Unless you’ve been living under a rock you’ve probably seen cold brew coffee appearing just about everywhere. Cold brew coffee is hardly new but becoming more and more mainstream with everyone carrying it from your local grocery store to major coffee chains like Starbucks. Many people however are still puzzled on what exactly it is. So, we are here to tell you what it is, how it’s made, its health benefits, and why we think it is better than regular coffee. We are even including a recipe for you, so you can make it on your own. We promise, it’s really, really good.
Cold brew coffee and iced coffee are polar opposites. Cold brew coffee is coffee that is brewed with room-temperature or cold water over a 12-24 hour brew time. Traditional iced coffee is made by brewing coffee double-strength and then pouring it over ice. Cold brew coffee is smooth, low in acidity, and brings out the natural flavors of the beans.
Benefits of Cold Brew Coffee:
- Straightforward to make
- Low acidity
- Smooth flavor
- Lasts up to 2 weeks if properly stored
- Strong and prolonged caffeine kick
- Stomach friendly
Cons of Cold Brew Coffee:
- Patience required – takes up to 24 hours to make
- You need a cold brew coffee maker (we will show you a recipe you can use without this)
There are even some health benefits of opting for cold brew over your regular iced coffee. Cold brew has less acidity than regular coffee. Studies show it has up to 67% less acidity making it easier on your stomach. There is also an increased amount on antioxidants in cold brew coffee. Coffee beans lose some of their natural health benefits and antioxidants when they’re burned or exposed to high temperatures making cold brew the better option if you are looking to up your antioxidant intake.
Here is a recipe on how to make your very own cold brew coffee at home!
Cold Brew Coffee at Home (makes 2 quarts)
Ingredients
- 8 ounces whole coffee beans
- 8 cups water
Equipment
- Coffee grinder
- 2 (3-quart) jars or pitchers with lids
- Cheesecloth
- Rubber band
Instructions
- Grind the coffee beans into a coarse grind. Grind the coffee beans in a coffee grinder until they are coarsely ground. Depending on the capacity of the coffee grinder, you may need to grind the coffee in batches.
- Combine the ground coffee and water in the jar.Pour the ground coffee in to a 3-quart jar or pitcher. Add the water.
- Stir to incorporate. Gently stir the coffee with the water until well-blended. The coffee will float to the top as it sits, but don’t stress about that — just make sure all of the coffee gets wet.
- Steep the coffee overnight in the fridge. Cover and refrigerate the cold brew for at least 18 hours or up to 24 hours.
- Strain the coffee concentrate. Line a small fine-mesh strainer with cheesecloth and set it over a large measuring cup. Slowly pour the coffee concentrate through the strainer. Depending on the size of your strainer, you may need to strain the coffee in batches. Fight the temptation to squeeze or press the coffee grounds in the cheesecloth.
- Transfer to the cold brew to a clean jar for longer-term storage. Once strained, transfer the coffee to a clean, airtight jar for long-term storage. Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
- Make your iced coffee. To serve, fill a glass with 1 cup ice cubes. Pour 1/2 cup the cold brew over the ice, add 1/2 cup cold water, and stir to combine. Add almond milk or half-and-half if desired and enjoy.
*Undiluted cold brew will last for up to 2 weeks refrigerated; diluted cold brew will last 2 to 3 days refrigerated*
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We know which we would chose but how about you? Are you a fan of cold brew? Why or why not? We’d love to know. Tell us in the comments!
