When the weather outside is warm there are only a few things that can be more inviting than a cold version of one’s favorite hot beverage. Cold brews have become increasingly popular in the last few years, and they are now freely available at most coffee shops and grocery stores. Besides being refreshing on warm days, cold brews are generally smooth, sweet, low in acidity and versatile - qualities that make it an easy crowd favorite. Cold brew coffee can easily be made at home with the coffee you like, no special brewer required. We’ll show you how. But, before we go any further, we feel we must mention this - Cold Brew and Iced Coffee are two DIFFERENT drinks. How can you tell?
The names say it all. The biggest difference is the way you brew, which in turn affects the taste. A cold brew requires steeping ground coffee in cold water, whereas an iced coffee is coffee that is brewed the conventional way with hot water, and then served over ice.
Here’s a quick overview of the main differences between a Cold Brew and Iced Coffee:
Both brews are equally refreshing and delicious. And, while the brewing time is much longer for a cold brew, the actual process is quite simple. Let’s get brewing!
Tools
- Wide-mouthed mason jar (32oz)
- Cheese cloth, nut milk bag or fine mesh strainer
- Stirrer
- Scale
Ingredients
- 36g (5½ tbsp) coffee, ground coarse
- 540ml (2¼ cup or 18.25 fl oz) fresh filtered water, room temperature
Method
- Add the ground coffee and a cup of water to the wide mouthed mason jar
- Stir till the grounds are wet
- Add the remaining water and stir well
- Close the jar and keep it in a cool, dark place - brew at room temperature for 14-16 hours or in the refrigerator for 18-24 hours
- When done brewing, strain out the coffee grounds using a fine wire-mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
This recipe yields about 475ml cold brew coffee (about 2 cups) that can be enjoyed black or with milk, and with or without sugar.
Pro tips:
- This brew method tastes best with a medium to medium-dark roast coffee - check out our Woodway Estate, Badnekhan Estate and Chicory Blend offerings.
- The brew can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks
- Brewing with the lid on or with cling wrap keep the levels of oxygen consistent
- Adjust the coffee to water ratio if you would like a stronger concentrated brew
- Cold brew can be warmed up to make a hot cup of coffee too
- Ideal for busy mornings as your coffee is ready to go