Up Next: Cold Brew
It's no secret that cold brew is having a moment right now.
Every cafe you go to, food blog you read, friend you talk to, all have an opinion and thought on this warm weather favorite. Let's take a few minutes to dive a bit deeper into the #trending beverage, and show you how this chilled version could be your new at home go to.
Cold brew is simply that; coffee that is brewed cold. Traditional coffee brewing uses hot water to quickly extract flavor from the grounds. Cold brew relies on time rather than temperature to do the hard work. Brewing time takes anywhere from 8 to 24 hours (depending on the desired flavor and who you ask) and produces a coffee concentrate high in caffeine. Because the coffee isn't coming in contact with hot water, certain acids and oils are not released in the brewing process. This leaves you with a less acidic, full bodied, smooth concentrate that can be dressed up or down.
So how exactly do you make cold brew? Most methods involve the same simple process; combine, wait, and strain. Here's our favorite methods-
- Toddy Brewer- One of the gold standards in cold brewing, the Toddy uses and immersion method that filters into a storage jar below. A good option for large batches. Brew Time: 12-24 hours
- Cold Bruer- Another excellent choice, the Cold Bruer uses a slow-drip method so no need to worry about over or under extracting. Another good option for large batches. Brew Time: 6 hours, but can be adjusted based on preference
- DIY Mason Jar- The simple version, perfect for a smaller batch. All you need is a jar with a lid and a cheesecloth or coffee filter. Brew Time: 12 hours.
Once you've got your brewing done, it's time for the delicious part-
Cold Brew Coconut Milk Latte
Ingredients:
- One part cold brew concentrate
- Two parts cold water
- Ice
- Coconut milk to taste
A simple and delicious combination; coffee and coconut. Bring the tropics to you with this cold, smooth, creamy blend. Simply fill a cup with ice, pour one part concentrate in with two parts water and stir. Water to coffee ratios can be adjusted depending on your preference. Add a splash of coconut milk, more if you like, stir, and enjoy!
Cold Brew Ice Cubes
Ingredients:
- Cold brew concentrate
- Ice cube tray
This is one you can get really creative with. Ice cubes can be made with pure concentrate, a diluted version, or mix it up with some chocolate, mint, vanilla, or anything else you crave! Let ice cubes sit in the freezer overnight, then add to any, literally ANY drink you can think of.
Cold Brew Ice Cream
Photo by Vicky Wasik
Ingredients:
- One cup cold brew concentrate
- One tablespoon ground coffee
- One cup sweetened condensed milk
- Half cup heavy cream
- One pinch of salt
Combine all ingredients and mix thoroughly. Pour mixture into ice cream maker and freeze until creamy and thick.
No ice cream maker? No problem. Place the mixture in a stainless steel dish and freeze for 45 minutes. As it begins to freeze near the edges, remove from freezer and stir with a hand mixer or whisk. Return to the freezer. Continue to check the mixture every 30 minutes, stirring often as it freezes. Repeat this process for two to three hours, or until frozen.
Cold Brew Tonic
Photo by Stacy Adimando
Ingredients:
- One part cold brew concentrate
- One part cold water
- One part tonic water
- One part ice
Combine cold water, tonic water, and ice in a shaker. Mix up and pour into a glass. Top with cold brew concentrate and voila! A bubbly coffee-tail perfect for that midday heat.
The Firlock
Ingredients:
- One and a half ounces of Fernet Branca
- Half ounce simple syrup
- Two ounces cold water
- Three ounces cold brew concentrate
- Lemon twist
Mix Fernet, simple syrup, water, and concentrate in a shaker with ice. Strain into a glass over ice and garnish with lemon. Evenings or brunch, this one is a winner.
Recipe via Food52
Want some summertime traditional brew recipes? Check out our Pinterest board!
