Contrary to the name, cold brew coffee (also called cold brew) isn't simply coffee served cold, but rather a coffee concentrate made by steeping coarsely ground coffee in cool or cold water. The brewing process takes place over an extended period of time, usually in the fridge, but sometimes at room temperature.
Try serving over ice or with cold milk, sweeten it up with gingerbread syrup, or make an iced version of a gingerbread latte or lavender latte. Cold brew is a great on-the-run coffee option if you're in a rush, too.
Ingredients
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Coffee: you can use pre-ground coffee if you want. Note that fresh ground beans have more flavour. Just make sure you buy coarse grind! Sub decaf if preferred.
- Water: use filtered if your tap water is of poor quality.
Use the JUMP TO RECIPE button at the top, or scroll to the bottom of the post to see the printable recipe card with full ingredient measurements and complete instructions.
Method
Step 1: measure out your beans and transfer to a coffee grinder.
Step 2: grind coarsely.
Step 3: add the coffee grounds to a large bowl or glass container.
Step 4: stir in the water, being sure to moisten all of the coffee grounds.
Step 5: refrigerate for about 24 hours, then strain through a coffee filter.
Step 6: transfer to a lidded container and keep in the fridge.
Top Tips
- Increase the amount: you can double or triple this recipe if you have a large enough container to brew in.
- If you're in a rush: skip the coffee filter and strain 2 or 3 times through a fine mesh sieve.
- If you're short on space: not everyone has the space in their fridge for a large bowl – if you don't, make your cold brew using cold water and steeping on the countertop.
Recipe Notes
When straining the concentrate it will flow quickly at first then slow down to a trickle, then individual drips. It will take about 20 minutes for all of the coffee to drain through.
The yield can vary between 2 ½ to 3 cups (625 to 750ml) of concentrate depending on the grind of your coffee beans and how well they drain through the filter and strainer.
How to Store
Storage: keep in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Freezing: you can freeze ice cubes of your cold brew to add to iced coffee to prevent it from being watered down. Once fully frozen, transfer to zip-top bags or an airtight container and keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.
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Cold Brew Coffee
Equipment
- Coffee grinder
- 2 Large bowls
- Large jar or carafe with lid optional, for storage
- Fine mesh sieve
- Coffee filter or cheese cloth
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups whole coffee beans
- 4 cups cold water
Instructions
- Place the coffee beans in a coffee grinder. Grind the beans until they are broken up into coarse pieces, about the size of large-grain salt. You may need to grind the beans in 2 or 3 batches, depending on the capacity of your grinder. Transfer the ground beans to a large jar or bowl.1 ¾ cups whole coffee beans
- Pour the water over the top of the ground coffee. Stir to combine and moisten all the grounds. It’s okay if they rise to the top, just ensure they are stirred together well.4 cups cold water
- Cover the container and refrigerate for 16 to 24 hours.
- After the coffee has finished steeping, line a fine mesh strainer with a coffee filter. Slowly pour the coffee into the strainer into a large container or jar. Do not squeeze or press the coffee grounds.
- When all of the cold brew has strained through, discard the coffee grounds and cover the container or jar. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks and serve as black coffee or mixed with milk, water, or ice.
Notes
- Increase the amount: you can double or triple this recipe if you have a large enough container to brew in.
- If you're in a rush: skip the coffee filter and strain 2 or 3 times through a fine mesh sieve.
- If you're short on space: not everyone has the space in their fridge for a large bowl – if you don't, make your cold brew using cold water and steeping on the countertop.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an estimate and is provided as a courtesy. For precise nutritional data, please calculate it independently using your preferred nutrition calculator.
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