Delicious Cold Brew Coffee Recipe to Energize Your Day!
Do you love the taste of coffee, but find yourself sweating at the thought of a hot drink during the summer months? Fear not, for I have the perfect solution: cold brewed coffee. This refreshing and smooth alternative to your regular hot cup of joe has taken the world by storm in recent years.
Cold brewing is a unique process that requires time and patience, but trust me, it’s well worth it. By steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in cold water for 12 hours or more, you end up with a smooth and less acidic concentrate that can be served over ice or mixed with milk for a delicious iced latte.
But don’t just take my word for it. Starbucks, one of the largest coffee chains in the world, has even jumped on board with their own line of cold brew drinks. So why not try making your own at home? With this recipe guide to help you along the way, you’ll be able to enjoy barista-level cold brewed coffee from the comfort of your own home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you a coffee lover? Do you enjoy a good cup of Joe to kick start your day? Well then, you are going to love this recipe! Cold-brewed coffee is the new buzz in the caffeine world. And let me tell you why you’ll love this recipe.
Firstly, it tastes oh-so-good! The brewing process of cold-brewed coffee takes time, but trust me; it’s worth the wait. It is smoother, richer and less acidic in taste compared to hot coffee. The slow brewing process releases flavor-rich oils and gives a full-bodied taste resulting in a heavenly cup of cold-brewed coffee.
Secondly, this recipe is effortless to make at home. With just three simple ingredients- ground coffee beans, water, and time- you can create a perfect cup of cold-brewed coffee within the comfort of your home. There is no need for special equipment or extensive barista training. Just throw in some coarsely ground coffee into water, leave it to brew overnight at room temperature, strain it and voila! Your cold-brewed coffee concentrate is ready. Mix it with cold or hot water/milk or use it as a base for your iced coffees, mocha, latte or any other coffee drink you wish to create.
Lastly be mindful of the money that you will save by making this recipe at home instead of spending $5 at Starbucks each morning. To add up buying a new flask every month that adds upto $60 in one year alone. But if you start making this recipe at home instead – using simple ingredients and investing once on a Mason Jar and Mesh Strainer set- you are saving money while sipping on quality coffee from home.
In conclusion not only do you get to enjoy great-tasting coffee with this recipe but also have an opportunity to save money during these challenging times…So don’t wait any further give yourself a healthy boost and make this recipe today!
Ingredient List
Coffee: 1 cup coarsely ground coffee beans. For this recipe, I recommend a dark roast coffee.
Water: 4 cups of cold, filtered water. It is important to use cold water as opposed to hot water when making cold brew. The temperature of the water affects the extraction process, and using hot water gives you an entirely different result.
Equipment: 1 jar, fine mesh strainer, and a cheesecloth or paper filter
Optional Ingredients (to serve): ice cubes, milk, sweetener
This recipe uses a 2:1 ratio of water to coffee grounds, but you can adjust it according to your preference for strength.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Gather Ingredients and Equipment
To make cold brew, you will need ground coffee, cold or room temperature water, and a jar or French press. Start with a coarse grind, as this works best for slow dripping or steeping. The ratio of coffee to water is typically 1:2, so if using a 32-ounce (4 cup) jar, you’ll need 1 cup of ground coffee and 2 cups of water.
Step 2: Combine Ground Coffee and Water
Put the coffee grounds in the jar or French press and pour the appropriate amount of water over the top. Stir well to ensure that all of the grounds are moistened. If using a French press, simply replace the lid without pressing down on the plunger.
Step 3: Let Brew Sit at Room Temperature
Allow your coffee mixture to sit for at least 12 hours at room temperature. A good rule of thumb is to let it steep overnight, around 12 hours. For stronger cold-brew concentrate, let sit up to a maximum of 24 hours.
Step 4: Strain Coffee Concentrate
Once your coffee concentrate has steeped, use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to strain out the grounds as you transfer the liquid to another container.
Step 5: Dilute Concentrate with Water
When ready to drink your cold brew, start by diluting the concentrate with cold filtered water at a ratio of 2:1 (water to concentrate). Pour it over ice and enjoy!
