Cold Brew Coffee Recipe

Are you struggling to find a coffee method that delivers smooth, rich flavor without bitterness? Cold brew coffee might be your perfect solution. With our detailed recipe and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll learn how to create the perfect cold brew at home, ensuring a refreshing and satisfying cup every time.

Equipment

To make great cold-brew coffee, you need the right equipment. The essentials include a quality coffee maker, filters, and storage jars.

Coffee Makers:

• Mueller Cold Brew Coffee Maker: This model costs about $30 and offers good value.
• Bodum Bean Cold Brew Coffee Maker: Priced at $32, it’s a reliable choice.
• OXO Compact Cold Brew Coffee Maker: This smaller unit costs around $35.

Filters:

• Use Alto Home Cold Brew Filters. They fit well in a 32-ounce mason jar, perfect for making cold brew.

Storage Jars:

• Consider the County Line Kitchen Cold Brew Mason Jar. This system includes a glass jar, a stainless-steel fine-mesh filter, and a lid. It’s great for brewing up to 2 quarts.

Ingredients

When making cold brew coffee, simplicity is key. You need just a few basic ingredients to achieve that perfect, refreshing taste.

Essential Ingredients

Coffee Beans: Use coarsely ground coffee beans. Choose a medium to dark roast for a richer flavor. The recommended ratio is 1 cup of coffee grounds per 4 cups of water.

Water: Filtered water is ideal. It enhances the coffee’s taste by eliminating impurities.

Optional Additions

You may choose to add flavorings or additives to your cold brew.

• Sweeteners: Sugar, honey, or syrups can be added to taste.
• Milk or Cream: For a smoother, creamier texture, add your preferred type of milk or cream.
• Spices: A pinch of cinnamon, vanilla extract, or a hint of nutmeg can complement the coffee flavor.

Instructions

Cold brew coffee is simple to make at home. Follow these steps for a delicious result.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 pound coarsely ground coffee
• 9 cups cold water

Steps:

1. Grind the Beans: Use a coffee grinder to achieve a medium to coarse grind.
2. Combine Coffee and Water: In a large pitcher or glass jar, mix 1/2 pound of ground coffee with 6 cups of cold water. Stir to ensure all grounds are wet.
3. Initial Steep: Let the mixture stand for 5 minutes. This allows the grounds to begin infusing.
4. Add Remaining Water: Add 3 more cups of cold water to the mixture and stir well.
5. Steep Time: Cover the container. Let it steep for 12 to 24 hours. You can do this at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
6. Strain the Coffee: After steeping, use a fine-mesh sieve or coffee filter to strain the coffee into another container. Ensure no grounds remain.
7. Serve and Store: Pour the cold brew into a clean jar or bottle. Keep it in the refrigerator. Serve over ice or dilute with water, milk, or any preferred sweetener.

Tips:

• Use filtered water for a cleaner taste.
• Adjust the coffee-to-water ratio based on your taste preferences.
• Experiment by adding flavors like vanilla extract or mixing with milkshakes.

Variations

Cold brew coffee can be enjoyed in various ways. Each variation offers a unique taste experience.

Basic Cold Brew

It’s the classic way to enjoy cold brew coffee. You just need the following:

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

Steep the coffee in water for about 12-24 hours.

Sweetened Cold Brew

Add some sweetness to your cold brew:

• Basic cold brew concentrate
• Simple syrup to taste
• Milk or cream (optional)

Mix the cold brew concentrate with simple syrup. Add milk or cream if desired.

Nitro Cold Brew

For a creamy and frothy texture:

• Basic cold brew concentrate
• Nitrogen gas

Infuse the cold brew with nitrogen gas. Serve from a tap for maximum frothiness.

Vanilla Cold Brew

Add vanilla for a hint of flavor:

• Basic cold brew concentrate
• 1-2 tablespoons vanilla extract
• Sweetener to taste

Stir vanilla extract and sweetener into the cold brew.

Cold Brew with Citrus

A refreshing twist with citrus:

• Basic cold brew concentrate
• 2-3 slices of orange or lemon
• Ice cubes

Add citrus slices to the cold brew. Serve over ice.

Cold Brew Tonic

A bit of fizz with your cold brew:

• Basic cold brew concentrate
• Tonic water
• Ice cubes

Mix the cold brew with tonic water. Serve over ice.

Quick Pro Tips

• Use coarsely ground coffee for best results. Fine grounds can make your cold brew bitter.
• Aim for a ratio of 1:4 coffee to water. This means using 1 cup of coffee grounds to 4 cups of water.

Pour your cold water slowly over the coffee grounds. This ensures full saturation and optimal flavor extraction.

Stir the mixture initially. Let it rest for 5 minutes, then stir again. This helps the coffee grounds absorb the water fully.

Steep time is crucial. For a balanced flavor, steep your cold brew for 12 to 18 hours in the refrigerator.

Use filtered water. Quality of water affects taste. Filtered water makes a cleaner, richer brew.

Strain the coffee. Use a fine mesh sieve or a coffee filter. This keeps your brew smooth and free of grounds.

Store your cold brew in a sealed container. It keeps fresher up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.

Dilute before drinking. Cold brew concentrate is strong. Mix with an equal part of water, milk, or your favorite dairy-free alternative.

Add flavorings after brewing. Vanilla extract, syrups, or spices can be added to taste.

Keep a consistent routine. Follow the same steps every time for reliable results.