History and Origins of Cold Brew Coffee
Many coffee enthusiasts believe that the origins of cold brew coffee actually date back to the 18th century, when Japanese merchants recreated an old-world method of preserving unpasteurized fish by turning it into cold-infused coffee. It wasn’t until the late 90s and early 2000s, though, that specialty coffee shops began to popularise cold brew coffee.
Today, cold brew coffee is a popular and sought-after drink among coffee drinkers, who prefer its smooth taste, intense flavour, and naturally low acidity. Since its launch, the beverage has grown in popularity, with major coffee chains like Starbucks, Dunkin’ and Peet’s Coffee all offering their own variations of cold brew coffee, as well as many independent cafes.
Who Drinks Cold Brew Coffee
Given its rising popularity in recent years, it’s not surprising to learn that various types of consumers drink cold brew coffee. Health-conscious consumers might choose cold brew coffee because of its naturally low acidity and potential health benefits, like its potential to reduce cholesterol and improve cardiovascular health, thanks to its polyphenol content. Plus, the smooth taste and intense flavour make it an enjoyable, refreshing beverage.
Coffee connoisseurs might opt for cold brew instead of hot coffee because of its unique flavour profile. Unlike hot cuppas, which can have a sharp, acidic taste, cold brew coffee has a mellow, sweet taste that many coffee lovers prefer.
Because of its smooth taste and ease of preparation, cold brew coffee is also a popular choice for those who are looking for a convenient drink. It’s easy to make ahead of time, and many bars and cafes offer ready-made cold brews.
What is Cold Brew Coffee?
Unlike hot coffee, which uses hot water to extract its flavour and caffeine, cold brew coffee is prepared with cold or room-temperature water. This allows the coffee to steep or “brew” over a longer period of time, usually 12 to 24 hours. This gives the coffee a more intense, full-bodied flavour, as well as a naturally low acidity and smooth taste.
Since cold brew coffee is made with cold or room temperature water, the beverage does not have the burnt or acrid flavour that can sometimes be associated with hot coffee. Instead, its flavour is more mellow, with a hint of sweetness.
Benefits of Drinking Cold Brew Coffee
Cold brew coffee has a variety of potential health benefits, as well as a unique flavour profile that many coffee drinkers prefer. One of the main benefits of drinking cold brew coffee is its low acidity, which can be easier on the stomach for those with sensitive stomachs.
Additionally, some studies have suggested that cold brew coffee may also have the potential to reduce cholesterol and improve cardiovascular health, due to the polyphenols present in the coffee. Caffeine-lovers will be pleased to learn that cold brew coffee also has a higher caffeine content than traditional hot-brewed coffee, making it a great choice for an early morning or afternoon pick-me-up.
Brewing Process
Brewing cold brew coffee is surprisingly straightforward and only requires a few steps. First, grind freshly-roasted coffee beans to a coarse grind and add them to a container, like a Mason jar or a French press. Then, add cold or room temperature water to the grounds (the ratio should be 1 part coffee to 4 parts water) and stir until the grounds are evenly saturated.
Once the grounds have been saturated with water, cover the container and allow it to steep for 12 to 24 hours. Next, strain the cold brew coffee with a fine mesh sieve to filter out the grinds. Finally, enjoy your homemade cold brew!
Making Cold Brew at Home
Making cold brew coffee at home is relatively simple and takes just a few minutes of preparation. Start by gathering the necessary materials – freshly roasted, coarsely ground coffee beans, a cup or container, a measuring cup, and a French press, Mason jar or cotton filter.
Once you have the necessary supplies, start by adding 1 cup of ground coffee to a cup or container and adding 4 cups of cold or room temperature water. Stir the grounds to ensure that they are saturated with water, then cover the container and let it steep for 12 to 24 hours. After 12 to 24 hours have passed, strain your cold brew using a French press, Mason jar, or cotton filter, and enjoy!
Tips and Tricks for Cold Brew Coffee
Cold brew coffee doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming – there are some simple tips and tricks you can use to make your cold brew even better.
First, use freshly-roasted, coarsely ground coffee beans for a better tasting, smoother cold brew. It’s also a good idea to use filtered or purified water to avoid any off-tastes that could be caused by chlorine or other chemicals. If you find that your cold brew is too strong, try diluting it with a little bit of cold water to make it more palatable.
Finally, keep your coffee in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh for up to two weeks.
Preparing Cold Brew in Different ways
One of the great things about cold brew coffee is its versatility – it can be served in a variety of ways. For a classic cold brew experience, try adding a splash of cream and a bit of sugar or honey. Or, if you’re feeling creative, try cold brewing it in a mason jar with some freshly-squeezed orange juice for a unique twist on a classic.
If you prefer a caffeinated kick, add some brewed espresso to your cold brew for a quick and easy morning boost. For a refreshing summertime option, try blending your cold brew with frozen fruit or a scoop of ice cream for a creamy, refreshing treat that’s perfect for a hot summer day.
Incorporating Cold Brew into Recipes
Cold brew coffee doesn’t have to be limited to drinks – you can actually incorporate it into recipes. Batters, desserts and sauces are just a few of the things you can make with cold brew coffee.
For a tasty dessert, try adding a few tablespoons of cold brew to brownie batter for a unique twist. Or, for something a little lighter, try adding cold brew to light, summery recipes like an almond cake or a strawberry semifreddo.
You can also use cold brew to add depth of flavour to savoury dishes like salmon or beef. To make a simple glaze, try using a combination of cold brew, melted butter, and brown sugar – the cold brew will give the glaze an aromatic, intense flavour.
Making Iced Coffee with Cold Brew
Making iced coffee with cold brew is an easy way to make your morning cup of coffee even more refreshing. To make a cold brew iced coffee, start by adding 2 cups of cold brew to a glass or mug of ice.
You can adjust the sweetness and other flavouring agents to suit your taste – try adding a splash of cream, or a bit of your favourite syrup. Some people like to add a shot of espresso to their cold brew iced coffee for an even bigger kick of caffeine.
Conclusion
Cold brew coffee is a unique and refreshing drink that has gained a lot of popularity in recent years. From its potential health benefits to its smooth, sweet taste, cold brew is a great alternative to traditional hot-brewed coffee. It’s easy to make, and can be enjoyed with a variety of flavourings, as well as incorporated into recipes. Plus, it’s simple to make ahead and enjoy throughout the day. If you’re looking for a unique and delicious coffee experience, give cold brew a try – you won’t be disappointed!
