Cold Brew Coffee
A smooth, low-acid coffee, made by steeping coarse-ground coffee in cold water for an extended period. This single-serving recipe is naturally sweeter and less bitter than hot-brewed coffee.
Grind coffee beans coarsely
Grind 2 tablespoons (about 10-12 grams) of whole coffee beans to a coarse consistency, similar to coarse cornmeal. This is crucial for proper extraction and easy straining.
💡 Tips:
- •If you don't have a grinder, ask your coffee shop to grind a small amount for a French press or cold brew.
- •Avoid fine grinds as they can lead to bitterness and sediment.
Combine coffee and water
Add the coarsely ground coffee to a small jar or glass. Pour 0.75 cup (180 ml) of filtered cold water over the grounds. Stir gently to ensure all coffee grounds are fully saturated.
💡 Tips:
- •Using filtered water improves the flavor of the cold brew. Ensure no dry spots remain in the coffee grounds.
Steep the mixture
Cover the jar or glass with a lid or plastic wrap. Let the coffee steep at room temperature or in the refrigerator for 12 to 18 hours. A longer steep time will result in a stronger flavor.
💡 Tips:
- •12-15 hours is a good starting point. Steeping too long (over 18 hours) can sometimes lead to slightly bitter notes.
Strain the cold brew
Line a small fine-mesh sieve with a paper coffee filter or a piece of cheesecloth and place it over a clean glass. Slowly pour the steeped coffee mixture through the filter to separate the coffee from the grounds. Discard the spent coffee grounds.
💡 Tips:
- •Do not squeeze the grounds in the filter, as this can force sediment and bitter flavors into your cold brew.
- •For a clearer brew, you can pass it through a second time if needed.
Serve
Pour the strained cold brew into your serving glass. Serve over 1 serving of ice, if desired. You can enjoy it black or add a splash of milk or a touch of sweetener to taste.
💡 Tips:
- •Adjust the amount of ice to your preference. For a richer taste, use less ice or no ice.
- 💡**Sweetener Options:** Add a dash of simple syrup, honey, or maple syrup to your finished cold brew for a touch of sweetness.
- 💡**Milk Alternatives:** Cold brew pairs wonderfully with various milk options, including oat milk, almond milk, or dairy milk.
- 💡**Flavor Infusion:** For a subtle flavor, add a tiny piece of vanilla bean or a small cinnamon stick to the coffee and water during the steeping process.
- 💡**Make Ahead:** While this recipe is for a single serving, you can easily multiply the ingredients to make a larger batch for convenience, storing the concentrate in the fridge for up to a week.
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