Cold brew coffee is a smooth, refreshing alternative to hot coffee, perfect for warm weather or a cool, caffeinated treat any time of year. Its slow extraction process yields a rich, low-acidity coffee that's easy on the stomach and packed with flavor. In this blog, we'll walk you through how to make the perfect cold brew coffee and recommend the best coffee roast, origin, and blends for an exceptional brew.
Choosing the Right Coffee
Best Coffee Roast for Cold Brew:
- Medium to Dark Roast: These roasts tend to bring out the natural sweetness and chocolatey notes in coffee, making them ideal for cold brew.
Recommended Coffee Origins and Blends:
- Mexico: Known for its smooth body and nutty flavors, Mexican coffee is excellent for cold brew.
- Costa Rica: Offers a balanced cup with bright acidity and a hint of fruitiness.
- Caramel Flavored Coffee: The natural sweetness of caramel adds a delightful twist to cold brew.
- Bali Blue: Its deep notes of dark chocolate, molasses, and brown sugar create a luxurious and satisfying cold brew.
- Ethiopia Natural: Provides fruity and floral notes that can add complexity to your cold brew.
- Blends: Opt for blends that combine beans from different regions to achieve a complex and balanced flavor profile.
The Perfect Cold Brew Coffee Recipe
Ingredients:
- Freshly roasted coffee beans (medium to dark roast)
- Filtered water
Equipment:
- Burr grinder
- Cold brew coffee maker or large mason jar
- Digital scale
- Fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth
Instructions:
-
Grind the Coffee: Measure out 100 grams (about 1 cup) of coffee beans and grind them to a coarse consistency, similar to breadcrumbs.
-
Combine Coffee and Water:
- Place the ground coffee into your cold brew coffee maker or a large mason jar.
- Add 800 milliliters (about 4 cups) of filtered water. Stir gently to ensure all the grounds are saturated.
-
Steep:
- Cover the container and let it steep at room temperature or in the refrigerator for 12 to 24 hours. The longer it steeps, the stronger the flavor.
-
Strain the Coffee:
- After steeping, strain the coffee concentrate through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean container. Discard the grounds.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- To serve, dilute the cold brew concentrate with water or milk to taste. A common ratio is 1 part cold brew concentrate to 1 part water or milk.
- Serve over ice and enjoy a smooth, refreshing cold brew coffee.
Tips for Excellence
- Freshness: Use freshly roasted and ground coffee beans for the best flavor.
- Water Quality: Use filtered water to ensure a clean and pure taste.
- Experiment: Adjust the coffee-to-water ratio and steeping time to find your preferred strength and flavor.
- Storage: Store the cold brew concentrate in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.