How to Make Delicious Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate
If there’s one thing that can make your day better, it’s a good cup of coffee. And what’s better than iced coffee during hot summer months? That’s where my cold brew concentrate recipe comes in handy.
As a barista, I’ve tried numerous cold brew recipes and have come up with the perfect ratio to create a smooth and strong coffee concentrate that you can use for iced coffee, lattes or even hot coffee. The best part? You only need two simple ingredients – water and ground coffee – and a little bit of patience.
I’m excited to share this recipe with you because not only is it easy to make, but it’s also budget-friendly and convenient. With this cold brew concentrate, you can make cold brew anytime without having to spend $5 at Starbucks or wait in long lines.
So go ahead, grab a mason jar or any container you have at hand, some good quality coffee beans, and let’s get brewing! You won’t regret it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you a coffee lover looking for a delicious, versatile, and cost-effective way to enjoy your favorite beverage? Look no further than this cold brew concentrate recipe!
Here’s why you’ll love it:
First, it’s incredibly easy to make. All you need is water, ground coffee, and a mason jar. No fancy equipment or barista-level skills required!
But don’t let the simplicity fool you – this recipe creates a rich and smooth coffee concentrate that can be used in a variety of ways. Mix it with cold water or milk for refreshing iced coffee, or heat it up for a steaming cup of joe on a chilly morning.
Plus, this recipe is highly customizable. Adjust the ratio of coffee to water to suit your tastes – whether you prefer a stronger brew or something more mild. You can also experiment with different types of coffee beans to create unique flavor profiles.
And let’s not forget the savings! Making your own cold brew concentrate is much more affordable than buying pre-made versions at cafes or grocery stores. Plus, you can make a large batch at once and store it in the fridge for up to two weeks, meaning you always have coffee on hand when you need it.
Overall, this cold brew concentrate recipe is the perfect addition to any home coffee setup. Give it a try and see for yourself why it’s so beloved by coffee aficionados everywhere!
Ingredient List
- 1 cup coarsely ground coffee beans
- 3 cups cold water
- A mason jar (1 quart)
Ground coffee and cold water are the two main ingredients you’ll need for our Coffee Concentrate 2 Recipe. For this specific recipe, we recommend using 1 cup of coarsely ground coffee beans to produce a strong and robust flavor. Any type of coffee bean will work; however, we suggest trying different roasts and blends until you find your favorite. Cold water which has been filtered is recommended as it will give a purer taste to the concentrate. Remember that the quality of water can have a significant impact on the taste of your coffee. Lastly, you will also need a 1-quart mason jar, which is perfect for storing your concentrate once brewed.
The Recipe How-To
Brewing the coffee concentrate is a simple process that requires just a few steps. Firstly, mix together 1 cup of coarsely ground coffee and 4 cups of cold water in a large container, like a mason jar. Stir gently and cover it with a lid. Place this mixture in a cool, dry place for 12-24 hours to allow the coffee to steep in the water.
Once the coffee has brewed, take another container of the same size and place a fine mesh strainer with a coffee filter over it. Slowly pour the coffee mixture through the strainer into the new container so that it’s pure concentrate. Discard the grounds.
In another container, mix 1 part concentrate with 2 parts boiling water (or you can use cold water if you prefer) to make your desired brew strength. For instance, if you need 1 cup of cold brew concentrate recipe, mix 1/3 cup coffee concentrate and 2/3 cups boiling water.
If you want an iced coffee or just want to drink it right away, simply pour over some ice cubes and add milk or sweetener to taste. Your homemade cold brew concentrate is ready to sip!
Substitutions and Variations
Looking to add a little extra flare to your coffee concentrate recipe? Here are a few substitutions and variations you can try out:
– Coffee beans: Use any type of coffee beans you prefer, whether it’s dark roast, medium roast, or even decaf.
– Sweetened condensed milk: If you’re looking for a way to add sweetness to your coffee without needing to use additional sugar, swap out the sweetened condensed milk for regular condensed milk or cream.
– Water ratio: Experiment with different water ratios depending on your preferences. If you like your coffee concentrate stronger, try using a ratio of 1 part coffee to 2 parts water. If you prefer a milder taste, go for a ratio of 1 part coffee to 3 parts water.
– Brewing time: For a stronger flavor profile, extend the brewing time by leaving the jars in the fridge overnight or even up to 24 hours.
– Drip coffee maker: Don’t have a mason jar or cold brew maker? No problem! You can still make cold brew concentrate with your drip coffee maker. Simply fill the reservoir with cold water, and add in coarsely ground coffee beans to the filter basket. Let it sit for at least 8 hours before removing the filter basket and discarding the grounds.
– Flavors: Once you’ve made your cold brew concentrate, feel free to add some extra flavors like cinnamon or vanilla extract. You can also try using flavored coffee grounds to infuse your concentrate with a unique taste.
By experimenting with these substitutions and variations, you’ll be able to tailor your coffee concentrate recipe exactly to your liking. Don’t be afraid to get creative and try out different combinations until you find the perfect match for your taste buds.
Serving and Pairing
Now that you have your delicious coffee concentrate, it’s time to make some tasty drinks with it! One of the easiest ways is to simply mix the concentrate with equal parts water or milk and serve over ice for a refreshing iced coffee. If you like your coffee sweeter, try adding some sweetened condensed milk to create a rich and creamy Vietnamese style iced coffee.
Another fun way to enjoy cold brew concentrate is to use it in cocktails. Try mixing 2 oz of coffee concentrate with 1 oz of vodka, a splash of Kahlua, and a dash of simple syrup for a delicious Cold Brew Martini. You can also mix 4 oz of concentrate with 3 oz of sweetened condensed milk and 1 oz of spiced rum for a Cold Brew Horchata.
