Delicious Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate Recipe – Here’s How!
As a coffee lover, I’ve tried many ways to make the perfect cup of joe at home. And while there are plenty of methods to choose from, I always end up coming back to one: cold brewed coffee concentrate. Not familiar with this type of coffee? Let me tell you, it’s a game-changer.
Cold brew takes time, patience and commitment, but the result is worth it. The brewing process requires a longer steeping time (usually around 12 hours), but the outcome is a smooth, less acidic coffee that can be enjoyed hot or cold. And with this cold brewed coffee concentrate recipe, you’ll have it on hand any time you need it.
Not only is this recipe easy to make with just two ingredients – water and ground coffee – but it’s also incredibly versatile. Use it to make refreshing iced coffee, mix it with milk for a latte, or even add it as an ingredient in your baking recipes.
Once you try this recipe for cold brewed coffee concentrate, I’m confident that you’ll be just as amazed by its delicious taste and versatility as I am. So grab your ingredients and let’s get brewing!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a coffee lover, then you absolutely must try cold brewed coffee concentrate. Not only is it incredibly easy to make, but it’s also a game-changer when it comes to your morning cup of joe. Here are just a few reasons why you’ll love this recipe:
First and foremost, cold brew coffee concentrate is incredibly smooth and delicious. When coffee grounds are steeped for long periods of time in cold water, they release less acidity and bitterness compared to traditional hot coffee brewing methods. This results in a much milder, sweeter flavor that you won’t be able to get enough of.
Another great thing about this recipe is that it yields a large amount of coffee concentrate, which you can store in your fridge for up to two weeks. This means that you can make iced coffee whenever you want without having to worry about brewing fresh coffee every single time.
Plus, making your own cold brew at home is much more cost-effective than buying pre-made drinks at Starbucks or Trader Joe’s. You can use any type of ground coffee that you have on hand, and the water-to-coffee ratio is completely customizable based on how strong or weak you prefer your iced coffee.
Overall, there is simply too much to love about this recipe. From its smooth and refreshing taste to its cost-efficiency and versatility with various java shots – this is a recipe that every coffee lover needs to try at least once. Once you do, you’ll be hooked for life.
Ingredient List
This cold brew concentrate recipe requires only two ingredients – ground coffee and water. To make a perfect batch, you’ll also need measuring cups, a coffee grinder, and a large container. Here’s the complete list of what you’ll need:
- Coarsely ground coffee: 1 cup
- Cold water: 4 cups
You can also adjust the quantity of ingredients according to the desired amount of concentrate. The ratio of coffee to water should be around 1:4 (1 part coffee grounds to 4 parts water).
The Recipe How-To
Now, it’s time to make the cold brewed coffee concentrate. This recipe is very easy to follow, all you need is a French press or a jar with a lid, ground coffee, and water.
The Ingredients
What you need for this recipe is coarsely ground coffee and cold water in the ratio of 1:2 or 1 part coffee to 2 parts water. Here are the exact proportions:
- 1 cup coarsely ground coffee
- 2 cups cold water
If you want to make a larger batch, just maintain the same ratio—for example, 2 cups of coarsely ground coffee and 4 cups of cold water.
The Steps
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Place the ground coffee in a large French press or jar.
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Add the cold water and stir gently until all the grounds are wet.
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Cover with the French press lid or put the lid on the jar.
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Place the jar or French press in your refrigerator for at least 12 hours or up to 24 hours (overnight).
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After it has steeped for at least 12 hours, remove from the refrigerator and give it another gentle stir.
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Next, pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into another container or your favorite serving glass.
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With your concentrate now ready in another container or glass, pour one part concentrate to two parts water over ice (or simply drink as-is).
The Result
Your homemade cold brew concentrate will be intense but smooth that can be enjoyed hot or cold! You can customize it by adding milk, cream, condensed milk, caramel or vanilla syrup – whatever strikes your fancy!
Recommendations
I’d recommend using filtered room temperature spring water like Fiji™ Water as it makes a difference in taste! Use freshly roasted beans if possible, but don’t stress out about it as long as they are coarsely ground.
