Cold brew coffee has gradually become the favorite of many coffee lovers, with its unique taste, low acidity, and convenient production method. Once became the best choice for many coffee lovers.
If you want to make cold brew coffee outdoors or at home, then this blog may be able to help you. In this article, you can learn about a few of the best ways to make cold brew coffee, which will help you quickly experience the best cold brew coffee experience.
The Main Principles of Cold Brew Coffee
If you want to make cold brew coffee outdoors or at home, then it is necessary for you to understand the basic principles of cold brew coffee and the difference between cold brew coffee and traditional hot brew coffee.
Cold brew coffee is made by using water at room temperature conditions or lower temperatures, extracted and filtered through specialized appliances. The temperature of the water used to make cold brew coffee is usually lower than room temperature, around 20-22°C. Due to the lower temperature of the water, the process of making coffee is very long, usually taking 10-48 hours.
In addition, this method is different from the traditional way of rapid brewing with hot water. As a result, cold brew coffee presents a smoother, less acidic flavor.
Related: What is cold brew coffee? How to make it?
The Difference Between Cold Brew and Hot Brew
In hot extracted coffee, hot water quickly extracts the caffeine and flavor compounds from the coffee. And hot extraction may cause the coffee to release more acids, making the coffee taste sharper and more bitter.
Cold brew coffee, on the other hand, has a slow, low-temperature extraction process, a process that helps to reduce acidity, making the coffee softer and more suitable for those who prefer lower acidity or smoother flavors.
In addition, cold brew coffee is usually stronger and sweeter, providing A natural sweetness even if there is sugar.
Related: What is the Difference Between Cold Brew and Iced Coffee?
Characteristics of Cold Brew Coffee
- Low acidity: Cold water extraction does not release caffeine as quickly, and the acidity of cold brew coffee is much lower than that of hot brew coffee. Therefore, it is especially suitable for people with sensitive stomachs.
- Full-bodied taste: Cold-brewed coffee has a richer and smoother flavor, releasing more of the oils and flavor components during the long steeping process.
- High caffeine content: Due to the longer extraction time of cold brew coffee, the final liquid obtained usually contains higher caffeine content than hot brew coffee.
The Traditional Method of Making Cold Brew Coffee
To make cold brew coffee, you need to soak coarsely ground coffee in water for 10-24 hours. While making cold brew coffee is not complicated, there are a few tips that can help you get the best flavor and texture. Here are detailed steps on making cold brew coffee:
What to Prepare
Before making cold brew coffee, you will need to prepare some of the tools and materials that you will need to use, as follows:
Coffee Beans
Prepare 25-30 grams of coffee beans, you can go with your taste and strength. It is recommended that you choose fresh medium or dark-roasted coffee beans. The reason for this is that medium-roasted coffee beans bring a rich sweetness and flavor, while dark-roasted coffee beans are more intense.
Grinder
You can choose according to your personal needs, such as a manual or electric grinder. If you don't want to work too hard, it is recommended to use an electric grinder for coarse grinding, which can ensure that the particle size of the coffee powder is similar to the coarseness of sea salt.
Additionally, you’ll want to choose a coarse grind for cold brewing to avoid coffee that’s too fine.
Filter
The use of filters is to remove coffee grounds more effectively and to ensure that the coffee liquid is clear. You can choose from fine mesh screens, coffee filters, cold brew coffee bags, and so on, depending on your personal needs. As long as it can effectively filter out the coffee grounds.
Container
You will need to prepare a container with a lid which will mainly hold the coffee beans and water. It is recommended that you use a glass container as it will not react with the coffee and will ensure the original flavor of the coffee. In addition, you can decide the size of the container according to the amount of cold brew coffee.
Water
It is recommended that you use mineral water. Well-known experts say that mineral water is rich in minerals and can help coffee extraction.
Stirring Tools
Prepare a long spoon or stirring stick to stir the coffee and water mixture to ensure that all the coffee grounds are evenly distributed and the water can fully contact the coffee beans while soaking.
Storage Container
Prepare a glass bottle container for storage. After the cold brew coffee is filtered, if it is not consumed immediately, it is best to transfer it to a sealed container to prevent air and light from affecting its flavor. Common ones include glass bottles or plastic containers.
Steps to Making Cold Brew Coffee
Choosing the Right Coffee Beans
The flavor of cold brew coffee is closely related to the type of coffee beans chosen. The best beans for cold brew are typically medium to dark roasted. This roast level allows the beans to release a richer sweetness and flavor when extracted at low temperatures. Lightly roasted beans can make cold brew taste more acidic and sharp, which may not suit most people's preferences.
