Cold brew coffee has gained popularity for its smooth and refreshing taste, but what many coffee enthusiasts may not realize is that each batch of cold brew is a unique and personalized experience.
Much like a science experiment, every cold brew creation yields different flavours and characteristics depending on the beans used.
From the selection of coffee beans to the brewing process itself, the art of crafting cold brew allows for endless possibilities and customization. We have created a recipe for you to experiment with!
This is just guide – your flavour is your flavour.
What is cold brew coffee?
Cold brew coffee is a brewing method that involves steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in cold or room temperature water for traditionally 12-24 hours.
Unlike traditional hot brewing methods that use hot water to extract flavours quickly, cold brew utilizes a slow extraction process. This extended steeping time allows for a smoother, less acidic, and less bitter flavour profile in the resulting coffee.
Once the steeping is complete, the coffee is typically filtered to separate the liquid from the grounds, resulting in a concentrate or ready-to-drink cold brew coffee concentrate which is super delicious and versatile.
Our recipe for one litre of cold brew
Ingredients
250 grams of your choice of beans
1 litre of water
A sterilised bottle (we like to use glass)
Method
- Grind up your choice of coffee beans using your preferred method until a coarse texture is achieved (like granulated table salt).
- Add your coffee grounds and water to a clean container. There are 3 methods to choose from when it comes to deciding the temperature of your water. Pick one of the following options that seem right to you (you can experiment with each one to decide what works best for your palate).
- Purely cold water emersion for the true cold brew experience. Smooth and delicious.
- A small amount of hot water activates some of the oils then primarily cold water.
- Half hot water/Half cold water. This method will add a slightly more bitter flavour to your coffee when compared to the traditional cold brew so if that is to your taste then this is the one for you.
- Cover the container and place in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours (The longer it steeps the more the flavour can develop and the stronger the taste).
- Once it’s been 12-24 hours, take it out of the fridge and strain coffee to separate the grounds from your cold brew using your preferred method.
- Sterilise your bottle and transfer the cold brew into it to store in the fridge. This recipe can last up to two weeks if in a sterilised and closed container.
How to sterilise a bottle
Always start by cleaning the bottle by thoroughly washing it with warm water and dish soap to remove any dirt, residue, or labels. Use a bottle brush or sponge to clean the inside and outside of the bottle. Then you want to sterilize it one of 3 ways…
One way
To sterilize a glass bottle, begin by rinsing it with boiling water. Boil water in a kettle and pour it into the bottle, allowing it to sit for 5-10 minutes. Then, carefully empty the water into the sink. Repeat the process by boiling the kettle again and pouring hot water over the outside of the bottle to clean the exterior. While the outside may not achieve complete sterility, the primary focus is to ensure the inside of the bottle is sterile.
Or boil
Boil on the stovetop: Fill a pot with water, bring to the boil then reduce to medium heat and put your bottle in for 10 mins to sterilise. Use tongs to remove and place on tea towel to dry. Important Notes: Don’t rinse in cold water as you can crack the glass and then it isn’t sterile and 2 if there is any plastic on the glass bottle be cautious that it doesn’t melt.
The dishwasher
Use your dishwasher: If you put your dishwasher on the hottest setting and place the bottle upside down so that the jets are pointing into the bottle, the heat will sterilise your bottle.
The science behind cold brew coffee
Grinds: If the grinds are too coarse then the surface area is smaller, meaning that less coffee compounds can be extracted from the beans.
If they are too fine then small particles are more likely to make their way through the filtration process and contaminate your cold brew. It also makes it harder to filter as the water struggles to make its way through the sludge like texture of the grinds.
Temperature and Time
Understanding the effects of temperature on coffee brewing allows us to appreciate the nuances and preferences associated with different brewing methods. When coffee grounds are mixed with water, chemical reactions occur that extract soluble compounds, creating the distinct taste and aroma of coffee.
Optimal solubility of these compounds is achieved with hot or boiling water, resulting in a hot brewed coffee with a rich, full-bodied flavour profile. The heat also enhances the aroma that we all know well. However, heat causes the coffee’s chemical compounds to break down and oxidize, leading to a sour and bitter taste.
Cold brew comes to the rescue in this regard. While this breakdown still occurs during cold brewing, it happens at a much slower pace. As a result, cold brew rarely exhibits much acidity or bitterness, offering a smoother and milder taste experience.
Hot brewing delivers a robust flavour and immediate aroma, while cold brew offers a refreshing, non-acidic alternative that stays fresh for an extended duration.
Troubleshooting your cold brew coffee
Why does my cold brew taste sour?
If you find your cold brew slightly acidic or sour, it is likely that you did not allow it to brew for a sufficient duration or your grinds are too coarse. To remedy this, consider extending the brew time and grind your beans to a finer consistency and observe how the sourness gradually dissipates, transforming into a sweet and rich cold brew.
Why does my cold brew taste watery?
Not the ideal coffee grind to water ratio, you either have too much water or not enough coffee grinds. Follow some online cold brew recipes from our website to get an idea about what ratio suits your taste.
How do you make the cold brew taste stronger?
There are a few things you can do, check to make sure your grinds aren’t too coarse, increase your grind to water ratio, extend steeping time or change to darker roasted coffee beans. If you experiment with these tips, you should find the right balance!
Why does my cold brew not taste good?
One or more aspects of your cold brew process isn’t quite right! Take a look at our tips and experiment with the consistency of your grinds, water to grind ratio, steep time or type of coffee beans.
What happens if you brew cold brew too long?
If it sits too long in the fridge, cold brew can become very bitter and unpleasant. Basically ruining the entire batch. You can try to dilute with milk and sweeteners but chances are it is a lesson for the next batch. Next time try and take it out earlier and keep experimenting until you find the right steep time!
Is 12 hours long enough to steep cold brew?
Yes, the longer you steep cold brew, the more flavour is extracted. If you are after a cold brew that is not as strong then 12 hours is perfect!
What makes cold brew so strong?
It is brewed with a high ratio of coffee to water making it concentrated and flavourful. Longer brewing time, finer coffee grinds, darker roasted beans and small amounts of hot water being added also contribute to the strength of a cold brew.
How do you get the most caffeine out of cold brew?
Longer steeping time will increase the amount of caffeine that is extracted from the beans into your cold brew. Remember to not steep it too long or it will be too bitter to drink.
What should I store my cold brew coffee in?
A sterile container that can be sealed. It can be a bottle or carton or any convenient container you have in your home.
