Growing up, the idea of making anything other than hot coffee was unimaginable. The first terrible cup I made reinforced this belief. But as time passed, I discovered the magic of cold brew coffee and how it transforms the taste and acidity of coffee. Let’s dive right into how you can make this refreshing beverage at home.
Cold brew coffee uses cold filtered water to extract flavors from ground coffee beans slowly. This method dates back to Japan in the 1600s. Without heat, you need a longer brew time, usually 12 to 24 hours. The result is a less bitter, almost sweet coffee that you can easily make at home with minimal equipment.
For those who avoid coffee because of hyperacidity, cold brew is a game-changer. It extracts fewer reactive acids compared to hot water, resulting in a gentler drink on the stomach with a unique flavor profile. Try a side-by-side tasting using the same beans brewed hot and cold to appreciate the flavor differences. Keep a record of your beans, ratios, and taste notes to replicate your favorite recipes.
Cold brew also offers great value. While traditional methods use a bean-to-water ratio of 1:15, cold brew uses 1:8 to 1:10 for ready-to-drink and 1:4 for concentrate. This means you get a more concentrated drink equivalent to about three shots of espresso or 1.5 to 2 cups of regular coffee. You can make it in batches and store it for weeks, making it both convenient and economical.
To make cold brew, you’ll need cold filtered water, a container for steeping, coarse ground coffee beans, a fine food-grade filter, labels, and a burr grinder. Use medium to lightly roasted beans for a complex flavor. Dark roasted beans can work too but adjust the bean-to-water ratio to avoid harshness.
Coarsely grind your beans using a burr grinder. Steep them in cold water for 12 to 24 hours at room temperature. For an extra special batch, try adding a bit of hot water to the grounds before topping up with cold water. Strain using a cheesecloth or paper filter, and store in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays good for a week if mixed with milk or up to four weeks if left black.
Filtering can be tedious, but using a fine cloth bag makes it easier. Simply place the coffee grounds in the bag, pour water through, seal, and steep. When the time’s up, just remove the bag. Alternatively, you can use a paper filter, though it’s more time-consuming.
Here are two favorite recipes: For a ready-to-drink cold brew, use 100g coarse ground Ethiopian beans with 5 cups of water (1/2 cup hot, 4.5 cups cold) and steep for 18 hours. For a concentrate, use the same amount of beans with 2.5 cups of water (1/2 cup hot, 2 cups cold). Steep, strain, and refrigerate. Dilute the concentrate before drinking, adjusting to your taste with water, milk, or syrups.
Cold brew has revitalized the coffee scene with its ease of preparation, health benefits, and smooth taste. Knowing how to make it at home is a great skill for any coffee lover. Keep your equipment clean, your process recorded, and savor every sip!
Cold brew coffee has become a favorite for many due to its refreshing taste and ease of preparation. If you’re looking for a smoother, less acidic brew that packs a caffeine punch, cold brew is your go-to. With a bit of patience and experimentation, you can perfect your own recipes and enjoy a delicious beverage at home. Cheers to great coffee!