Easy Homemade Cold Brew Coffee Recipe (Step-by-Step Guide)
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Are you looking for a smooth, refreshing way to enjoy coffee, even on the hottest days? Meet cold brew—a low-acid, naturally sweet coffee that’s incredibly easy to make at home.
What Is Cold Brew Coffee?
Cold brew coffee results from a brewing method that involves steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in cold or room-temperature water for an extended period, typically 12-24 hours. Unlike traditional hot brewing, which uses heat to extract flavors, cold brewing relies on time, resulting in a smoother, less acidic, and naturally sweeter coffee concentrate.
This method has gained massive popularity worldwide, especially among coffee enthusiasts seeking a refreshing and versatile drink that can be customized to their taste. In fact, cold brew coffee sales have surged by over 370% in the past five years! It’s no wonder major coffee chains like Starbucks and Dunkin’ have embraced cold brew as a staple on their menus. Coffee lovers are drawn to its rich flavor, adaptability, and the ability to make it at home without any fancy equipment. Plus, it’s a favorite among iced coffee drinkers who want a bolder, less watered-down taste.
Why Should You Drink Cold Brew Coffee?
Here are a few reasons to give cold brew a try:
- Lower Acidity: If regular coffee upsets your stomach, cold brew’s lower acidity makes it gentler on your digestive system.
- Rich, Smooth Flavor: Cold brewing brings out the coffee’s natural sweetness while minimizing bitterness.
- Versatility: Cold brew concentrate can be enjoyed straight, diluted with water, milk, or used in creative recipes.
- Convenience: Brew a batch once, and enjoy delicious coffee for up to 10 days.
- Perfect for Hot Days: A chilled glass of cold brew is a refreshing way to stay cool while getting your caffeine fix.
How to Make Cold Brew Coffee at Home
Making cold brew at home is incredibly simple, and just one batch can last you days. Here’s our step-by-step guide:
What You Need:
- 1 cup of coarsely ground coffee (about 85g). Bizzy is our recommended choice because they specialize in cold brew coffee grounds and offer a smooth, well-balanced flavor profile crafted from sustainably sourced, 100% organic Arabica beans.
- 4 cups of cold or room-temperature water
- A large jar, pitcher, or cold brew maker
- A fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
- A stirring spoon
Instructions:
- Choose Your Coffee
- Start with high-quality coffee beans for the best flavor. Medium or dark roasts work exceptionally well for cold brew.
- Grind the Beans (If not already ground)
- Use a burr grinder to achieve a coarse grind, similar to breadcrumbs. Grinds that are too fine can make the brew cloudy.
- Combine Coffee and Water
- Add the coffee grounds to your jar, pitcher, or cold brew maker. Pour in the water and stir gently to ensure all grounds are saturated.
- Steep
- Cover the container and let it steep in the fridge or at room temperature for 12-24 hours. The longer it steeps, the stronger the flavor, so personalize it according to your own preferences.
- Strain the Coffee
- After steeping, place a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth over a second container and slowly pour the coffee through it to remove the grounds. Discard the grounds responsibly (we recommend composting them!)
- Dilute and Enjoy
- Cold brew concentrate is potent, and some enjoy it black. However, you can dilute it with water, milk, creamer, or a preferred sweetener if you so wish. Serve over ice and enjoy!
- Store Extra
- Unless it is consumed right away, cold brew should be refrigerated as soon as possible after brewing. Undiluted cold brew can last up to 10 days when refrigerated, which is a big time saver! To add functionality, store your extra cold brew in a pitcher that is ready to pour when cold brew calls your name.
Fun Cold Brew Tips & Flavor Ideas
Take your cold brew to the next level with these fun tips:
- Sweeten Smartly: Add sweeteners like simple syrup, honey, or flavored syrups to your cold brew instead of granulated sugar. We recommend that you do not sweeten the whole cold brew batch, instead, sweeten only the cold brew you will be consuming that day.
- Spice It Up: Experiment with flavors like cinnamon, vanilla, or nutmeg during the steeping process.
- Try Infusions: Add orange peels, mint leaves, or a dash of cocoa nibs for unique flavor profiles.
- Make Ice Cubes: Freeze cold brew in ice cube trays to avoid watering down your cold brew drink, or any iced coffee drink for the matter.
- Explore Trends: Because of cold brew’s rising popularity, coffee shops have embraced exciting cold brew flavors on their menus. Follow along with these trends for creative inspiration.
Tag us on Instagram @the.coffee.collect to share your coffee creations with the coffee community!
happy cold brewing!
-the coffee collect.
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