Do You Drink Cold Brew Coffee Hot or Cold?Brewing methods for coffee, like everybody’s taste, are all subjective matters. So it isn’t surprising to find out that opinions differ on the question of whether one should have cold brew coffee hot or cold. What is cold brew, after all? Well, it is the process of making coffee using cold water for long hours, usually overnight, to achieve the full flavor potential of the bean. This is usually done with ground coffee, meaning that this method is often more concentrated than your traditional coffee.
The answer to the question lies in understanding your own preference. So, do you want to enjoy the bold, intense aroma and flavor of the beans, or do you prefer to add some milk and sugar? Are you fond of its sweet smoky taste that results from brewing the coffee beans overnight? Or do you like its sweetness balanced out with a creamy texture? Do you love its smooth texture that the extra cold water adds to the blend? These are all questions to consider when deciding whether you should drink cold brew hot or cold.
Research shows that brewed coffee contains a mix of bitter and acidic components as well as some nutrient-dense compounds that can stimulate your metabolism, including potassium and magnesium. Cold brew is made from coarsely ground beans that are steeped in cold tap water for 12-24 hours. This process extracts the most delicate oils and solubles from the coffee beans and produces less of the acids which give coffee its bitterness. This results in a smoother, less caffeinated cup of coffee with hints of sweet, chocolatey and nutty flavors.
Coffee expert Brielle Pascokh from the Coffeetopia institute suggests that while some people prefer to keep the coffee’s original flavor intact, others like to customize and add their personal touches. Pascokh adds that if you decide to drink cold brew hot, then it may be beneficial to add a little sugar to balance out its acidity. However, if you prefer cold brew coffee cold, then you can add some creaminess to the cup with some milk, ice, or even an alternative.
Cold brew coffee, while often cold and served over ice, can also be heated up and served hot. If you prefer to drink it warm, then you can easily do so. Adding some cream and sugar to your coffee can balance out the somewhat intense flavour of cold-brewed coffee. Although heating up your cold brew is not without risks, as long as it is not overheated, it can still retain some of its original flavor.
Ultimately, the decision to drink your cold brew coffee hot or cold is yours and yours alone. No matter which way you decide to enjoy your cup of coffee, make sure to keep in mind that cold brew does have lower caffeine levels than traditional hot brew. So, if you’re looking for an afternoon pick-me-up, it’s best to go with a hot cup of regular coffee.
What Coffee To Use For Cold Brew?
When trying to choose the right coffee beans for cold brewing, the first step is to select the right grind size. A coarser grind size of your beans will give you a milder and smoother cup, while a finer grind size will offer a bolder and more intense flavor. Also, it’s best to stick with specialty-grade beans to ensure the highest quality of flavor and aroma.
Another factor to consider is the type of coffee bean. For example, Arabica beans offer a more “refined” flavor profile, with a touch of sweetness. On the other hand, Robusta beans have a deeper, earthy and nutty taste. Depending on what kind of flavor experience you are looking for, you may want to opt for either Arabica or Robusta beans.
When it comes to buying the right beans for a cold-brewed cup of joe, you might want to consider buying organic and chemical-free options. It’s also important to pay close attention to the origin of the beans. Different countries produce different flavor profiles and aromas, so the origin of the beans can really make or break the flavor of your cold brew.
Finally, you should also try to buy freshly roasted brands when possible. It’s also a good idea to store your beans in an airtight jar as soon as you purchase them, as this will help them preserve their flavor and quality.
How To Make Cold Brew Coffee
Making cold brew coffee is quite simple, and can be done in three easy steps. The first step is to combine your coarsely ground beans with the desired amount of cold water – the general ratio is two parts grinds to three parts cold water. Then you should stir the mixture until the grinds are completely saturated.
The second step is to allow the mixture to steep for 12-24 hours, depending on the desired strength. After this period, all that’s left to do is to strain the grinds and enjoy your cold brew. It’s important to keep in mind that the longer it steeps, the stronger the coffee will be.
If you’re looking for a stronger cup of coffee, you can also try cold-brewing it for longer. Just keep in mind that this might result in a slightly bitter flavor, so you may want to add some cream or sugar to the mix. Additionally, if you don’t want to wait for 12-24 hours to enjoy a cup of cold brew, you can always opt for cold-brew time-saving solutions, such as using a French press.
Tips For Enjoying Cold Brew Coffee
Cold brew coffee is best enjoyed when the temperature outside is warm and sunny. It pairs perfectly with fresh fruits and pastries, so you may want to add a few healthy snacks to your drink when enjoying it outside. For the perfect cold brew, consider stocking up on an assortment of accessories, such as reusable straws, glass mugs and coaster sets.
If you’re looking for something new and interesting, it’s easy to customize a cup of cold brew with a variety of flavors. For example, you can top off your coffee with some cocoa powder, almond or coconut creamers or even a splash of agave syrup or honey. You can also enhance the flavor of your coffee by adding a hint of cinnamon or cardamom.
Finally, ice cubes, cream or almond milk can be added for a refreshing twist to your cold brew. Of course, when it comes to drinking cold-brewed coffee hot, you can add some of these for a creative twist to your coffee ritual. For example, you can add a twist of orange or other fruits for a sweet and tart flavor.
Is Cold Brew Coffee Healthier?
Since cold brew is less acidic than traditional hot coffee, some experts believe that it may be easier on the stomach. This could be especially beneficial for those who suffer from acid reflux or heartburn. However, the science isn’t definitive and more research is needed to understand the potential benefits of cold-brewed coffee.
In addition, cold-brewed coffee contains more caffeine than regular hot-brewed coffee. This means that it might provide more energy throughout the day. However, too much caffeine can lead to jitters, anxiety and an eventual crash, so it’s important to be mindful of your intake.
Ultimately, cold brew coffee is no healthier or unhealthier than hot brew. It really depends on individual preferences, and there are pros and cons to both. Ultimately, it’s important to note that using organic or chemical-free beans may be beneficial, as it lowers your exposure to toxins and other environmental pollutants.
Storing Cold Brew Coffee
Cold brew coffee can last up to a week in the refrigerator, depending on the type of beans used. It’s best to store the coffee in an airtight container to ensure that it retains its flavor and aroma. If you want your cold brew to last longer, you can also freeze it in individual batches and thaw it when you need it.
Additionally, you can also make larger batches of cold brew, store them in the fridge and reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop. Just make sure that you don’t heat it up to boiling point, as this can affect the flavor and aroma of your brew. It’s also important to note that if you decide to freeze your cold brew, it may become slightly more concentrated and intense than when you first made it, as the freezing process causes a bit of the water to evaporate.
