How to Make Cold Brew at Home. Coffee enthusiasts know that nothing beats a refreshing cup of cold brew, especially on a hot day. Making cold brew at home is not only simple, but it allows you to control the strength and flavor of your coffee. With only a few ingredients and tools, you can enjoy smooth and rich cold brew right from your kitchen. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create the perfect batch of cold brew coffee at home.
First, gather your ingredients and tools. You will need coarsely ground coffee beans, filtered water, a pitcher or container for steeping, a fine mesh strainer or a coffee filter, and a large jar or bottle for storage. Aim for a coffee-to-water ratio of about 1:4 or 1:5, depending on how strong you like your brew. For example, if you use 1 cup of coffee grounds, you should use 4 to 5 cups of water.
Next, choose high-quality coffee beans to enhance your cold brew experience. Light or medium roasts work well, as they tend to have brighter flavor profiles that shine through in cold brew. You can also experiment with different blends to find your favorite. Grind your coffee beans coarsely—which will help reduce the bitterness that can come from over-extracting finer grounds.
Once you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to combine them. In your pitcher or container, add the coarsely ground coffee and pour in the filtered water. Make sure all the coffee grounds are saturated by stirring gently with a spoon. Cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap to keep it sealed.
Now, let your coffee steep. Allow it to sit at room temperature or in the refrigerator for 12 to 24 hours. Steeping for a longer time will yield a stronger flavor, but it’s up to you to decide how bold you want your cold brew to be. If you prefer a milder taste, aim for the shorter steeping time.
After the steeping period is complete, it’s time to strain your cold brew concentrate. Place the fine mesh strainer or a coffee filter over another pitcher or large jar. Carefully pour the coffee mixture through the strainer to separate the coffee grounds from the liquid. If using a coffee filter, you may need to do this in batches as it can take a bit of time for the liquid to pass through.
Once strained, you’ll have your cold brew concentrate. You can either enjoy it straight or dilute it with water, milk, or a milk alternative according to your taste preference. If you are using it straight, keep in mind that cold brew can be stronger than traditional iced coffee, so adjust accordingly. You can also add your favorite sweeteners or flavorings like vanilla or caramel, if desired.
My French Press Sept-by-Step Recipe for Cold Brew
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup coarsely ground coffee beans
- 4 cups cold, filtered water
Equipment:
- French Press
- Spoon
- Refrigerator
Instructions: How to Make Cold Brew at Home
- Measure Coffee: Measure out 1/2 cup of coarsely ground coffee. The coffee grounds should be roughly the size of sea salt to ensure proper extraction and to avoid over-extraction.
- Add Coffee to French Press: Place the coarsely ground coffee into the French Press. Shake it gently to level the grounds.
- Add Water: Slowly pour 4 cups of cold, filtered water over the coffee grounds. Make sure all the grounds are fully submerged in the water. You can stir the mixture gently with a spoon to ensure all the coffee is evenly soaked.
- Steep: Place the lid on the French Press but don’t plunge it yet. Let the coffee steep in the refrigerator for 12 to 24 hours. The longer you steep, the stronger the flavor will be. Typically, 16 hours is a good balance for most cold brew recipes.
- Plunge: After the steeping time is over, press the plunger down slowly and steadily. This will separate the coffee grounds from the liquid.
- Serve: Pour the cold brew into a glass with ice. You can dilute it with water or milk, depending on your taste. Add sweeteners or flavorings like vanilla syrup or caramel if you like.
- Store: Any leftover cold brew can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Enjoy your smooth and refreshing cold brew!
Finally, store any leftover cold brew in a sealed jar or bottle in the fridge. It stays fresh for about a week, giving you plenty of time to enjoy your homemade creation. Making cold brew at home means you can sip on a delicious cup whenever you want, personalized to your liking. Enjoy your refreshing drink and savor the smooth taste of the coffee you crafted right in your own home!
