A Step-by-Step Guide to Making Delicious Cold Brew Coffee at Home
Dec 25, 2022
Cold brew coffee is a method of making coffee that involves steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in cold water for an extended period of time, usually 12-24 hours. The result is a smooth, naturally sweet, and less acidic coffee that is perfect for iced drinks. Here is a simple guide for making cold brew coffee at home:
- Gather the necessary materials:
- Coarsely ground coffee beans
- Filtered water
- A jar or container with a lid
- A fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth
- A large bowl or pitcher
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Grind the coffee beans: Use a coarse grind setting on your coffee grinder or buy pre-ground coffee beans that are labeled as "cold brew." The larger grind size will allow the coffee to extract more slowly, resulting in a smoother and less acidic brew.
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Combine the coffee and water: Place the ground coffee in the jar or container and add filtered water. The ratio of coffee to water is a matter of personal preference, but a good starting point is 1:8 (1 part coffee to 8 parts water). Stir the mixture until the coffee is fully saturated.
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Steep the coffee: Seal the jar or container and place it in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours. The longer the coffee steeps, the stronger the brew will be.
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Strain the coffee: After the steeping time is up, strain the coffee through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a large bowl or pitcher. Be sure to squeeze the coffee grounds to extract as much liquid as possible.
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Serve and enjoy: Pour the cold brew coffee over ice and add milk, cream, or sweeteners if desired. You can also dilute the coffee with water to taste. The cold brew coffee will keep in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Note: If you don't have time to wait for the coffee to steep, you can also make hot bloom cold brew coffee. To do this, mix the coffee and water in a pot and heat the mixture to just below boiling (90-95°C). Let the mixture bloom for 30 seconds and then remove it from the heat. Let it sit for 4-5 minutes, then add the remaining water and let the coffee steep in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours.
