How To Make Cold Brew At Home
Is there a difference between cold brew and iced coffee?
First, let’s get this out of the way: is there a difference between cold brew and iced coffee? Cold brew falls under the umbrella of iced coffee, but it's essential to note that not all iced coffee is cold brew. The disparity lies in their preparation methods, leading to variations in flavor and acidity.
Cold Brew, a specific variety of iced coffee, entails steeping coarse coffee grounds in cold water for an extended duration, typically ranging from 12 to 24 hours, before being strained. This unique brewing method yields a smoother, less acidic coffee that is served chilled over ice. It can be prepared as a concentrated form and later diluted with water to achieve the desired strength.
Iced Coffee refers to the conventional practice of brewing coffee with hot water and subsequently pouring it over ice. Unlike cold brew, iced coffee does not naturally reduce the acidity typically associated with hot brewed coffee. Nevertheless, it retains the distinct characteristics and subtleties that arise from the hot brewing process.
Steps for Making Cold Brew at Home
Creating cold brew at home is an incredibly straightforward process that doesn't demand any extravagant equipment. However, for those who prefer to purchase equipment, investing in a coffee bean grinder can make the process even easier.
Allow us to guide you through each step of the cold brew preparation, outlining the equipment choices available to you, including options you probably already possess at home.
Now, let’s get to brewing!
Coarsely Grind the Coffee Beans
When it comes to brewing any type of coffee, using freshly ground coffee beans undeniably elevates the flavor experience. It ensures the highest quality taste, regardless of your chosen brewing method.
For cold brew, it is highly recommended to avoid purchasing pre-ground coffee from the grocery store. Pre-ground coffee is finely ground, which suits conventional coffee machines but is less suitable for the cold steeping process.
Combine with Cold Water
After grinding the coffee beans, the next step is to mix them with water. There are multiple approaches you can take for this, depending on the resources at your disposal in your own home.
The most important part is finding a vessel that is large enough to hold the beans and water at the ratio you choose (more on that in a minute). We recommend a quart-sized wide-mouth mason jar. You can also use a large quart glass measuring cup, bowl, or pitcher.
Carefully pour the water over the coffee grounds in your preferred container, ensuring all the grounds are thoroughly saturated. If desired, you can utilize a spoon to gently press down on the grounds after adding the water, ensuring they are fully immersed.
Cover and Steep
At this stage, allow time to work its magic. Cover the jar, pitcher, or container you've used with a lid, or, for an eco-friendlier choice, opt for beeswax wrap (if available). Place it on the counter or in the refrigerator and let the coffee steep for a duration of 12 to 24 hours.
How long you choose to steep your cold brew is about personal preference. If you’re new to cold brew, we suggest beginning with 18 hours.
Strain the Coffee
Once the coffee has finished brewing, it's time to strain out the grounds. Various methods are available for this purpose, and I'll gladly share them with you. However, the key aspect of straining is to ensure you use a method that effectively captures all the grounds.
Let's explore our options:
1. Fine Mesh Coffee Strainer - In this option, you can even place the grounds directly in the filter them simply remove them when the cold brew is done brewing.
2. Fine Mesh Sieve + Fine Cloth - This method uses a fine-mesh sieve, with a cheesecloth, nut milk bag, or coffee filter layered on top. Adding a finer strainer on top catches the little grounds that would otherwise sneak through the sieve.
3. French Press - If you steep the grounds in a French press, simply use the press to filter out the coffee grounds.
Store the Cold Brew
With the strained cold brew coffee in hand, it's time to store it in the refrigerator. Just cover the jar or container you're using to hold the cold brew and place it in the fridge for a duration of up to 1 week (that is if it manages to last that long!) And there you have it! The process is as simple as that. Now, get to brewing!
Frequently-Asked Cold Brew Questions:
● Is cold brew less acidic?
Yes, a cold brew is generally less acidic than a hot cup of coffee due to the low-and-slow steeping process.
● Can I use decaf beans?
Yep, and the process is the exact same.
● Can I double the recipe?
You can double, triple, or quadruple the recipe to prep plenty of cold brews! You’ll just need a large enough container to brew it,