Cold Brew Coffee: Your Guide to a Smooth and Refreshing Cup

The summer heat is on, and a steaming cup of hot coffee might not be the most appealing drink. But fear not, coffee lovers! Cold brew is here to save the day. This smooth, refreshing coffee concentrate is perfect for those hot days, and it's surprisingly easy to make at home.

What is Cold Brew?

Unlike traditional hot coffee, cold brew is steeped in cold water for an extended period, typically 12-24 hours. This slow extraction process results in a coffee concentrate that is less acidic and bitter than hot brew. Cold brew is known for its smooth, mellow flavor and its ability to be enjoyed black, with milk, or even used in creative cold brew cocktails.

Why Choose Cold Brew?

There are several reasons why cold brew has become so popular:

Smooth and Less Acidic: Cold brew is known for its smooth taste due to the lower acidity extraction. This makes it a great choice for people with sensitive stomachs who find hot coffee bothersome.
Concentrated and Versatile: Cold brew concentrate can be diluted with water or milk to create your desired strength. You can also use it to make iced coffee drinks or cold brew cocktails.
Easy to Make at Home: You don't need any fancy equipment to make cold brew. All you need is a mason jar, some coarse-ground coffee, and cold water.

Getting Started with Cold Brew:

Making cold brew at home is a simple process. Here's a basic guide:

Grind your beans: Use a coarse grind for cold brew. We recommend playing with different Alchemy Roast single origins to create your own unique cold brew. or…. Check out our Cold Brew Coffee Bag to get pre-ground coffee with our cold brew blend to make life a little easier.
Combine coffee and water: A common ratio is 1 part coffee grounds to 4 parts water. You can adjust this ratio to your taste preference.
Steep: Steep your coffee grounds in cold water for 12-24 hours in the refrigerator.
Strain: Brewing in a french press makes for easy cold brew. You can also strain the coffee grounds using a cheesecloth or super fine mesh strainer.
Enjoy! Dilute your cold brew concentrate with water or milk to your desired strength. You can also add ice, cream, or flavored syrups for a customized iced coffee drink.

Ready to Experiment?

Once you've mastered the basics, there are many ways to experiment with cold brew. Try using different coffee bean origins to explore different flavor profiles. You really can’t mess it up and it is a great way to play with your coffee palette.

So ditch the hot coffee pot this summer and give cold brew a try! With its smooth taste, versatility, and ease of preparation, cold brew is sure to become your new favorite way to enjoy coffee on a hot day.