Note: If you prefer a weaker brew, adjust your ratio accordingly – you can also experiment with different ratios to find what suits your taste preferences best.
Now that you know how easy it is to make cold brew coffee at home, give it a try!
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to making cold brew coffee, there are plenty of ways to switch things up and make it your own. Here are a few substitution and variation ideas to try out:
– Change the Water Ratio: While the standard ratio for cold brew is generally 2 parts water to 1 part ground coffee, you can adjust this to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter and less strong brew, try increasing the amount of water. On the other hand, if you want a more robust flavor, reduce the water.
– Brew with Different Types of Coffee Beans: Experiment with different types of coffee beans to find your perfect flavor profile. For instance, some people prefer a dark roast while others go for a medium or light roast. You can also try beans from different regions or even flavored coffee.
– Add Spices or Flavors: Adding spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom can give your cold brew a warm and cozy feel. To sweeten things up, try adding vanilla extract or caramel sauce. If chocolate is your thing, mix in some cocoa powder or make a mocha by mixing in chocolate syrup.
– Make It Iced: To enjoy your cold brew on a hot day, serve it chilled over ice cubes.
– Use A French Press: A French press can be used in place of a jar or pitcher to create the perfect cold brew concentrate that’s easy to pour when required.
– Mix with Milk: Add milk to your cold brew for an ultra-smooth and creamy taste that’s hard to resist.
No matter what substitutions or variations you choose, the beauty of cold brew is that it’s versatile enough to adapt to anyone’s palate preferences! So experiment away and discover your new favorite way to make cold brew at home.
Serving and Pairing
A cold brew coffee is perfect for those who don’t like their coffee hot, or just want a refreshing drink on a warm day. It’s smooth and strong, without the bitterness that often comes with hot coffee. But what about serving and pairing?
When it comes to serving, you can enjoy your cold brew in various ways. You can add ice cubes or use your cold brew concentrate as the base for delicious iced coffees. You can also mix it with milk, cream or alternative milks like almond or oat milk, to make a creamy yet refreshing drink.
For those who are looking for an indulgent drink, you can even use the cold brew concentrate to make a rich and velvety mocha. Simply mix some chocolate syrup into your cold brew concentrate and some steamed milk, and then top it off with some whipped cream.
Pairing your cold brew with food is all about finding the right balance. Since cold brew has that smoothness in texture and less acidity than hot coffee, try pairing it with sweet breakfast pastries such as croissants or cinnamon rolls. On the other hand, its boldness in flavor makes it perfect for enjoying after meals.
If you prefer non-sweet pairings, you can try serving your cold brew alongside fresh fruits like berries or melon to enhance the subtle fruity flavors of the coffee. You can also consider serving a savory snack like cheese toast or avocado toast, which will balance well with the bitter notes of the coffee.
Ultimately, with its versatility in mixing and pairing, making a cold brew coffee at home opens up endless possibilities in enjoying this refreshing drink at any time of day.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the great benefits of cold brew coffee is its ability to be made ahead of time and stored for several days in the fridge. To store the cold brewed coffee concentrate, transfer it to an airtight container or mason jar and leave it in the fridge for up to a week. It is best not to dilute it until ready for consumption.
To reheat cold brewed coffee, you can either microwave it or add equal parts hot water to the concentrate. Microwaving will change the flavor profile slightly, so it’s best to use hot water if you want to preserve the taste.
If you prefer your cold brewed coffee iced, make sure you’re using cold filtered water and keep ice cubes handy to keep your coffee chilled. For those who like their coffee sweetened, adding milk, cream or flavored syrups are great options.
One thing to keep in mind when reheating or diluting your cold brew concentrate is that it may lose some of its strength and potency over time. Therefore, it’s important to follow ratios and measurements carefully.
Overall, with its ability to be made ahead of time and stored for days, the make-ahead feature of cold brew coffee makes it a highly convenient option for busy mornings or on-the-go lifestyles.
Tips for Perfect Results
Before embarking on making our perfect cold brew coffee, here are a few tips to help make your experience smoother and your results even better.
