It's no secret that cold brew is one of the most popular coffee trends right now. But did you know that you can make it at home? In this article, we'll be exploring all things cold brew coffee - from what it is to how to make it at home. Plus, we'll be sharing our favorite cold brew coffee recipes. So, let's get brewing!
Introduction to Cold Brew Coffee
Cold brew coffee is an easy and delicious way to make your morning cup of joe. It's made by steeping coffee grounds in cold or room temperature water for an extended period of time. The result is a smooth, full-bodied coffee with a complex flavor that's less acidic than regular coffee. Cold brew coffee is also incredibly versatile. You can make it in large batches and store it in the fridge for up to two weeks. And because cold brew coffee is more concentrated than regular coffee, it can be used as a base for iced lattes, cold brew cocktails, and more! (Yummy).
What is Cold Brew Coffee?
Cold brew coffee is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold or room temperature water for an extended period of time (usually 8-24 hours). This process results in a smooth, full-bodied coffee with a rich complex flavor. Unlike regular coffee, cold brew coffee is less acidic and smoother. It also has a higher concentration of caffeine, which makes it a great pick-me-up in the morning while having your breaky.
How to Make Cold Brew Coffee at Home
Making cold brew coffee at home is surprisingly easy! All you need is some coffee beans, water, a few basic kitchen tools, and a bit of patience. Here's how to make your own cold brew coffee at home:
- Start by grinding your coffee beans. You'll want to use a coarse grind for cold brew coffee - the same size as sea salt.
- Add your ground coffee to a container and pour cold or room temperature water over it.
- Stir the mixture until all the grounds are fully submerged.
- Cover the container and let it sit in a cool, dark place for 8-24 hours.
- Once the steeping process is complete, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth.
- Pour the strained coffee into a sealable container and store it in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Ingredients for Cold Brew Coffee
Making cold brew coffee at home requires just a few simple ingredients:
- Coffee beans: You'll need 1 cup of coarsely ground coffee beans for every 4 cups of water.
- Water: Use cold or room temperature water for best results.
- A container: Any large container with a lid will do. Prefereatly glass.
- A fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth: This will be used to strain out the coffee grounds.
Cold Brew Coffee Recipe Ratios
When it comes to cold brew coffee, the most important thing to keep in mind is the ratio of coffee beans to water. For the best results, use 1 cup of coarsely ground coffee beans for every 4 cups of water. This ratio will give you a strong, full-bodied cold brew coffee. If you prefer a less intense flavor, you can use less coffee beans and more water. For example, you could use 1/2 cup of coffee beans for every 8 cups of water. This ratio will give you a lighter, smoother cold brew coffee.
The Benefits of Cold Brew Coffee
The process of making cold brew coffee results in a few key benefits. For starters, cold brew coffee is less acidic than regular coffee. This means it's easier on your stomach and won't leave you feeling jittery or anxious. Cold brew coffee is also higher in caffeine, making it a great pick-me-up in the morning. And finally, because it's so concentrated, cold brew coffee can be used in a variety of recipes - from iced lattes to cold brew cocktails.
How to Store Cold Brew Coffee
Once you've brewed your cold brew coffee, you can store it in a sealable glass container in the fridge for up to two weeks. If you plan on storing it for longer, you can freeze the cold brew in ice cube trays. This will help preserve the flavor and give you convenient cold brew cubes for iced drinks.
Cold Brew Coffee Recipes
Now that you know how to make cold brew coffee, why not try adding it to some of your favorite recipes? Here are a few of our favorite cold brew coffee recipes:
- Iced latte: Mix 1 part cold brew coffee with 1 part milk and a few cubes of ice.
- Cold brew martini: Mix 1 part cold brew coffee with 1 part vodka and a splash of simple syrup.
- Cold brew frappe: Blend 1 part cold brew coffee with 1 part milk, 1 scoop of ice cream, and a few cubes of ice.
- Cold brew milkshake: Blend 1 part cold brew coffee with 1 part milk, 1 scoop of ice cream, 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder, and a few cubes of ice.
- Cold brew float: Mix 1 part cold brew coffee with 1 part milk and 1 scoop of ice cream.
So, what are you waiting for?
Give it a try and see what you come up with! You can also send us your recipes to be featured.