Breakfast & Brunch > Breakfast Drinks (Non-Alcoholic) > Coffee > Cold Brew Coffee Recipe
Classic Cold Brew Coffee
Enjoy a smooth and less acidic coffee concentrate with our simple cold brew recipe. Perfect for a refreshing breakfast or brunch beverage, this method extracts the best flavors from your favorite coffee beans without the bitterness.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Coarsely Ground Coffee Beans
- 4 cups Filtered Water
Gather Your Materials
First, ensure you have coarsely ground coffee beans. The coarse grind is crucial for cold brew, as it prevents over-extraction and bitterness. You'll also need filtered water and a container suitable for steeping, such as a large jar or pitcher. A coffee filter, cheesecloth, or a fine-mesh sieve is required for filtering the concentrate.
Combine Coffee and Water
In your chosen container, combine the coarsely ground coffee and filtered water. Stir gently to ensure all the coffee grounds are saturated. Avoid over-stirring.
Steep the Mixture
Cover the container and let it steep in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours. The longer it steeps, the stronger the coffee concentrate will be. Start tasting around 12 hours to find your preferred strength.
Filter the Concentrate
After steeping, it's time to filter the coffee concentrate. Place a coffee filter, cheesecloth-lined sieve, or fine-mesh sieve over a clean container. Slowly pour the coffee mixture through the filter, allowing the concentrate to drain into the container. Be patient and avoid pressing the grounds, as this can introduce sediment into the concentrate.
Dilute and Serve
The resulting liquid is a coffee concentrate. Dilute the concentrate with water or milk to your desired strength. A common ratio is 1 part concentrate to 1 part water or milk. Serve over ice or enjoy it hot by warming the diluted concentrate. You can also add sweeteners or flavors to taste.
FAQ
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Can I use a finer coffee grind?
While you can, a finer grind increases the risk of over-extraction and can result in a bitter-tasting cold brew. A coarse grind is generally recommended. -
How long does cold brew concentrate last?
Cold brew concentrate can last for up to two weeks in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. -
Can I steep the coffee at room temperature?
Yes, but refrigerating the mixture is recommended for optimal flavor and to inhibit bacterial growth. Steeping at room temperature will extract faster, so check after 8-12 hours.