Cold Brew Coffee, rich and smooth without the bitterness, is made by steeping freshly ground coffee in cold water, then chilled. Served over ice or with a splash of milk, it's the ideal refreshment for hot summer days or when you crave a standout cup of coffee.
Start by placing your whole coffee beans into a blender. Make sure the lid is tightly secured to avoid any spills.
Turn on your blender and pulse until the beans are coarsely ground, not too fine to ensure the perfect texture for steeping.
Carefully remove the blender jar, and gently pour your ground coffee into a large pitcher.
Now, pour in cool, filtered water over the grounds in the pitcher. Give it a good stir to make sure all the coffee is soaking in the water.
Close the pitcher with its lid and refrigerator it for 16 to 18 hours, letting the coffee slowly infuse into the water for that deep, rich flavor. It might seem long, but the flavor you get will be worth the wait.
After the wait, take out the pitcher and strain the coffee concentrate through a fine mesh strainer to catch all the grounds. You might want to use coffee filter for an even cleaner brew.
Time to serve! Grab a glass and fill it with ice cubes. Pour in ¼ cup of cold water and then gently add ¼ cup of your cold brew concentrate over the ice. Stir and enjoy the rich, smooth flavor of your homemade Cold Brew Coffee.
Serving
Enjoy this refreshing Cold Brew Coffee on its own, or add a splash of milk for a creamy twist.
Notes
Here are some top tips to make your Cold Brew Coffee just right:
Brewing Techniques:
Optimal Grind: Achieve the perfect extraction by grinding your coffee beans to a coarse texture. This allows for just the right amount of flavor to seep out without over-extraction.
Caffeine Your Way: If you're watching your caffeine intake, opting for decaf beans lets you enjoy the full cold brew experience without the extra caffeine kick, ensuring the same great taste.
Versatile Brewing: While I love using a simple glass pitcher for its elegance and simplicity, a French press can also be a great tool, giving you a clear, sediment-free cold brew.
Sweeten Wisely: If you prefer your coffee sweet, consider using simple syrup or a liquid sweetener. These blend more easily into the cold beverage than granulated sugar, ensuring a smooth sip every time.
Explore Flavors: Don't be afraid to infuse your cold brew with additional flavors. Cinnamon sticks, vanilla pods, or orange peels can be steeped with the coffee grounds for a subtle flavor twist that makes your cold brew uniquely delicious.
Yield and Ratio:
Expect Yield: Once the steeping is done for this recipe, you'll end up with approximately 2½ to 2 ¾ cups of cold brew concentrate. Knowing this helps you plan how much you can serve and enjoy over a few days.
Ideal Brewing Ratio: Aim for a ¼ cup of coffee beans for every 1 cup of water (1:4 ratio) to achieve the perfect balance. For instance, with ¾ cup of coffee beans, you'll need 3 cups of water. This ensures your cold brew has the right strength and flavor.
Dilution Details: Remember, the concentrate is quite strong. Start with a 1:1 ratio of concentrate to water or milk when serving, then adjust according to your taste preference for the perfect strength and flavor.