Cold brew has gained popularity over the years since its made with room temperature or cold water, making it a refreshing alternative to traditional hot coffee. The slow extraction process brings out the unique flavors of the coffee beans while reducing the acidity, resulting in a mellow and well-rounded taste. The best part is you can recreate the magic of our café in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Ingredients
- Quality coarsely ground coffee beans: Select a medium to dark roast coffee that suits your taste. Aim for a 1:4 coffee-to-water ratio.
- Filtered water: Opt for filtered water to enhance the flavors and remove impurities.
- A French Press : This will help separate the coffee grounds from the liquid.
- A long stirring utensil: Use a spoon or spatula to ensure even saturation.
- A glass jar or container: Choose a container that can store the desired amount of cold brew you wish to make.
Step 1: Combine Coffee and Water
In your French press, add the coarsely ground coffee and filtered water. Gently stir the mixture, ensuring that all the coffee grounds are fully immersed. Remember, the recommended starting point is a 1:4 coffee-to-water ratio. However, feel free to adjust this ratio based on your preferences for strength and flavor.
Step 3: Time to Brew and Infuse
Cover the French Press with the lid, do not push the plunger down, and place it on the counter. Allow the coffee to steep for a minimum of 12 hours, but for a stronger flavor, you can extend the steeping time to 24 hours. Patience is key during this step, as the slow extraction process will create a smooth and less acidic brew.
Step 4: Straining and Filtering
After the designated steeping time has passed, carefully push the plunger down separating the coffee from the grounds. If necessary, you can strain the cold brew through a cheese cloth afterwards for a cleaner brew.
Step 5: Dilution and Customization
At this stage, you have a concentrated cold brew concentrate. To enjoy a cup of cold brew, dilute it to your desired strength using equal parts cold brew concentrate and water or milk. Feel free to experiment with different ratios or add ice cubes for an extra chill.
Step 6: Storage and Serving
Transfer the strained cold brew concentrate into a clean glass jar or airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to one week, ensuring you have a steady supply of cold brew at your disposal. When ready to serve, pour it over ice and add any desired sweeteners or flavorings like simple syrup, vanilla extract, or a splash of your favorite milk.
You can now enjoy the art of cold brew in the comfort of your own home. Embrace the brewing process, let the flavors unfold, and relish the joy of creating your own café-worthy cold brew. Cheers to an extraordinary coffee experience that begins within your very own kitchen!
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