If you prefer hot coffee, no problem! This concentrate can be used as a base for your favorite hot coffee beverages as well. Simply heat up the concentrate with equal parts water or milk, add your favorite sweeteners and flavorings, and voila! You have a delicious cup of hot coffee.
When it comes to pairing foods with coffee, the possibilities are endless. Lighter roast coffees pair well with delicate pastries like croissants or scones, while darker roasts go great with heartier breakfast items like bacon and eggs. For lunch or dinner, try pairing your coffee with spicy foods like chili or curries, which will be beautifully balanced by the richness of the coffee.
In conclusion, this coffee concentrate recipe is extremely versatile and can be enjoyed in many different ways. Whether you prefer your coffee hot or cold, sweet or strong, there’s a recipe out there that fits your taste. Experimenting with different serving methods and food pairings will help you discover all the amazing ways you can enjoy this delicious homemade cold brew concentrate!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now that you have made delicious coffee concentrate, you might be thinking about the best way to store it. The good news is that this coffee concentrate recipe can be made ahead of time and stored for up to two weeks.
To store coffee concentrate, transfer it to an airtight container such as a mason jar or pitcher with a lid. Keep it in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it. When you want to serve it, simply dilute the concentrate with water, milk, or any other liquid that suits your tastes.
If you prefer your iced coffee beverages extra strong, this recipe allows for customization. Simply use less water when brewing the coffee concentrate, and adjust according to how you like it. If the taste is too strong for your preference, simply dilute the mixture with more water or milk to even out the flavor.
When reheating cold coffee concentrate, avoid using a microwave as this could damage its delicate flavors. Instead, take out the amount of coffee concentrate that you intend to heat and allow it to come to room temperature slowly before reheating by placing in a saucepan over low heat while continuously stirring.
Overall, making homemade cold brew concentrate can save you both time and money while still allowing you to enjoy your favorite iced coffee beverages. Its versatility and convenience make it a must-have ingredient for every coffee lover’s kitchen arsenal.
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to making the perfect coffee concentrate, there are a few tips that I’ve learned as a barista that can make a world of difference in your final product. Here are some tips that you might find helpful:
1. Use coarsely ground coffee beans
When making coffee concentrate, it’s best to use coarsely ground coffee beans instead of finely ground ones. This is because coarsely ground beans have a larger surface area, which allows for better extraction of flavor and aroma. Finely ground beans, on the other hand, can lead to over-extraction and bitterness.
2. Use cold water
Use cold water whenever possible. Cold water extracts flavor and caffeine much more slowly than hot water, resulting in a smoother brew with less acidity.
3. Maintain the coffee-to-water ratio
Maintaining the right ratio of coffee to water is important for ensuring that your coffee doesn’t become too weak or too strong. A good rule of thumb is using 1 part coffee to 2-3 parts water (depending on how strong you prefer your coffee).
4. Let it steep for 12-24 hours
When making cold brew concentrate, letting it steep for 12-24 hours will allow plenty of time for the extraction process to occur. If you allow it to steep any longer, however, your coffee may become bitter due to over-extraction.
5. Don’t skimp on quality
Investing in quality coffee beans will do wonders for your final product. Try to avoid buying pre-ground or flavored coffee as they often contain additives that can affect the taste and aroma of your brew.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making the perfect coffee concentrate every time!
FAQ
As a barista, I have answered countless questions about different coffee recipes. In this section, I will address some of the most frequently asked questions about Coffee Concentrate 2 Recipe. Read on to find out more about this recipe and how to make the perfect cold brew concentrate at home.
What is the ratio of coffee concentrate to water?
When making cold brew coffee, it is recommended to mix your concentrate and water in a ratio between 2:1 and 1:1, depending on your desired strength. Opt for the 2:1 ratio if you prefer a bolder coffee taste.
How much coffee concentrate do I use?
To brew coffee, all you need is to combine one portion of concentrate with two portions of boiling water. This simple formula applies no matter how much coffee you need to make.
What does 1 part coffee concentrate mean?
When making coffee, the ratio of coffee to water is important and usually consists of equal parts. These parts could be measured in any form such as cups, gallons, or ounces.
How do you calculate coffee concentrate?
Making a great-tasting cold brew concentrate requires knowing the right amount of coffee to use per cup of water. A handy measurement to keep in mind is that one cup of water weighs about 237 grams. For a perfect cold brew concentrate, you will need 59.25 grams, 30 teaspoons, or 12 tablespoons of coffee per cup of water.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Coffee Concentrate 2 Recipe is an excellent way to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee that is rich and packed with flavor. With this recipe, you’ll be able to make cold brew coffee that is perfect for iced coffee or any other drink you want to make. The best part is that it’s easy to make and can be customized according to your preference.
As a barista and coffee enthusiast, I highly recommend trying out this recipe. It’s an excellent way to enjoy a homemade cold brew coffee that’s comparable to your favorite Starbucks drink, but without the hefty price tag.
So whether you’re making iced coffee on a hot summer day or want a refreshing drink, the Coffee Concentrate 2 Recipe has got you covered. Give this recipe a try today and experience the rich taste of homemade cold brew coffee!
Coffee Concentrate 2 Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 ounces ground coffee
- 1 gallon water
Instructions
- dump a 12 oz bag of ground coffee into a one gallon pitcher.
- fill the pitcher with room temp filtered water.
- put lid on - shake it just a little bit.
- cold stew in the refrigerator for 36 - 48 hours.
- strain out the grounds - tricky I use a regular mesh strainer and another gallon pitcher.
- discard grounds (good for flower garden).
- pour the concentrate into a serviceable airtight pitcher and keep in the refrigerator for up to three months.