Now you have a great cup of coffee concentrate made right at your home to drink directly or to make your own iced coffee drinks. Enjoy your perfect cup of caffeine!
Substitutions and Variations
Are you looking for a way to spruce up your cold brew coffee concentrate recipe? Here are some substitutions and variations that you can use to add some excitement to your morning cup of joe:
– Milk or Cream: Instead of using regular milk, try substituting almond milk, coconut milk, or soy milk for a dairy-free option. If you want to add more creaminess to your coffee, try using heavy cream or half-and-half instead.
– Sweeteners: If you like your coffee on the sweeter side, try adding maple syrup, honey, agave nectar or cane sugar. You can also use flavored syrups such as vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut for an extra burst of flavor.
– Spices: You can also add spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg or cloves to your cold brew concentrate for a unique flavor. Simply add the spices to the coffee grounds before brewing.
– Different Beans: Experiment with different types of beans to find the perfect taste for you. You can try strong and bold flavors such as espresso beans or sweet and fruity flavors like Hawaiian Kona.
– Add Liquor: For a boozy twist, add a touch of liquor to your cold brew concentrate. Try adding Irish whiskey for an Irish Coffee-inspired drink or Bailey’s for a creamy concoction.
– Ice Coffee Granita or Ice Popsicles: Use the cold brew coffee concentrate recipe as a base for iced coffee granita which is a semi-frozen Italian dessert perfect for summer days. You can also pour your cold brew concentrate into ice pop molds and freeze them overnight for an easy-to-grab coffee fix.
These substitutions and variations are just some of the possibilities when it comes to making the perfect cup of cold brew coffee concentrate. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own!
Serving and Pairing
Now that you’ve got your perfect cold brew coffee concentrate ready, it’s time to serve and pair it. This concentrate is highly versatile and can be used to create a variety of drinks. You can use it to make iced coffee, iced mocha, caramel macchiato, or any other iced coffee of your choice.
To make a simple iced coffee, pour 1 part of the concentrate and 2 parts of water over ice in a glass. Give it a good stir and add milk, cream, or sweetener to taste. You can also add flavored syrups if you prefer.
Looking for a fun summer drink? Make your own iced latte with this concentrate. Add some ice cubes to a tall glass, pour the cold brew concentrate over the ice and then top it up with milk.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try pairing the cold brew concentrate with your favorite desserts. Cold brew coffee pairs beautifully with chocolate cake, brownies, and cheesecake.
So go ahead and experiment with different ways to serve and pair your cold brew coffee concentrate. With so many options available, you’ll never run out of ideas to enjoy your homemade cold brew coffee!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the great things about cold brew concentrate is that it can be made ahead of time and stored for later use. In fact, I recommend making a big batch all at once so you always have it on hand when you need it.
To store your cold brew concentrate, transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will last for up to two weeks, although I find that it’s best within the first week after making it.
When you’re ready to use your cold brew concentrate, there are a few ways to reheat or dilute it depending on how you want to use it. If you’re using it for iced coffee, simply pour the desired amount of concentrate over ice and add water (or milk) to taste. I love adding a splash of almond milk and a drizzle of honey to my iced coffee for a little extra sweetness.
If you want to enjoy your cold brew concentrate hot, simply heat up water or milk in a saucepan or microwave and mix in the desired amount of concentrate. You can also just drink the cold brew concentrate straight up if you prefer!
Ultimately, storing your cold brew concentrate is easy and reheating it is even easier. With a big batch of cold brew concentrate on hand, you’ll be able to enjoy delicious iced or hot coffee drinks at home anytime you like.
Tips for Perfect Results
Making cold brew coffee concentrate requires patience and precision to achieve the right balance of flavors. To make the perfect concentrate at home, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:
1. Use coarsely ground coffee
When making cold brew coffee concentrate, it’s important to use coarsely ground coffee rather than a fine grind. Coarse grounds allow for a slower extraction process, resulting in a smoother and less acidic flavor.
