A Quick Guide to Cold Brew Coffee
Summertime Special
For coffee lovers, summer is synonymous with iced coffee. But have you ever tried cold brew coffee? If not, you're missing out on a delightful and refreshing coffee experience that's perfect for warmer weather. Cold brew coffee is not just another variation of iced coffee; it's a different brewing method that produces a unique and distinct flavor profile. In this blog post, we'll explore what cold brew coffee is, how it differs from iced coffee, and the brewing process.
What is Cold Brew Coffee?
Cold brew coffee is a brewing method that involves steeping coffee grounds in cold or room temperature water for an extended period of time, typically 12-24 hours. The result is a smooth, low-acidic, and highly refreshing coffee that's perfect for hot summer days. Cold brew coffee is also less bitter than traditional hot brewed coffee, making it a great alternative for people who find hot coffee too harsh on their stomach.
The key to making great cold brew coffee is to use high-quality beans that are freshly roasted. Specialty coffee roasters often recommend using a medium to dark roast coffee for cold brew as it can bring out the flavors better. However, personal preferences and taste vary, so it's always worth experimenting to find the right beans that suit your taste buds.
How Cold Brew Coffee Differs from Iced Coffee
One common misconception is that cold brew coffee is simply hot coffee poured over ice. While it is true that both iced coffee and cold brew coffee are served cold, there are some significant differences between the two.
Firstly, the brewing method is different. As mentioned earlier, cold brew coffee is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for an extended period of time, while iced coffee is made by pouring hot coffee over ice. The result is that cold brew coffee is smoother and less bitter than iced coffee, which can sometimes become watered down due to melting ice.
Secondly, the flavor profile of cold brew coffee is different from iced coffee. Cold brew coffee has a rich, chocolaty, and nutty flavor that's more pronounced than hot brewed coffee. On the other hand, iced coffee can sometimes taste sour or watery, which is why it's often served with cream and sugar to balance the flavors.
Finally, the caffeine content is different between cold brew coffee and iced coffee. Because cold brew coffee is steeped for an extended period of time, it can contain more caffeine than iced coffee, which is brewed quickly with hot water. This means that a small cup of cold brew coffee can give you the same caffeine boost as a larger cup of iced coffee.
The Brewing Process
Now that we've covered what cold brew coffee is and how it differs from iced coffee let's talk about the brewing process.
To make cold brew coffee, you will need:
Coarsely ground coffee beans
Filtered water
A large jar or pitcher
A fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth
A second jar or pitcher for storage
Here are the steps to follow:
Measure out your coffee beans. A good rule of thumb is to use a 1:4 coffee-to-water ratio, but this can be tweaked as much as you want. For example, if you're using 1 cup of coffee beans, you'll need 4 cups of water.
Grind your coffee beans coarsely. This is important because finer grinds can make the coffee bitter.
Add the coffee grounds to the jar or pitcher.
Pour in the water slowly and stir to ensure all the grounds are fully saturated.
Cover the jar or pitcher with a lid or plastic wrap and let it steep for 12-24 hours at room temperature
Strain your coffee after it rests - you can even run it through a paper filter to make it extra smooth!
Adjust the water content to your desired taste. Some beans can produce a stronger coffee so don’t be afraid to add a little more water to get it just right.
Enjoy!
