The weather may be getting cooler, but it’s still iced coffee season. (For some of us, it’s always iced coffee season!) As delicious as your usual coffee shop to-go order may be, it’s easy to make your own at home – and you’ll save money and time in the process. The trick is to create a cup that isn’t watered down and weak. That’s where cold brew coffee comes in!
What is cold brew coffee?
Cold brew is exactly what it sounds like: coffee brewed without heat. Besides having a smooth, strong flavor, cold brew coffee benefits include less acidity, meaning it's easier on the stomach (and your teeth!). Once you see how simple it is to make a big batch, you’ll want to keep a gallon in your fridge at all times. Trust us.
What supplies are needed to make it?
Before brewing your first batch, make sure you’re equipped with ground coffee, filtered water, cheesecloth and two one-gallon glass containers (such as oversized mason jars). For the best, least-bitter results, coarse-grind your beans for a consistency similar to raw sugar. If you’re not able to grind your own beans, choose an organic, full-bodied brew like Vitacost Brew Campfire Coffee 100% Arabica Certified Organic Ground Coffee. Cheesecloth, which is stronger and more reliable than coffee filters, will be used to filter out the grounds.
How do you make cold brew coffee?
The most important aspects of making cold brew coffee are ratios and time. A good guideline is to double the ratio of coffee to water that typically uses when brewing hot coffee. For those of you who have never touched a coffee maker (that’s OK, me either!), stick with the tried and true ratio of one ounce of coffee to one cup of water. Of course, as you come to perfect your cold brew recipe you can adjust these ratios to create the strength you prefer.
For this recipe, we’re going to use 10 ounces of coffee and 10 cups of water; however, you can adjust the exact amount for your needs. Simply pour both the water and the grounds in one of the glass containers, stir well and place in the fridge. Let the coffee brew sit for 15 to 20 hours and then strain. To strain, wrap the cheese cloth around the opening of the container (use a rubber band to keep it snug), and slowly pour the mixture over top. Let gravity to its job and you’ll be left with a gallon full of delicious, ready-to-drink cold brew.
How do I store it?
The best part of making your own cold brew is that it will save you so much time in the morning. One big batch of cold brew tightly sealed in a glass jar can stay in the refrigerator for up to two weeks -- just pour into an insulated mug or thermos, and hit the road!
How do I serve cold brew coffee?
Since the cold brew concentrate is very concentrated, you’ll most likely want to dilute it upon serving. A 1:1 ratio of cold brew concentrate to water is a good rule of thumb for an averagely strong cup of joe. After this you can add ice and milk to taste. Cold brew tends to have a sweeter flavor than regular brewed coffee, so you may find yourself using less sweetener. If you want more of a latte-style drink, use less water and more milk. Play around with these ratios and find what is the tastiest to you!
Cold-brew + you = the perfect match? Here are some products to help fuel your passion:
