Forget the sugary sodas and lukewarm iced coffees.  There's a hero in the world of cold beverages, a smooth operator with a hidden kick and its cold brew coffee.

This isn't your average cup of coffee watered down with ice. Cold brew is a drink that's born from patience and precision. It's packed full of rich coffee flavours, minus the harsh acidity that can leave your taste buds feeling excited.  As a coffee roaster, I've spent countless hours exploring the magic of cold brew, and I'm here to share the secrets to brewing your cup of cold brew coffee.

 

 

The Allure of Cold Brew

I see a lot of trends come and go, but cold brew has staying power for a reason: it's incredibly versatile. It's like a chameleon of the coffee world, adapting to your mood and cravings with ease. Think of it as a blank canvas for your creativity. Want a creamy, dreamy latte?  Just add some milk or your favourite alternative. Feeling something fruity?  A splash of coconut milk and a squeeze of pineapple juice will give you that tropical vibe you're craving. The possibilities are endless and all you need to do is experiment with it.

 

 

Choosing the Perfect Beans for Your Cold Brew

Let's talk about the foundation of any great cup, the coffee beans! Picking the right ones is like choosing the perfect travel companion for your road trip – you want them to complement the journey, and not cause any unnecessary bumps.

Unlike hot coffee where delicate flavours can be easily overpowered, cold brew lets the natural notes of the beans shine. So, to create that smooth, delicious cold brew, we want to avoid super light roasts that might taste a bit too acidic on their own.

 

Here's why we think you should stick to medium or dark roasts for cold brew

Light roasts are fantastic for hot coffee – But with cold brew, the brewing process is a slow and relaxed journey. Light roasts, with their delicate and brighter acidity, tend to get a little lost in the shuffle and can sometimes taste a bit sour or harsh in cold brew. While medium and dark roasts are a different story entirely, these roasts have developed rich, bold flavours and deep aromas during the roasting process which translates to a smoother and more balanced taste in your cold brew. 

This doesn't have to be a rigid rule book though, while medium and dark roasts are generally recommended for cold brew, if you're feeling adventurous, you can always try a cold brew with a light roast you love, just be ready for the flavour profile to be slightly different to what you generally taste with a light roasted hot coffee. 

 

 

Here’s our recipe for the perfect cold-brew coffee

Essential Equipment

French Press: A classic choice for cold brewing, the French press allows for full immersion and extraction of coffee flavours.

Grinder: Opt for a coarse grind to optimise flavour extraction and prevent bitterness.

Glass Container: A wide-mouthed glass container is ideal for brewing and storing your cold brew concentrate.

Strainer: A fine-mesh strainer will effectively remove any coffee grounds from your concentrate.

 

Ingredients

Cold Water: Use filtered or spring water for optimal flavour and clarity.

Premium Coffee Beans: Choose high-quality, freshly roasted coffee beans for the best results.

Brewing Ratio

A standard cold brew ratio is 1:4, meaning 1 gram of coffee grounds for every 4 grams of water. However, you can adjust the ratio to your preference. For a stronger brew, use a 1:2 ratio, and for a milder flavour, use a 1:6 ratio.

Brewing Instructions

1. Grind the Coffee Beans: Grind your coffee beans coarsely, similar to the consistency of kosher salt.
2. Add Coffee Grounds to the Container: Place the coarsely ground coffee beans into the chosen container.
3. Pour Cold Water: Slowly pour the cold filtered or spring water over the coffee grounds, ensuring they are fully submerged.
4. Cover and Steep: Cover the container tightly and let the coffee steep at room temperature for 12-24 hours. The longer the steeping time, the stronger the concentration will be.
5. Filter the Concentrate: After the steeping time, carefully pour the cold brew mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into another clean container.
6. Refrigerate: Store the strained cold brew concentrate in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Serving and Enjoying

Dilute the cold brew concentrate with cold water or milk to your desired strength. Add ice cubes for a refreshing chilled beverage. You can also incorporate other flavourings like flavoured syrups, spices, or fruit purees to personalize your cold brew experience.

Tips and Variations

Experiment with different types of coffee beans: Experiment with different roast levels, origins, and varietals to discover your favourite cold brew profile.

Customize your steeping time: Adjust the steeping time to control the strength of your cold brew. A shorter steep will result in a lighter brew, while a longer steep will yield a stronger concentrate.

Incorporate milk or cream: Cold brew can be enjoyed plain, but it's also delicious when diluted with cold milk or cream. You can also use non-dairy milk alternatives.

Add flavour enhancers: Experiment with flavoured syrups, spices, or fruit purees to add depth and complexity to your cold brew.

Enjoy cold brew straight or on ice: Cold brew can be enjoyed straight, on ice, or as a base for iced coffee cocktails.

With these tips and variations, you can create your own personalized cold brew creations to suit your taste. So grab your favourite coffee beans, gather your brewing equipment, and embark on a journey of cold brew experimentation.