Cold brew coffee is a refreshing drink enjoyed by coffee lovers across the globe. It’s made by steeping grounds in cold water over a long period of time, resulting in a sweet, full-bodied and naturally low-acid coffee.
This coffee concentrate is the ideal base for many coffee drinks, and the great thing is it’s easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. Here are step-by-step instructions for how to make and drink cold brew coffee concentrate.
Ingredients
The key ingredients for making cold brew coffee concentrate are: coffee, water and time. The ratio of coffee to water can be adjusted to your taste. Generally, you’ll want to use one part coffee to four parts water. This ratio can be adjusted either up or down, depending on how strong you like your coffee.
When it comes to the beans, use course ground coffee beans. This type of bean is specifically made for cold brew coffee. If you don’t have course grounds, you can use regular beans and just grind them more coarsely than you would for drip coffee. Just make sure to avoid using espresso grinds, as they’re too fine and can result in a bitter and cloudy concentrate.
Steps
Making cold brew coffee concentrate is not difficult and can be done in four simple steps.
Step 1: Place the course ground coffee into a large container, such as a pitcher or mason jar. Pour the desired amount of cold water over the grounds, and stir until all the grounds are wet. Cover the container and let it sit at room temperature overnight.
Step 2: In the morning, strain coffee using a fine-mesh coffee filter, cheesecloth, or a coffee filter cone. This step removes the coffee grounds and makes the concentrate ready to use.
Step 3: Store the concentrate in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Step 4: To drink cold brew coffee, add two parts of coffee concentrate with one part of cold water or milk per glass. For a hot coffee, simply heat the concentrate and the water in a pan.
Tasting Notes
One of the best things about cold brew coffee is its sweet, lightly acidic and naturally flavored taste. Many people describe cold brew coffee as smoother and fruitier than regular coffee. It’s also less bitter than hot brewed coffee, so it’s the perfect choice if you don’t like acidic or bitter flavors.
The flavor of cold brew coffee will vary depending on the roast and quality of the beans used. Experiment with different beans to find the one that you like best. Additionally, you can adjust the strength of the concentrate by adding more or less water, to get the perfect balance of flavors.
Health Benefits
Cold brew coffee is a great choice if you’re looking to get a healthy dose of caffeine. Studies have shown that cold brew contains up to 67% less acidity than hot brewed coffee. This is because the cold brew process does not extract as many secondary bitterness molecules from the beans as hot brewing does.
It is also rich in antioxidants and beneficial compounds like chlorogenic acid, which help to reduce inflammation and boost the immune system. Additionally, cold brew contains inherently higher caffeine levels than hot brewed coffee, so it can give you a good energy boost.
Cost Considerations
Making cold brew coffee concentrate at home is very affordable. You’ll obviously need to invest in some coffee beans and a few other supplies, but once those are purchased, the actual cost of making cold brew concentrate is much lower than buying it pre-made.
So, not only do you get a delicious cup of Joe each time you brew, but you also save money in the long run. Furthermore, you have the freedom to customize the strength of your cold brew, so you can make it just the way you like it.
Additional Ideas
Cold brew concentrate can be enjoyed on its own, or you can use it to make other delicious drinks. For instance, you can combine it with other flavors like almond or coconut milk, add a sweetener like syrup or honey, or make a cold brew float with a scoop of ice cream.
Alternatively, cold brew concentrate can be used as the base for cocktails and frappes. You can also use it as a baking ingredient to add flavor to pies, cookies and other desserts. The possibilities are truly endless – so get creative and enjoy!
Brewing Tips
When making cold brew coffee concentrate, it’s important to remember to start with high-quality coffee, as this will make all the difference in the taste. Additionally, you should choose the right ratio of coffee to water to ensure you get a good balance of strength.
Don’t forget that cold brew coffee takes a while to steep, so make sure to start the brewing process the night before. Lastly, make sure to store your coffee concentrate in an airtight container in the refrigerator – this will maintain its freshness and ensure it stays unspoiled for up to two weeks.
How To Prepare Iced Coffee With Cold Brew Concentrate
If you want a refreshing iced coffee, it’s easy to make with cold brew concentrate. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1/2 cup cold brew coffee concentrate
- 1/2 cup cold milk (or almond milk)
- 1 teaspoon sweetener (optional)
- Ice cubes
Simply combine the coffee concentrate and milk in a glass, then sweeten to taste. Top with lots of ice cubes for an extra cooling effect. You can also add whipped cream for a special touch.
Hot Drinks with Cold Brew Concentrate
Cold brew coffee concentrate can be used to make delicious hot drinks. For instance, you can make a hot latte simply by heating the coffee concentrate with milk and adding a touch of sweetener. If you want to make a cappuccino, add steamed milk and a sprinkle of cocoa powder or cinnamon for a truly creamy latte.
You can also make a hot toddy with cold brew concentrate. Mix the concentrate with a bit of honey and whiskey, and top with a cinnamon stick for a quick and easy winter warmer.
Strength and Shelf Life of Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate
The strength and shelf life of cold brew coffee concentrate depend on how it is stored. If kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the concentrate will keep for up to two weeks. Once opened, it should be consumed within 24 hours. The strength of the concentrate can be adjusted by adding more or less water when drinking it.
It should also be noted that the concentrate can separate when stored for long periods of time. This is a normal occurrence and can be easily remedied by stirring the concentrate with a spoon or shaking it in a closed container.
Tips for Making Cold Brew Concentrate
Making perfect cold brew coffee concentrate isn’t always easy, so here are some tips to get you started:
- Make sure to use coarse grinds as they are specifically made for cold brew.
- Experiment with different beans to find the flavor that you like best.
- Keep the concentrate in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
- Once opened, consume the coffee concentrate within 24 hours.
- Adjust the strength of the coffee concentrate by adding more or less water when drinking it.
With a bit of practice, you’ll soon be able to make the perfect cup of cold brew coffee concentrate – just the way you like it!
