Here is a simple way on how to make cold brew coffee. If you have never tried this recipe, then best you start!
Most people have never tried this refreshing beverage. I am here to explain the benefits of cold brew coffee and how to make it.
You can make cold brew coffee in different servings, see our coffee to water ratio below to check how many cups you want to prepare.
Keep reading below to see how to make cold brew coffee:
- What is Cold Brew Coffee?
- Why You Should Drink Cold Brew Coffee
- Benefits
- Choosing Your Beans And Grinds
- French Press Vs. Cold Brew Machine Vs. Pour Through Cloth
- Ingredients
- Equipment
- Steps
- What to do next?
What is Cold Brew Coffee?
Cold brew coffee is the process of steeping ground coffee in cold water for a period of time. This produces a coffee concentrate. Mix the strong, cold concentrate with water and ice to create an enjoyable iced coffee. This concentrate can also be a great additive to your baking.
If you need your coffee kick in a warm drink, you can add it to boiling water or warm it in the microwave.
The ratio of coffee to water is much higher in the concentrate. This makes it ideal for storing and taking up less space in the fridge. Around 1 and a half cups of ground coffee with 3 cups of water will make a good, strong concentrate. The ratio of your concentrate that you prepare all depends on your personal tastes.
Preparing a concentrate creates quick access to your coffee craving. Prepare a batch over the weekend and it will be ready and waiting for your “on the go” lifestyle.
Keeping your coffee brew as a cold drink has many benefits, read on…
Why You Should Drink Cold Brew Coffee
If it’s a hot humid day, there is no way you will want to drink a hot cup of coffee. But when the craving for the taste for coffee overcomes you, then a cold-brewed coffee is the way to go. I for one can say that an iced cold brew coffee is the most refreshing drink out there!
Benefits
Has same caffeine as hot coffee brew
With cold brew, the caffeine content can be controlled just like normal coffee brew. Variables such as coffee to water ratio, roast type, coffee grind and brewing time have an influence on the caffeine content but to such a small degree that it is insignificant.
Can boost your metabolism
Metabolism happens when your body converts food in the body to energy. Caffeine has been proven to boost metabolism. Since both hot and cold coffee brew contain caffeine, cold brew coffee will boost your metabolism in the same way that warm brew does. A study showed that out of 8 healthy, young men, all of them had a 13% increase in their metabolic rate. On average, having caffeine will increase your metabolic rate by 11%. [1][2]
Less acidic
People with sensitive stomachs who drink acidic beverages tend to get acid reflux. Since cold brew coffee tends to be slightly less acidic than hot brewed coffee, it may help prevent acid reflux. [3][4]
Contains antioxidants
Cold brew contains diterpenes and chlorogenic acids which act as both anti-inflammatory and antioxidants. These antioxidants help lower risk of heart diseases up to 15% compared to people who don’t drink cold brew coffee. The issue with hot brewed coffee is that the hot water kills off the antioxidants from the bean. The process of roasting in hot water eliminates most of the benefits of coffee. Cold brew does not remove these antioxidants therefore producing a healthier beverage. [5][6]
Improves cholesterol
Studies have proven that coffee has no effect on the cholesterol levels as many other factors such as diet and DNA influence people differently. There is no cholesterol in coffee beans and therefore brewed coffee doesn’t contain cholesterol either. Instead coffee affects how your body produces cholesterol.
Cold brewed coffee will not increase the effect of cholesterol on your system any more than warm brewed coffee. [7]
Research has shown that drinking five cups of coffee daily over 4 weeks from a French press brewing method can increase blood cholesterol levels by 6 to 8 percent.
Choosing Your Beans And Grinds
When it comes to flavor, I suggest using your preferred roast as cold brew concentrate extracts a lot of flavor. I recommend going for a lighter roast if you do not like a bitter taste. Choose a darker roast if you enjoy a stronger flavor from your preferred coffee bean. Darker roasts do tend to have a stronger concentrate while a lighter roast may taste watery.
In terms of the grind, a coarser grind will work best for your concentrate. The problem with a finer grind is that it may pass through filters or a cheesecloth. This can make your coffee taste grainy. Your coarse grind texture should feel and look like beach sand or sea salt.
French Press Vs. Cold Brew Machine Vs. Pour Through Cloth
French Press
If you do not have a cheesecloth and a jar or pitcher then a French Press is the way to go. French Presses come with a plunger and mesh filter which pushes the coffee grounds to the bottom of the beaker. If you are unsure about using a French Press, learn how to use one here.
The French Press is perfect for making cold brew concentrate as well, just increase the amount of ground coffee and decrease the water level. Allow the brew to steep for 12 hours before pushing down the plunger. The longer you allow it to brew, the stronger the concentrate will be.
Cold Brew Machine
If you are prepared to spend some money then cold brew machines are the way to go. Using an actual cold brew machine is pretty simple and I recommend this method if you do not feel like straining your own cold brew.
Pour Through Cloth
I prefer to use this method because it seems to be the most effective way of straining the cold brew. This method is also great because it is simple as you don’t need any expensive or fancy gear. If cheesecloth isn’t available a clean handkerchief can work well. Know that the coffee leaves stain marks so don’t use your new Christmas present from aunt Mabel unless you keep it solely for this purpose.
The process works by placing a cheesecloth over a measuring cup and allowing the cold brew to strain through the cheesecloth. Make sure you allow the brew to stand for at least 12 hours before you pass it through the cloth strainer. This will then create a cold brew concentrate. We will be using this method to make cold brew with the following ingredients, equipment, and steps:
Ingredients
- 1 and a half cups of ground coffee
- 3 cups of cold filtered water
Equipment
- Coffee beans
- Coffee grinder
- Coldwater
- Cheesecloth or paper filter
- Measuring cup
- Fine metal mesh strainer
Steps
1. Grind
Grind the coffee beans to a coarse texture. The grind should look like sea salt or raw sugar.
2. Combine
Combine both water and coffee together in a 3-quart jar or large pitcher.
3. Stir
Stir the water until blended with the ground coffee. Don’t worry if the coffee grounds float around at the top of the jar.
4. Steep
Steep the coffee in the fridge overnight or for about 12 hours. It takes long for the coffee beans to fuse with water but will eventually create a strong concentrate.
5. Strain
Strain the cold brew by placing a cheesecloth in line with a fine metal mesh strainer. Place the strainer over a measuring cup.
Pour the concentrate slowly through the strainer. Make sure not to squeeze the coffee grounds through the cheesecloth.
6. Clean
Clean your jar or pitcher and pour the concentrate from the measuring cup into the jar or pitcher.
7. Serve
Serve your cold brew coffee by pouring it into a glass. Place 2-3 ice cubes into a glass. Add ½ a cup of coffee concentrate and ½ a cup of water into the glass. Add sugar if desired and stir well.
8. Enjoy
Sit back, take a long sip and enjoy a refreshing glass of cold brew coffee!
What to do next?
Now you know how to make cold brew coffee. Make sure to use this recipe for the summer when you are in need of a refreshing beverage. If you would like to learn how to make other coffee beverages, check out the guides below: