Brewing coffee
Starbucks cold brew coffee is a testament to the evolution of coffee brewing. Believed to have originated in Japan during the 1600s, cold brew coffee is a popular beverage that can be enjoyed during any season. Cold brewing is a method of steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in cold or room temperature water for an extended period of time. Due to the length in exposure to water, cold brew coffee develops a unique flavor, and is generally higher in caffeine since it can extract more of the caffeine from the beans. Starbucks takes the cold brew process a step further and blends the final product with the company’s signature Blonde espresso roast.
Benefits of Cold Brew
The most notable benefit of cold brew is its lower acidity and sweetness, largely due to the slow extraction process. According to a study conducted by the University of California, Davis, cold brew coffee has a lower acidity than iced coffee because less of the flavor compounds found in coffee are soluble in cold water. Consumers can expect their coffee to have a smooth, rounded flavor without the bitterness usually associated with coffee.
Additionally, cold brew is high in antioxidants and helps to support healthy digestion. Due to the lengthy brewing process, cold brew coffee is high in antioxidant compounds, like chlorogenic acids and caffeine, that have been linked to a range of benefits such as improved digestion, enhanced cognitive performance, and better overall health. Not to mention, it’s prepared with no added sugar or cream, making it a healthier food choice as well.
Starbucks’ Brewing Process
Starbucks’ approach to cold brew revolves around the slow and calculated extraction process. To make their perfect cup of cold brew, Starbucks takes freshly-ground coffee beans and cold water and allows them to steep for 20 hours. During this process, the cold water slowly extracts the flavorful essence from the beans – leaving behind an intensely flavorful liquid, which is then coarsely filtered and blended with Blonde espresso, yielding a flavorful beverage.
In an effort to remain environmentally friendly, Starbucks utilizes a special enzyme-based filtration solution that keeps insoluble particles from making it through the filters, ensuring that the final product is clean and free of sediment. This process helps Starbucks to use less water and reduce their environmental footprint.
Furthermore, in an endeavor to serve their customers with the highest-quality beverage, Starbucks monitors the extraction process closely by sampling the coffee every hour to ensure that its flavor is consistent and up to the company’s exacting standards.
At Home Brewing
For those that don’t have access to a local Starbucks to buy their cold brew, you can always make it yourself. For at home brewing, the process is relatively simple and can be done in a matter of minutes. You will need coarsely ground coffee, cold water, a French press, and a filter. First, you add water and the grounds to the French press and stir them together. Place a lid on the press, but don’t press down. Let the mixture steep for 12 to 24 hours in the fridge, stirring every few hours. After the desired steeping time, press down on the plunger and pour the cold-brewed coffee into a pitcher for storage.
A rule of thumb when making cold brew is to start with a ratio of 1 cup of coffee grounds to 4-5 cups of cold water. This will yield a strong, flavorful cup of cold brew that can be adjusted to taste. Additionally, cold brew can easily be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks and can be used for various coffee drinks such as iced lattes and Americanos.
Different Brewing Techniques
While cold brew is the most popular brewing method for flavored cold coffees, other methods are becoming increasingly popular. Japanese iced drip is a relatively new technique that yields a smooth, low-acid coffee in minutes. This method involves placing a single paper filter over freshly ground coffee beans, and slowly dripping cold water over the grounds to form a concentrated coffee solution. It can be brewed without the use of a machine, and the concentrated coffee solution can be used directly to make iced coffee, or it can be further diluted with water or milk.
In addition, nitro cold brew is another brewing method that produces a smooth-bodied coffee with sweet, chocolate-y notes. The nitro cold brew is made by taking a concentrate made from cold brewing, and adding air and nitrogen to the brew. This creates a creamy and foamy head, similar to beer, and the coffee is then served over ice. The taste is distinct and smooth, with slightly sweet and chocolatey notes.
Cold Brew Alternatives
As the popularity of cold brew coffee continues to grow, so does the range of cold brew alternatives that are available. These include coconut water-based cold brew, cold brew matcha and tea lattes, cold brew kombucha, and the more traditional iced coffee. Coconut water-based cold brew is made from a combination of coconut water and coffee, and offers a light and refreshing drink with natural sweetness.
Cold brew matcha and tea lattes are a riff on coffee-based cold brews. This type of cold brew is made using matcha powder and cold-brewed tea, and it can be enjoyed hot or cold. Cold brew kombucha is a fermented tea-based beverage that can be brewed with any type of tea, and offers a subtle, sour taste that is perfect for those that don’t enjoy coffee.
Lastly, iced coffee is the original cold brew. This method is simple and quick: just brew a pot of hot coffee and place it in the fridge to cool. This results in a basic, straightforward cup of iced coffee that can be customized to taste.
Flavoring Cold Brew
Aside from the aforementioned alternatives, cold brew can be spiced up by adding various flavorings. Starbucks offers a few signature flavored cold brews that are made using their signature Blonde espresso blend, such as salted cream cold foam cold brew and pumpkin cream cold brew. These flavored coffees are made using cream and food-safe flavoring agents – creating a rich and flavorful experience.
Another popular way to flavor cold brew is with syrups and extracts. Syrups can be made from various fruits, sugars, and spices to create a unique flavor profile. Extracts are highly concentrated flavorings that are made from herbs, spices, and essential oils, and they can be used to customize the flavor of cold brew. Additionally, cold brew can be elevated with the addition of seasonal spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
Buying Cold Brew
Whether you’re looking to purchase pre-made cold brew or make your own, you can easily find all the necessary supplies online. You can find ready-to-drink cold brew coffees at supermarkets such as Walmart, Target, and Trader Joes, as well as Starbucks and other specialty coffee shops. When purchasing pre-made cold brew, it’s important to read the label of the product to ensure that it is made from quality ingredients, and that it is the flavor you want. Furthermore, you can find everything you need to make your own cold brew coffee online, from grinders and coffee makers to flavoring syrups and equipment.
Environmental Impact of Cold Brew
In addition to Starbucks’ environmental initiatives, cold brew expands their commitment to sustainability. With the traditional hot brewing method, coffee beans are exposed to heat, which can emit carbon dioxide and other harmful compounds into the environment. Cold brewing eliminates the need for heat since the coffee is extracted solely with cold water, meaning that there is no additional strain on the environment.
Furthermore, cold brew eliminates the need for large amounts of electricity and energy from boilers and heating elements, and reduces the amount of water needed for brewing. With its low environmental impact, cold brew is a great choice for coffee lovers looking for a sustainable way to enjoy coffee.
