What is Cold Brew Coffee?

Summer is coming up, and more of us will be drinking our coffee on ice. Traditional iced coffee is hot coffee or espresso which is allowed to cool then served over ice, but cold brew coffee removes the heated aspect all together and is brewed by steeping coffee in cold water. It’s a tried and true method that is coming back in style.

Cold-brew fans say that because coffee grounds aren’t exposed to hot water, the resulting coffee is more flavorful and less bitter than hot coffee. It’s a cinch to make yourself, as well. Here are the steps to make your own cold brew coffee:

1.       Measure it: A good ratio of coffee to water is one pound of coarsely ground coffee for one gallon of water. Make sure to start with filtered water to ensure the best taste.

2.       Add Water: Put the coffee in a large, clean container (glass is good- it’s easy to clean and leaves no flavor in the brew). Pour in a gallon of water, making sure to cover all of the coffee. Stir after 10 minutes. Cover the container with something breathable like cheesecloth, and let stand at room temperature 12-24 hours.

3.       Strain it: Line a strainer with cheesecloth or a paper filter on top of a clean container, and pour the coffee mixture through.

4.       Drink it! Cover and refrigerate the coffee for 4-5 days. It’s a concentrate, so when you are ready to drink it, pour some into a cup and add cold, filtered water. How much to add depends on how strong you like your coffee. Bonus: the cold brew coffee makes for a great way to include coffee flavor in baked goods or cocktails as well.