Guide to Making the Best Cold Brew Coffee

Cold brew is a refreshing and smooth coffee beverage that is a staple for hot summer days. This guide will walk you through the steps to make the best cold brew coffee at home, including tips and tricks to perfect your brewing technique. 

What is cold brew?

Cold brew is NOT the same as iced coffee – cold brew involves the process of steeping coffee grounds in water for an extended period of time. This process allows for a higher coffee concentration (aka stronger coffee!), along with a more smooth, sweet flavor with less acidity. 

Cold brew is typically served cold, but can also be served hot depending on preference (the name COLD BREW refers to the steeping process in cold water, NOT the temperature at which it is served). Due to the higher coffee concentration, cold brew is typically diluted with water and ice, but you can also add milk or cream just like regular coffee. 

Cold brew coffee is a great way to get caffeinated, but it adds up quickly if you’re spending $3.80 on a grande cold brew from Starbucks several times a week. This recipe is simple, and provides a much more cost-effective alternative to those expensive Starbucks runs.

What type of coffee should I use?

While there are coffee beans that are specifically labeled as suitable for cold brewing, any coffee beans can be used for this recipe. Beans specified for cold brew are typically a lighter roast, which helps to enhance the natural flavors and aromas. 

How should I grind the coffee beans?

For cold brew coffee, a coarse grind is ideal. This helps to prevent over-extraction and bitterness, resulting in a smoother, more flavorful coffee. If you don’t have a coffee grinder at home, most coffee shops or roasters will be happy to grind your beans for you.

Brewing the Coffee

Once you have your coffee beans ground, it’s time to start brewing. To make cold brew coffee, you’ll need a container to hold your coffee grounds and water. A French press or a large mason jar are both great options.
Add your coffee grounds to your container and pour cold, filtered water over them. The ratio of coffee grounds to water should be about 1:4. Stir gently to ensure that all of the grounds are moistened.
Cover your container and let it sit at room temperature for 12-24 hours. The longer you let it brew, the stronger and more flavorful your coffee will be. 
Once the brewing is complete, strain your coffee through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove the grounds.
 

Serving Cold Brew Coffee

Cold brew coffee is typically served over ice, with milk or cream and sweetener added to taste. To change up the flavor, try adding syrups or spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.
 

Conclusion

Making the best cold brew coffee at home is easier than you might think. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy a refreshing and delicious coffee beverage that is perfect for any time of day. Experiment with different coffee beans and brewing times to find your perfect cold brew coffee recipe.
 

Tips:

  • Avoid stirring your cold brew while it is steeping
  • You can reuse your cold brew coffee grinds up to three times before discarding
  • Do not steep your cold brew coffee for more than 24 hours, or you risk developing a bitter flavor
  • You can make your favorite coffee/espresso drinks using cold brew – but remember that will make it quite a bit stronger!