High Caffeine Content
Cold brew coffee is becoming a mainstream coffee trend, as it is said to have greater caffeine content when compared to regular brewed coffee. Many studies have found that cold brew contains about 67 percent more caffeine than a hot cup of the same coffee. This is due to the fact that cold brewing uses more coffee and cold water, which helps extract more caffeine.
Lower Acidity
Cold brew coffee also has lower acidity content than regular coffee. This is attributed to the fact that cold brewing takes longer than hot brewing and results in an acidic reaction occurring in the coffee grounds. Scientific research has found that cold brewing reduces acidity levels by up to 70 percent. For those who sensitive to acidity, cold brew can be a great choice.
Lower Bitterness
Because cold brewing takes longer than hot brewing, it results in less bitter taste in your cup of coffee. This is largely due to the fact that cold brewing takes much less time for the grounds to react with the water. As a result, the bitterness from the coffee grounds is not extracted, resulting in a less bold and less intense flavor.
The Pros and Cons of Drinking Cold Brew Coffee Hot
While drinking cold brew coffee hot will retain most of its original properties, including its caffeine content and low acidity, there are some possible risks that come with it. For one, cold brew coffee cold can become burned and over-brewed quicker than regular hot coffee. If the temperature of the water used in cold brewing is too high, the extraction process will be accelerated, resulting in a more bitter taste.
In addition, the flavor of cold brew coffee can be less intense when consumed hot. Since cold brewing takes much more time, the flavor has a longer time to dissipate. When consumed hot, the cold brew will lose some of its flavors as the water boils away more quickly.
Quality of the Coffee
The quality of the coffee matters just as much when cold brewing coffee as it does with regular hot coffee. If you plan on drinking cold brew coffee hot, be sure to use the highest quality coffee beans that you can find. Quality coffee beans will provide the most flavor and a delicious taste when heated.
Making Cold Brew Coffee for Cold Brewing
When preparing cold brew coffee for cold brewing, be sure to grind your coffee beans freshly and to an appropriate size. Use twice as much coffee as you would with hot coffee. For example, if you normally use two tablespoons of ground coffee for hot coffee, then use four tablespoons.
Also, be sure to use cold water when cold brewing. This will help to preserve the flavor and caffeine content of the coffee. For best results, leave the coffee to steep for at least 24 hours in the refrigerator.
Is It Worth It?
Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide whether drinking cold brew coffee hot is worth it. Those who are sensitive to acidity levels or who are looking for an increased amount of caffeine may find cold brew coffee to be a great choice when consumed hot. On the other hand, some may find the taste to be too subtle when consumed hot and opt for traditional hot coffee.
Extending the Shelf Life of Cold Brew Coffee
When preparing cold brew coffee, pay attention to the shelf life of the brew. Cold brew coffee can go off quickly and can become sour. To extend the shelf life of the coffee, keep it refrigerated, ideally in an airtight container. This will help the coffee retain its flavor and properties for longer.
Add-Ins for an Enhanced Flavor
Cold brew coffee can be enhanced with various ingredients to make a more flavorful cup. Add-ins such as cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and honey can all help to bring out the natural flavors of the coffee.
Brewing Cold Brew with a French Press
Using a French press to make cold brew is a great way to get a consistently smooth and flavorful brew, without having to use a lot of extra ingredients. To use a French press for cold brew, simply grind your coffee and leave it to steep for 24 hours. Once the brewing time is up, press down the filter and pour the coffee into a container for future use.
Different Ways of Consuming Cold Brew
When consuming cold brew coffee, it is important to note that there are a number of different ways to enjoy this beverage. Cold brew can be enjoyed on its own, served over ice, or even blended into a smoothie. For those looking to cut back on their consumption of sugar and cream, cold brew can also be sweetened with natural sweeteners, such as honey or agave nectar.
Storing Your Cold Brew
To make sure that your cold brew coffee stays as fresh as possible, it is important to store it in an airtight container, either in the refrigerator or in a cool and dark place. Storing cold brew in a cool, dark place will help to keep the coffee from spoiling or going stale. Additionally, be sure to keep the container tightly sealed, as exposing the coffee to air can cause it to taste bitter or sour.