When selecting coffee beans, try to choose freshly roasted beans, ideally single-origin. These beans usually have unique flavors that can shine through during the cold brew process.
Coffee Bean Grind Size
Cold brew coffee requires coarsely ground coffee beans. Unlike hot brewed coffee, cold brew coffee needs a longer extraction time, so a larger surface area is essential for optimal flavor release. A coarse grind ensures that water can fully interact with all parts of the coffee grounds.
The grind should be similar to the coarseness of sea salt. Grinding too finely can lead to filtration issues and may result in a brew that is too intense and bitter.
Water Temperature
When making cold brew coffee, it is ideal to use cold or room temperature water. Avoid using hot water, as it will speed up the extraction process, making the coffee too strong and losing the smoothness that cold brew is known for.
Coffee-to-Water Ratio
The recommended coffee-to-water ratio for cold brew is between 1:4 and 1:8. For a stronger cold brew, use a 1:4 ratio, while a more diluted version can be made with a 1:8 ratio. You can adjust according to personal preference, but avoid using too much water, as it may dilute the coffee’s flavor.
Brewing Time
Cold brew coffee typically steeps for 12 to 24 hours. The length of time will impact the flavor of the coffee. A shorter steeping time will result in a fresher, lighter brew, while a longer steeping time will release more flavors, giving a fuller-bodied taste.
If you prefer a stronger brew, you can extend the steeping time to 24 hours. If it's your first time making a cold brew, start at 12 hours and gradually adjust to your preferred taste.
Filtering and Storing
Once brewed, filter the coffee using a fine mesh strainer or cold brew coffee filter bags to remove the coffee grounds. Cold brew does not need to be filtered as thoroughly as hot brewed coffee—leaving a small amount of coffee grounds can enhance the flavor.
Filtered cold brews can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. Avoid exposing it to sunlight, as this can negatively affect the coffee’s flavor.
Quick Method for Making Cold Brew Coffee
As mentioned earlier, traditional cold brew coffee requires a steeping time of 10-24 hours, which can be quite lengthy.
If you want to quickly brew cold brew coffee, we recommend using the ITEHIL portable cold brew coffee cup. It utilizes advanced vacuum extraction and a powerful pump to reduce the traditional brewing time from 10 hours to just 15 minutes.
This means you only need to wait 15 minutes to enjoy fresh, delicious cold brew coffee. Not only does this enhance your coffee experience, but it also saves you more time.
Advantages of the ITEHIL Portable Electric Cold Brew Coffee Cup
- No need for hot extraction + cooling, just a 15-minute cold brew cycle.
- Lightweight and portable design, so you can use it anytime, anywhere.
- Built-in 1200mAh battery, USB-C charging, providing 10 cold brews per charge.
- Made from safe, sturdy, and durable materials.
- Simple operation, ready in just a few easy steps.
Related: The Ultimate Guide to the Best Cold Brew Coffee Cups of 2024
How to Make Cold Brew Coffee with a French Press
Preparation:
- Ingredients: four ounces of coarse ground coffee, three cups of cold water
- Utensils: French press, spoon, storage container
Operational Steps:
- Pour the powder. Grind 30g of ground coffee into the bottom of a French press pot.
- Add water. Pour 300g of cold water evenly into the French press.
- Stir. Stir the water and coffee grounds together, making sure all the grounds are wet.
- Steeping. Allow the cold coffee to steep in the French press for 12-20 hours. The longer you steep your cold brew coffee, the stronger the flavor will be, and you can adjust the flavor to your liking, but don't go longer than 24 hours.
- Filtering. Once steeped, press the filter cap on the French press and pour the coffee liquid into the storage container.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cold Brew Healthy?
Cold brew coffee is milder and less irritating to the stomach than hot coffee because no heat is used in its preparation. It also contains less acid, which helps reduce hyperacidity and stomach upset.
How Long to Steep Cold Brew?
Cold brew coffee usually needs to be steeped for 12 to 24 hours, depending on personal taste preferences. But if you use the ITEHIL Portable Electric Cold Brew Coffee Cup, it only takes 15 minutes.
What is The Best Water for Cold Brew Coffee?
For example, filtered water or mineral water with a clean taste and moderate mineral content can better highlight the flavor of coffee.
How Long Does Cold Brew Last in The Fridge?
Cold brew coffee can generally be stored in the refrigerator for about 7 days, but for the best taste, it is recommended to drink it within 3 to 5 days. When storing, make sure to seal the container to prevent air and odors from affecting the flavor.
