How To Make Cold Brew
Cold brew coffee is coffee that is brewed at a lower temperature than traditional coffee brewing methods. This results in a less acidic coffee with a smoother flavor. Cold brew coffee is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in cold water for 12-24 hours. The coffee is then filtered and the resulting coffee concentrate can be diluted with water or milk.
There are a few reasons why cold brew coffee is so popular. One reason is that it is less acidic than hot brewed coffee, so it is easier on the stomach. Cold brew coffee is also smoother and less bitter than hot-brewed coffee. Cold brew coffee has a higher concentration of coffee, so it is more caffeinated. Finally, the process is extremely simple and large quantities can be brewed at once making it a convenient choice for those short on time.
How do you make cold-brew coffee?
There are a few different ways to make cold brew coffee, but the most common method is to steep coarsely ground coffee beans in cold water for 12-24 hours. The coffee can be brewed in a French press, mason jar, or any other container with a tight-fitting lid.
To make cold brew coffee in a French press,
- Add the coffee grounds to the press and top off with cold water. Stir to make sure all of the grounds are saturated,
- Place the lid on the press and put it in the fridge for 12-24 hours.
- After 12-24 hours, press down on the plunger to filter the coffee and pour it into a cup or container.
To make cold brew coffee in a mason jar,
- Add the coffee grounds to the jar and top off with cold water. Stir to make sure all of the grounds are saturated,
- Screw on the lid and put it in the fridge for 12-24 hours.
- After 12-24 hours, strain the coffee through a coffee filter or cheesecloth into a cup or container.
There is no one perfect way to make cold brew coffee, so feel free to experiment with different methods and ratios of coffee to water until you find a recipe that you like.
What is the best coffee-to-water ratio for cold brew?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it is largely dependent on personal preference. Some people might prefer a stronger coffee flavor, while others might prefer a more diluted drink. A good starting point might be a ratio of 1:8 grams (coffee to water), but ultimately it is up to the individual to experiment to find the ratio that they prefer. For a stronger cold brew recipe, try a ratio of 1:4 (coffee to water).
4 Tips for great cold brew coffee
- Grind the beans fresh and to a coarse consistency.
- Use cold or room temperature water to steep the beans.
- Use fresh filtered water.
- Sanitize your brewing equipment.
How to serve cold brew coffee
There are many ways to enjoy cold brew coffee. One of the increasingly popular ways to enjoy cold brew is to add nitrogen or nitrous oxide to create nitro cold brew. Nitro cold brew is coffee with cascading micro-bubble layers that result in a naturally sweeter flavor with less acidity making it a great option for those with sensitive stomachs. Some people like to drink it straight, while some like to dilute it with water, while others add milk or sugar. You can also use cold brew coffee as a base for other beverages, such as iced coffee or frappuccinos.
How to make it nitro cold brew
In years past, you could only get nitro coffee from your local coffee shop like Starbucks. Today, you can easily make nitro cold brew at home with machines like the Royal Brew Nitro Keg and Nitro Growler Pro.
Once your cold brew is ready, you will need to pour it into a Royal Brew system and add some nitrogen or nitrous oxide. To add some nitrogen, simply twist a nitrogen cartridge into the nitrogen holder until you hear a hissing noise. Once the nitrogen is added, shake it up, and wait about 10 minutes to allow the gas to infuse. After 10 minutes, you can pour it into a glass to drink. The nitrogen will give the coffee a delicious creamy texture and a foamy head.