How Cold Brew is Made
Cold Brew is a smooth, naturally sweet coffee made by steeping coarsely ground coffee in cold water over an extended period. The longer extraction time at a low temperature reduces bitterness and acidity, resulting in a rich, full-bodied drink perfect for warm days or a slow sip. Here’s how it’s typically made:
Coffee Grounds: Start with coarsely ground coffee, as a finer grind can lead to over-extraction and bitterness.
Cold Water: Combine coffee grounds with cold or room-temperature water, using a 1:4 coffee-to-water ratio for a strong concentrate.
Steeping Time: Let the coffee steep for 12-24 hours in the fridge or at room temperature, depending on your preferred strength.
Strain and Serve: Strain the mixture to remove the grounds, and serve the cold brew over ice. You can dilute it with water or milk if desired.
Cold Brew has a rich, chocolatey flavor and a smooth finish, with a lower acidity that’s easy on the stomach—perfect for those who love coffee but find traditional hot coffee too intense.
Variations of Cold Brew
Cold Brew’s versatility means you can experiment with various additions and flavors:
Classic Cold Brew: Serve as-is or with a splash of cold water for a lighter option.
Nitro Cold Brew: Cold brew infused with nitrogen gas to create a creamy, frothy texture similar to draft beer.
How to Enjoy Cold Brew More
Cold Brew can be enjoyed in multiple ways. Here are some tips to make the most of your drink:
Experiment with Dilution: Adjust the strength of your cold brew by diluting it with water, milk, or ice to suit your taste.
Infuse with Flavors: Try infusing the coffee with spices like cinnamon or adding a touch of cocoa powder to the grounds for extra depth.
Try Different Roasts: Light roasts yield a fruity, floral cold brew, while dark roasts offer a rich, chocolatey flavor.
Serve over Ice: Cold Brew served over ice enhances its smoothness and provides extra refreshment.
Barista-Inspired Cold Brew Recipes
Here are some innovative Cold Brew recipes crafted by coffee experts:
Classic Cold Brew by James Hoffmann (World Barista Champion & Coffee Expert)
Ingredients:
100g coarsely ground coffee
400 ml cold water (for concentrate)
Instructions: Combine coffee grounds with cold water, stir, and let steep for 12-16 hours. Strain and serve over ice. Dilute with water or milk to taste for a refreshing cold brew experience.
Nitro Cold Brew by George Howell (Coffee Pioneer and Founder of George Howell Coffee)
Ingredients:
Cold brew concentrate
Nitrogen gas canister (optional)
Instructions: Pour cold brew concentrate into a nitro canister and infuse it with nitrogen gas. Serve over ice for a smooth, creamy texture and unique mouthfeel. Enjoy this ultra-smooth, bubbly take on cold brew that’s perfect for summer.
Cold Brew coffee offers an ideal balance of richness, smoothness, and refreshment, making it a favorite among coffee enthusiasts. At Life Around Coffee, our Cold Brew is crafted with care to bring out the natural flavors, creating a cool, satisfying drink perfect for savoring anytime.
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