Cold Brew (Explained) – What is Cold Brew Coffee & How’s It Made

In recent years, cold brew coffee has become increasingly popular. But what exactly is it?
Cold brew coffee is made by steeping freshly ground coffee beans in cold water for an extended period of time – typically 12 hours or more. This results in a concentrate that can be diluted with water or milk and served over ice. This process helps to extract more flavor and caffeine from any coffee beans that you use.
Moreover, the slow brewing process makes this coffee smoother and less acidic. Cold brew is definitely worth trying if you’re an iced coffee fan!
Cold brew coffee is not just a fancy variation of cold coffee; it is much more than that.
In this article, we will explore the history and benefits of cold brew and explain why it’s becoming increasingly popular among coffee enthusiasts. We will also give you tips on how to make your own cold brew at home.
The origins of cold brew coffee are often disputed, with some attributing its creation to Yemen and others saying it was created in California. Regardless of its origins, the drink quickly became popularized in hipster areas throughout the US due to its unique taste profile and convenience.
The first reference to cold brew Coffee comes from Syrian traders who brought beans to Yemen in the 1800s. They would soak the beans overnight in cold water and then drink the resulting liquid the next day. The process was slow and labor-intensive, so it wasn’t very popular at first.
However, as technology improved and machines became available, more people began experimenting with cold brewing methods.
Over time, variations of the original method began to emerge. One version, called ” French press”, involved placing coffee grounds into a container filled with hot water and letting it steep for a few minutes before drinking. Cold brew came about when French press enthusiasts started using cold water instead of hot water to make their drinks —resulting in a smoother beverage free from bitterness and acidity.
Today, there are many variations of cold brew Coffee available on the market, each with its unique taste and backstory. Some examples include Turkish-style Cold Brew Coffee, Ethiopian Harrar Cold Brew Coffee, and more.
How to make cold brew coffee at home
Today, there are many different ways to make cold brew coffee, and anyone can easily make it at home. You can buy pre-made cans of cold brew concentrate or make your own at home using a French press or automatic drip coffee machine. (Please skip to the next section to know what a cold brew concentrate is or how to make this coffee concentrate at home).
Whatever method you choose, be sure to follow the instructions carefully so you get the most out of this delicious beverage.
Making cold brew coffee is simple, but it does require some preparation ahead of time.
First, you will need to start with good-quality beans.
Second, make sure your brewing method is set up properly so that the coffee is made at the right temperature and humidity levels. You may use room-temperature filtered water or cold one as per your choice. Also, there’s no need for a coffee grinder.
You may leave coffee overnight and let it sit for a few hours before drinking it so that the flavors can develop.
How to make cold brew concentrate at home?
To make cold-brew coffee concentrate, simply combine coffee grounds with cold or room-temperature water in a pitcher or large mason jar. Stir the mixture well. Then cover and let it steep for about 12 hours. When the brewing time is up, strain the coffee through a fine mesh strainer, paper filter, or cheesecloth to remove the grounds. What remains is called the cold brew concentrate.
Once your concentrate is ready, you may mix it with ice or add some milk and serve fresh.
How to serve cold brewed coffee?
Cold brew coffee is often served over ice or mixed with other flavors. For an extra touch of sweetness, add a splash of milk or cream before serving.
Another great idea for making a cold brew is that you can use coffee ice cubes. All you need to do is to store your coffee concentrate in ice cube trays in the freezer and serve it with cold milk.
Some flavors that can be added to this brewed coffee can be hazelnut, vanilla, strawberry, or any other, as per your personal preference. Cold brew coffee is the perfect summertime treat and can be easily customized to suit your personal taste.
Is it Iced Coffee, or is it different?
Iced coffee is actually hot brewed coffee. Ah, let me explain this. Iced coffee is made by brewing hot coffee and then cooling it down. On the other hand, cold brew coffee is never heated, resulting in a less bitter drink that is smooth and more refreshing.
You should not be surprised if you get to know that your local coffee shop uses the cold brew method to make cold brew coffee as well as iced coffee.
What is the perfect ratio of beans to water?
Making the perfect cold brew is all about finding your preferred strength.
If you’re looking for a concentrate, we recommend using a 1:4 or lower ratio of coffee to water – but if it’s just meant for sipping straight from its container, go with 1:8.
To achieve this balance when making 32 ounces of cold brew, 3oz (1 cup dry) ground coffee and 24oz water should do the trick!
However, if that isn’t strong enough – add more grounds until you find your desired strength at an increased ratio like 1:4, which yields twice as much caffeine per serving than regular brewed amounts. Please note that if you may also use decaf coffee instead of normal beans to make your cold brew. And don’t forget to dilute each glass with something creamy afterward!
The Different Types of Cold Brew Coffee
The most common cold brew coffee is French press cold brew. This method involves pouring hot water over ground coffee and allowing it to steep for several hours. After the time has passed, the coffee is strained and served cold.
Another popular type of cold brew is called nitro cold brew. In this method, room-temperature water is mixed with nitrogen gas in order to create a high-pressure environment. This results in a more concentrated flavor and stronger aroma than traditional cold brews.
Finally, there is iced cold brewed coffee. This method simply involves adding ice to the brewing process before serving. Iced cold brewed coffee can be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, making it a great option for those who want something refreshing but don’t want to wait for their regular cup of joe to cool down.
Pros and Cons of Cold Brew Coffee
Cold brew has its share of pros and cons.
Pro: It’s low-acid so it can be enjoyed by people with sensitive stomachs. You can avoid the bitter flavors of coffee grounds and add additional milk or add cream as per taste to adjust caffeine content. Another pro is that you may buy cold brew concentrate from grocery stores and add cool water or milk to make your one cup of coffee quickly. Moreover, you can store it for up to two weeks.
Con: If you love cold brew and wish to make your own coffee from ground beans, it will take you much longer, so it may not be ideal for busy mornings. The final drink may have more caffeine content as compared to a hot cup of coffee.
Check out – Our exclusive library on all different types of coffee drinks.
Wrapping Up
If you’re looking for a delicious and unique way to start your day, try out cold brew coffee. This coffee is made by brewing room temperature water over coarsely ground beans, which results in a smooth, rich flavor that can’t be found in hot coffee or any other type of coffee. Not only does this drink offer an interesting alternative to traditional coffee shops, but it’s also a great way to get your caffeine fix on the go. Making cold brew coffee at home is an interesting activity. Try it once!