2. Maintain the coffee-water ratio
To ensure that your cold brew concentrate is strong enough, it’s crucial to maintain the correct coffee-to-water ratio. A good rule of thumb is to use one part ground coffee to two parts water (or a 1:2 ratio). This ratio can be adjusted slightly based on your personal taste preferences.
3. Use cold water
Always use cold water when making cold brew coffee concentrate. Using hot water can result in a bitter and over-extracted flavor.
4. Stir gently
After placing the ground coffee into the water, stir gently to make sure all the grounds are saturated with water. Avoid over-stirring as it can cause the mixture to become too cloudy and gritty.
5. Steep for the right amount of time
The steeping time for cold brew coffee concentrate can range from 12-24 hours depending on your desired strength and flavor profile. A good starting point is to steep for 16 hours, then adjust accordingly based on your taste preferences.
6. Strain thoroughly
Make sure to strain your cold brew concentrate thoroughly using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth. This will remove any remaining grounds or sediment that may affect the final flavor and texture of your concentrate.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to make a delicious and smooth cold brewed coffee concentrate at home that will rival any store-bought brand.
FAQ
As with any recipe, you may have a few lingering questions about making your perfect Cold Brewed Coffee Concentrate. In this section, I will provide some helpful answers to frequently asked questions to ensure that you are successful in creating this delicious beverage.
What ratio for cold brew coffee concentrate?
When making cold brew, it’s common to use a ratio of 2 parts concentrate to 1 part water for a more potent flavor. However, if you prefer a milder taste, a 1:1 dilution ratio would be more suitable for you.
How do you use cold brew coffee concentrate?
When it comes to cold brew concentrate, there are various ways to enjoy it. You can indulge in a straightforward cold coffee, make it creamier by adding milk, give it a twist with a coffee cocktail or whip up your favorite coffee-based fares by incorporating it as an element. However, it’s crucial to remember that heating up the concentrate is a no-go.
How much coffee do I need for a gallon of cold brew concentrate?
To make cold brew, the standard ratio is to use one pound of coffee grounds for every gallon of water.
How much water do you add to Starbucks cold brew concentrate?
For a perfect cup of coffee, start by adding 4 fluid ounces of water and indulge in the rich flavor. You can make it more personalized by mixing in milk, sugar, or other flavors to add a delicious twist. In case you want to prepare a bigger serving, stick to the ratio of 1:1, that is, one part concentrate and one part water. After opening, store it in the fridge and use it within two weeks for the best taste.
Bottom Line
So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to ditch your usual coffee routine and try making your own cold brew concentrate at home. With a simple ingredient list and easy-to-follow recipe, this cold brew concentrate recipe is the perfect way to enjoy delicious iced coffee. Plus, with the ability to customize the recipe to your liking, you can experiment with different flavors and ratios until you find the perfect balance. Trust me, once you try homemade cold brew, you’ll never go back to store-bought coffee again.
In addition to being a delicious and refreshing summer drink, cold brew concentrate has a ton of great benefits. It has less acidity than hot brewed coffee, which means it is easier on your stomach and better for your overall health. Plus, it has a smoother flavor profile that makes it perfect for adding milk or cream.
So whether you’re an iced coffee enthusiast looking for a new recipe or just someone who wants to experiment with making their own coffee at home, this cold brew concentrate recipe is definitely worth trying. With just a few simple steps and some patience, you can create the perfect cup of iced coffee that will keep you cool all summer long. So what are you waiting for? Get brewing!
Cold Brewed Coffee Concentrate Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups of finely ground coffee
- 4 cups filtered water
Instructions
- Mix the coffee and water in a large covered jar or pitcher.
- After 4 hours or so, the coffee grounds will separate and float to the top. Stir to remix them.
- Cover the jar/pitcher and leave at room temperature overnight.
- Strain into another jar/pitcher through triple fold of muslin. Dump the grounds in the muslin and give that a good squeeze.
- Refrigerate.
- Serve using a 1 to 2 ratio (one third coffee concentrate to two thirds cold water).
- I would also suggest mixing up some and freezing it into ice cubes, so you don't water down your beverage.
- It will keep at least a week.