Firstly, always start with quality ingredients. Use freshly roasted whole coffee beans and grind them just before brewing. This ensures the most robust and flavorful coffee possible. And remember to store your ground coffee in an airtight container at room temperature, away from heat and light.
Next, consider the water you use. Cold filtered water is the best choice as it has fewer impurities and will allow the true flavors of the coffee to shine through. If possible, avoid tap water or distilled water in your cold brew.
When it comes to ratios, the ultimate guide is to have a 2:1 ratio of water to coarsely ground coffee for the best cold brew concentrate. For example, we suggest using 3 ounces (or 1 cup) of coarsely ground coffee to 6 cups of cold filtered water.
Another thing is that brewing time is crucial for perfect results. The steeping time should be around 12 hours but can vary depending on personal taste preferences. Do not let your cold brew sit at room temperature for more than 24 hours as this may cause sourness or bitterness in the final product.
Lastly, strain your coffee concentrate well with a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove all grounds and sediment. Once strained, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Follow these tips for perfect results, and you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the best cold brew coffee that rivals even that of Starbucks or other popular coffee shops.
FAQ
As I’ve shared the recipe to make cold brew coffee, you may still have some questions in your mind. Don’t worry! Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers that will help you with making the perfect cup of cold brew coffee every single time.
What is the best ratio for cold brew coffee?
When it comes to cold brew, the recommended ratio for a balanced taste is between a 2:1 and 1:1 concentrate-to-water mixture. Those who like a stronger kick in their coffee can opt for the former ratio, while those who prefer it milder can go for the latter.
How to make cold brew coffee at home?
Hey there, want to make some coffee that’ll knock your socks off? Grab a jar and stir together some ground coffee and cold water. Pop a lid on it and let it sit for around 12 hours. Once it’s had some time to steep, strain it through a filter or sieve twice. Now for the fun part – fill a tall glass with ice and mix equal amounts of your concentrated coffee with some fresh water. Play around with the ratios until you find what suits your taste buds. You can thank me later for my killer cold brew recipe!
How much coffee do you put in cold brew?
If you’re interested in brewing cold coffee, then you’ll want to follow a basic coffee-to-water ratio. For every cup of water, it’s recommended to use about 1 ounce by weight of coarsely ground coffee. This translates to approximately 1/4 cup of whole coffee beans, which will give you around 1/2 cup of ground coffee. In metric terms, 1 ounce is equivalent to 28 grams.
Can you use regular ground coffee for cold brew?
When it comes to crafting a perfect cold brew coffee, the type of coffee beans might not make much of a difference. It’s the size of the grind that determines the quality of your cup. Coarse ground coffee is the way to go if you want to savor the rich, smooth flavors of your preferred coffee bean.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this cold brewed coffee recipe is a must-try for all coffee lovers out there. Its unique brewing process results in a smooth and flavorful cup of coffee every time. Making your own cold brewed coffee at home not only saves you money, but it also allows you to control the strength and taste of your coffee.
With this recipe guide, you have everything you need to make top-quality cold brewed coffee at home. From the perfect water to ground coffee ratio to tips for storing and reheating, this ultimate guide has got you covered. You can also experiment with different variations and substitutions based on your preferences.
Whether you prefer black coffee, iced coffees or mochas, cold brewing unlocks a world of flavors that you won’t find in a typical hot brew. So why not take the plunge and try making your own cold-brewed coffee today? With this simple yet effective recipe guide and tips, you’ll be a barista in no time! So grab your ingredients, follow the instructions, and enjoy a refreshing cup of smooth and tasty cold-brewed coffee anytime, anywhere!
Cold Brewed Coffee Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup ground coffee, preferably freshly ground
- 6 cups water, preferably filtered
Instructions
- Fill a jug with the coffee and water, screw on the lid, and give a good shake. I use a clean Simply Apple bottle.
- Rest at room temperature for about 24 hours, giving a shake every now and then.
- Strain the coffee through a filter or a French press and decant into a clean jug or pitcher.
- Taste. If the coffee is too strong, dilute it to your liking. If it is too weak, add more coffee grounds and let sit out another day.
- Store in the refrigerator and use in your favorite coffee recipes.