours.
• After steeping, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or coffee filter to remove the grounds. For an extra-smooth brew, you can line the strainer with cheesecloth. This ensures no coffee grounds slip through.
• Your cold brew concentrate is ready! Serve it over ice, and dilute it with water or milk, depending on your taste preference.
• Add any sweeteners or syrups you like. Cold brew concentrate can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Video

Keyword Cold Brew Recipe

Similar Recipes:

– Iced Coffee: Made by brewing coffee hot and then chilling it, iced coffee is a quicker alternative to cold brew but has a more acidic taste.
– Nitro Cold Brew: This is cold brew coffee infused with nitrogen, giving it a creamy, frothy texture.
– Coffee Tonic: Cold brew coffee mixed with tonic water for a unique, fizzy twist.
– Cold Brew Lemonade: A refreshing combination of cold brew coffee and homemade lemonade.
– Vietnamese Iced Coffee: A rich and sweet version of iced coffee made with condensed milk.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cold Brew Recipe:

1. How long should I steep cold brew coffee?

Cold brew should steep for at least 12 hours, but 24 hours will yield a stronger, more concentrated flavor.

2. Can I make cold brew with regular ground coffee?

Yes, but coarsely ground coffee works best. Fine grounds can make the cold brew taste bitter and harder to strain.

3. How do I store cold brew coffee?

Store cold brew in a sealed container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to a week.

4. Can I heat cold brew coffee?

Yes, cold brew can be heated. It’s often smoother than traditionally brewed hot coffee, even when warmed up.

5. How strong is cold brew coffee?

Cold brew is usually more concentrated than regular coffee. You can dilute it with water or milk to adjust the strength to your preference.

6. What’s the difference between iced coffee and cold brew?

Iced coffee is brewed hot and then cooled, while cold brew is brewed cold over a longer period. Cold brew tends to be smoother and less acidic.

7. Can I use decaf coffee for cold brew?

Absolutely! You can make cold brew with decaf coffee if you want a caffeine-free option.

8. Do I need special equipment to make cold brew?

No special equipment is required. A jar or pitcher and a fine-mesh strainer or coffee filter will do the job.

9. Can I sweeten cold brew?

Yes, you can sweeten cold brew with syrups, sugar, or flavored creamers to suit your taste.

10. What type of roast is best for cold brew?

Medium or dark roasts are recommended for cold brew, as they bring out the bold, rich flavors that work well with cold brewing.

Conclusion:

Cold brew coffee is a fantastic way to enjoy coffee, especially if you prefer a smoother, less acidic taste. Its simple preparation method and versatility allow you to get creative with serving styles. Whether you like it straight over ice or mixed with milk, you can now enjoy café-quality cold brew right at home!

YouTube Video Credits:
Seven Miles Coffee Roasters