How to Make Cold Brew Coffee

In the hot summer months, you still need that caffeine to start your day, but don't want to add any more heat to your day than necessary. Cold brew coffee is the answer. There is a reason this tasty version of coffee is trending in all the coffee shops.

What is Cold Brew Coffee?

To put it simply, it's coffee that is brewed in cold water, not in hot water. When coffee brews in cold water, the result is a smooth, coffee with lower acidity so that its true flavor shines without being bitter. This coffee is easier on the stomach.

The second question is how to make cold brew coffee. It is very easy to make cold brew coffee at home. All you need is coarse ground coffee and water. You don't even need a special cold brew coffee maker!

Equipment Needed to Make Cold Brew Coffee

While researching online how to make cold brew, we found that the method for making it is pretty much always the same. Some people prefer to use a cold brew pitcher a French press or a coffee mason jar.  We decided to use a large pitcher, and strain the coffee grounds with a fine mesh sieve and funnel lined with paper towels, a coffee filter, or cheesecloth.

Ingredients for Cold Brew Coffee

For best results, you MUST use coarse ground coffee beans (select the coarsest setting if you are grinding it at the store, or you can grind the whole beans yourself at home using a coffee/ spice grinder. ) Coffee and water are the only ingredients, but you might also enjoy adding creamer or milk to this coffee recipe once is brewed.

How to Make Cold Brew Coffee

Making cold brew coffee is easy. Simply combine room temperature water and coffee in a large pitcher, stir it really well, place the lid on it, and let it sit for 18-24 hours in the fridge. At the end of this time period, strain out the coffee grounds using paper towels or cheesecloth in the bottom of a fine mesh strainer. Refrigerate and serve over ice. Double the recipe to make a big batch all at once. Do you not leave the cold brew pitcher sitting out of the fridge for more than a couple of hours.

The Cold Brew Ratio

After testing several ratios we found that for us 1:4 is the perfect ratio of coffee grounds to water when using the cold brew method. If you like your coffee not as strong add cold water or more milk before drinking your cold brew

How to Make a Cold Brew Concentrate

To make a concentrate and keep it in the refrigerator all week, you can use one cup of coffee grounds to two cups of water. Combine it all in a large mason jar, steeping it for 24 hours in the refrigerator. Strain out the grounds with the same method as above or a French press, and return the coffee to the jar.

When you are ready for coffee, add equal parts cold brew concentrate to water and then add ice for an iced coffee drink. Adjust to taste. Keep the cold brew coffee concentrate in the fridge.

Alternative method: French press

The French Press is a fun tool to make cold brew coffee and then easily strain out the coffee grounds and keep your coffee in the same container. We would recommend using a Large French Press of 50 ounces (1.5L) or larger.

Take Cold Brew to the Next Level with These Variations

• Enjoy it by adding your favorite creamer, plant-based milk, half-n-half, or milk to the coffee.
• Whip up some heavy whipping cream for a delicious topping to your drink or add a vegan whipped topping.
• Add syrups, flavoring, chocolate syrup, caramel, or Tahini Date Caramel to take your cold brew coffee to the next level.
• Pour cold brew coffee over ice cream for a frosted coffee treat or a cold version of Affogato.

Cold Brew Coffee Recipe Tips

• The coffee-to-water ratio really depends on how strong you like your coffee to be. We made ours using 1 cup of coffee to 4 cups of water, and it was just perfect for us. We tried it with decaf coffee as well, it was just as good!
• We recommend using filtered water or bottled water instead of tap water for a better-tasting coffee.
• Remember to ground your coffee coarse.
• Freshly ground coffee is the way to go. Buy your coffee at a store that has a grinder, at your local coffee shop, or look for a local coffee roaster. If you have a coffee grinder at home you can use it as well. Have your beans coarse ground.
• Freeze some of the coffee in ice cube trays and use this in your cold brew to keep it from watering down over time.

FAQ

Why make cold brew coffee?

We don't always feel like having a hot coffee in the heat of summer. Cold brew is the perfect solution! Enjoy your favorite caffeinated drink cold in this smooth refreshing version.

Best coffee for cold brew?

Coarse ground coffee is essential but as far as which coffee to get, you can pick your favorite high-quality beans and have them ground coarse at the store if you don't have a coffee grinder at home. We usually pick a dark roast coffee, but you pick your favorite.

What is the Perfect Ratio of Beans to Water?

It's a personal choice, we found that 1:4 One cup of coffee grounds for four cups of water is ideal for us. Adjust the ratio of coffee to your taste as you become familiar with the cold brew method.

Other Non-Alcoholic Summer Drinks You May Like

• Date-Sweetened Raspberry Lemonade
• Rosewater Lemonade
• Jalapeno Mint Lime Ice Tea Spritzer
• Homemade Cold Brew
• Pina Colada Agua Fresca
• Golden Milk Ice Cream Float
• Nectarine Lemonade
• Watermelon Lemonade

If you enjoyed this recipe, it would help us tremendously if you left us a star rating in the comments below or on the recipe card. Do you have any questions about the recipe or do you need a swap for any of the ingredients? We are here to help, just leave us a question in the comments below.

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