Cold Brew Coffee Recipe

I absolutely adore this cold brew coffee recipe because it lets me savor a smooth and rich caffeine boost without the bitterness, making my mornings a whole lot brighter. Plus, the flexibility to customize it with my favorite milk and sweetener over ice makes it the perfect refreshing treat for any time of the day!

I enjoy how simple cold brew coffee is. All you need is 1 cup of coarsely ground coffee and 4 cups of cold filtered water.

The result has a smoothness and a boldness that I just love. You could drink it that way, but I add a splash of milk or cream and a touch of simple syrup to make it perfect.

Or as close to perfect as I usually are.

Ingredients

Coarsely Ground Coffee:
High in antioxidants.

Improves mental clarity and provides energy.

Cold Filtered Water:
A smooth and clean flavor is provided by pure hydration.

Milk or Cream:
Includes ingredients for a creamy, velvety finish.

This step is optional.

Simple Syrup or Sweetener:
Adjust the sweetness to your liking.

Ensure it is sweetened to just the right taste for your preference.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup coarsely ground coffee
• 4 cups cold filtered water
• Optional: Milk or cream for serving
• Optional: Simple syrup or preferred sweetener

Instructions

1. In a large jar or pitcher, mix together 1 cup of coarsely ground coffee and 4 cups of cold, filtered water.

2. Gently stir to make sure that every particle of coffee grounds is thoroughly soaking wet.

3. Put a lid or plastic wrap over the jar or pitcher.

4. Allow it to sit in the refrigerator for 12 to 24 hours. The steeping time determines the strength of the tea.

5. Following the steeping, a fine-mesh sieve is lined with either a coffee filter or a piece of cheesecloth.

6. In another vessel, strain the coffee through the sieve to remove the grounds.

7. Throw away the coffee grounds, then keep the strained coffee concentrate in the fridge.

8. To serve, mix the coffee concentrate with the same amount of cold water or to your taste.

9. If preferred, incorporate milk or cream, and stir to combine.

10. If desired, sweeten with simple syrup or your preferred sweetener, and serve over ice.

Equipment Needed

1. Large jar or pitcher
2. Measuring cup
3. Spoon for stirring
4. Lid or plastic wrap
5. Refrigerator
6. Fine-mesh sieve
7. Coffee filter or piece of cheesecloth
8. Second vessel for straining
9. Cup or glass for serving
10. Ice (optional)

FAQ

• Q:Can I substitute finely ground coffee for coarsely ground coffee?
  A: Using coarsely ground coffee is best to guarantee smooth flavor extraction and to avoid over-extraction, which can give coffee a bitter taste.
• Q:What is the steeping duration for the coffee?
  A: Make cold brew coffee, part 1: Steeping. 1. Put your coffee in a jar or other container. 2. Use a large enough container that almost fills it to the top (leaving just enough room that it doesn’t slosh when you move it). 3. Put the lid on the container and place it in the refrigerator.
• Q:How do I strain the coffee grounds?
  A: A coffee filter, a fine mesh sieve, or a nut milk bag can each accomplish the task of straining the coffee. Any of these three can be used to prepare the coffee for pouring into a pitcher or jar.
• Q:Is it possible to warm up cold brew coffee?
  A: Certainly, if you want to make hot coffee with the smooth flavor of cold brew, you can heat it up on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• Q:How long can I store cold brew coffee in the fridge?
  A: You can keep cold brew coffee in the fridge for as long as two weeks.
• Q:Is special equipment required for making cold brew coffee?
  A: You do not need any special equipment. A large jar or pitcher and a strainer will do just fine.
• Q:Is it acceptable for me to consume cold brew coffee without any additional ingredients?
  Certainly! Cold brew is smooth and has a lower acidity level. It can be appreciated black or, if one chooses, with the addition of milk, cream, or sweeteners.

Substitutions and Variations

Substitute decaffeinated coffee if you prefer a caffeine-free version, using the same amount as you would for regular coffee.
Water that is cold and filtered: Use either cold, bottled water or cold, spring water. This is going to give you a different taste profile. Use it.
Almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk can be used in place of milk or cream, if you’re avoiding dairy.
Simple syrup: Use honey, agave syrup, or maple syrup instead. These natural sweetener alternatives are quite suitable.

Pro Tips

1. Choose the Right Grind Use coarsely ground coffee beans, similar in texture to breadcrumbs or sea salt. Finer grinds can slip through the sieve or cheesecloth and make your coffee cloudy.

2. Experiment with Steeping Time While 12 to 24 hours is commonly recommended, you can adjust the steeping time to find your perfect strength and flavor. A longer steeping time typically results in a stronger, more robust flavor.

3. Maintain a Consistent Temperature Ensure your refrigerator is set to a stable, consistent temperature. Fluctuations can affect the extraction process, impacting the final flavor profile of your cold brew.

4. Dilution Ratio When mixing the coffee concentrate with water for serving, start with a 1:1 ratio (equal parts concentrate and water), but feel free to adjust according to your taste preferences for a stronger or milder cup.

5. Ice Quality Use filtered water to make your ice cubes. This helps prevent any off-flavors in your cold brew when the ice melts, ensuring a clean and refreshing taste.