Cold brew coffee is the ultimate refreshing and smooth coffee drink that is perfect for hot summer days or for anyone who enjoys a less acidic, rich coffee flavor. Unlike iced coffee, which is brewed hot and then cooled down, cold brew is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee in cold water for an extended period of time. The result is a concentrated, mellow coffee that can be diluted to your desired strength and enjoyed over ice or mixed with milk.
Ingredients
- 1 cup coarsely ground coffee
- 4 cups cold or room-temperature water
- Ice cubes
- Milk or cream (optional)
- Sweetener or flavored syrups (optional)
How to Make Cold Brew Coffee
- Prepare the Coffee Grounds – Start by coarsely grinding your coffee beans. The grounds should be about the size of breadcrumbs.
- Combine Coffee and Water – In a large jar or pitcher, combine the 1 cup of coarsely ground coffee with 4 cups of cold or room-temperature water. Stir gently to ensure the coffee is evenly saturated.
- Steep the Coffee – Cover the jar and place it in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Let it steep for 12–24 hours. The longer it steeps, the stronger and more flavorful the coffee will be.
- Strain the Coffee – After steeping, strain the coffee through a fine mesh strainer or a coffee filter to separate the grounds from the brewed coffee.
- Serve – Pour the cold brew concentrate over ice and add water or milk to dilute it to your preferred strength. You can also add sweeteners or flavored syrups to taste.
Preparation Time
- Total time: 12–24 hours (for steeping)
- Active preparation time: 5 minutes
- Straining time: 5 minutes
Tips for the Best Cold Brew Coffee
- Use Coarse Ground Coffee: For the best extraction, always use coarse ground coffee. Fine grounds can lead to over-extraction, making the coffee too bitter.
- Adjust the Strength: Cold brew is usually more concentrated than regular coffee. Feel free to dilute it with water, milk, or a milk alternative to adjust the strength to your liking.
- Experiment with Flavors: Add flavors like vanilla, caramel, or even cinnamon during the steeping process for a unique twist.
- Store Leftovers: Cold brew can be stored in the fridge for up to a week, so you can make a large batch and enjoy it throughout the week.
- For an Extra Smooth Texture: Try mixing the cold brew with ice cubes made from coffee to prevent it from being watered down.
More About Cold Brew Coffee
Cold brew coffee has been growing in popularity in recent years because of its smooth texture, low acidity, and high caffeine content. It’s different from iced coffee, which is brewed hot and chilled—cold brew is steeped for hours in cold water, resulting in a coffee that’s naturally sweeter and less bitter.
Because of the long brewing time, cold brew is less acidic, making it easier on the stomach while still offering a strong coffee kick. It’s the perfect drink for those who like their coffee bold but without the sharpness or bitterness often associated with traditional brewing methods.
Cold brew coffee is also versatile—you can enjoy it black, add cream or milk for a creamy texture, or even mix it with ice cream for a decadent treat. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a favorite among coffee lovers!