Cold Brew Coffee Recipe

There’s something magical about waking up to a jar of homemade cold brew that’s been chilling in the fridge overnight, waiting to kickstart your day with its bold, smooth flavors and ultimate caffeine kick.

I love to prepare cold brew coffee because it is a smooth, refreshing way to partake of coffee without its inherent bitterness. I use a very simple ratio of coarsely ground coffee to cold water that yields a rich, robust flavor that is somehow less acidic than the kinds of coffee I normally drink.

I think that makes it easier on the stomach.

Cold Brew Coffee Recipe Ingredients

• Coarsely Ground Coffee Beans: Rich in antioxidants, coffee beans boost metabolism and alertness.
• Cold Water: Hydrating and calorie-free, it ensures a smooth, mellow coffee extraction.

Cold Brew Coffee Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup coarsely ground coffee beans
• 4 cups cold water

How to Make this Cold Brew Coffee Recipe

1. In a big jar or container, mix 1 cup of not-so-finely-ground coffee beans with 4 cups of cold water.

2. Gently stir the mixture to ensure that all of the coffee grounds are evenly saturated and distributed.

3. Keep the jar or pitcher covered with a lid or plastic wrap to ensure it is airtight.

4. Put the container in the fridge and allow it to steep for 12 to 24 hours. The longer you let it steep, the stronger it will be.

5. Post steeping, position a fine-mesh strainer or coffee filter over a pristine vessel.

6. Pour the coffee slowly through the sieve so that only the larger grounds remain.

7. To get smoother coffee, strain it several times using a paper coffee filter or a thin cloth. The finer sediment will be caught in the filter, leaving you with a less textured cup of coffee.

8. Pour the cold brew that has been filtered into a clean jar or bottle, and seal it tight.

9. Cold brew coffee can be kept in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

10. For serving, mix the cold brew concentrate with an equal amount of water or milk, then pour over ice, if desired.

Cold Brew Coffee Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large jar or container with lid or plastic wrap
2. Spoon or stirrer
3. Refrigerator
4. Fine-mesh strainer
5. Paper coffee filter or thin cloth
6. Clean pitcher or vessel
7. Clean jar or bottle for storage

FAQ

• What type of coffee beans are best for cold brew?A medium to dark roast of any kind makes for a rich, smooth flavor. But you can use your favorite beans and get the same smooth flavor in this coffee. What I’m saying is, you can be a little wild and crazy and still get a good cup of coffee.
• How long should I steep the coffee?Brew the coffee in the refrigerator for 12 to 24 hours. The length of time spent in the fridge directly corresponds to the concentration of flavor you get.
• Can I use regular ground coffee instead of coarsely ground?Coarse coffee is the best option to use when brewing in a manual way, to restrict over-extraction and help avoid a too-gritty coffee. If you can only find ground coffee, use a very fine sieve when you brew to keep most of the silt from getting into the final product.
• Do I need any special equipment for cold brew?A big mason jar or pitcher, combined with a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, does the trick. So does a French press, which is also good for steeping and filtering.
• How do I store cold brew coffee?Keep the cold brew that has been strained in an airtight container within the fridge, and it will be good for up to two weeks.
• Can I dilute the cold brew?Indeed, if you consider the cold brew excessively potent, water, milk, or any variety of creamers may be used to achieve the desired strength before serving.
• What can I add to flavor my cold brew?Consider incorporating vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, or a flavored syrup for a unique twist. Sweetened condensed milk is also a way to incorporate a creamy, sweet flavor.

Cold Brew Coffee Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Ground coffee beans, coarsely.
Decaffeinated coffee beans that have been ground coarsely for a coffee that is free of caffeine.
Coarsely ground coffee beans that are flavored with a twist (e.g., vanilla, hazelnut)
Water at low temperatures. When a person pours cold water over his or her head, the heat of his or her body causes the water to warm up. However, this mnemonic simply provides the term cold water; it does not help the reader remember the physical or physiological reason behind the phenomenon.
Water that has been filtered for an improved taste.
Distinct bottled mineral profile of spring water.

Pro Tips

1. Choose Quality Beans Opt for high-quality, freshly roasted coffee beans for the best flavor. Look for beans that highlight the flavors you enjoy, whether they are nutty, fruity, or chocolatey.

2. Grind Consistently Use a burr grinder to ensure an even, coarse grind. Consistent grind size prevents over-extraction and bitterness, enhancing the smoothness of your cold brew.

3. Experiment with Steeping Time While the recipe suggests 12 to 24 hours, try different steeping times to find the strength and flavor profile you prefer. A longer steeping time will yield a bolder, more robust flavor.

4. Consider Water Quality Since water makes up the majority of your cold brew, use filtered or bottled water to avoid any unwanted tastes that could come from tap water.

5. Flavor Enhancers Before brewing, try adding spices like cinnamon sticks, vanilla beans, or a few cardamom pods to the mix for a subtle infusion of flavors. Remove them after the steeping process is complete to prevent overpowering the coffee.