Cold brew coffee is a unique brewing method that relies on time and cold water rather than heat to extract flavor. This method creates a smooth, low-acidity brew that’s easier on the stomach and perfect for those who are sensitive to the acidity of hot-brewed coffee. Typically, cold brew requires steeping coffee grounds in room temperature or cold water for 16 to 24 hours, resulting in a refreshing and mellow coffee concentrate.
What You’ll Need
Brewing cold brew at home is easy, and you can do it with just a mason jar and a cheesecloth filter. For this recipe, we’ll be using the Toddy Cold Brew system ($39.99), which is an enjoyable and effective way to make cold brew.
Equipment:
- Toddy Cold Brew Coffee System
- Coffee grinder or pre-ground coffee (coarse grind is ideal)
- Toddy paper filter and felt filter
- Toddy rubber stopper
- Kitchen scale
Important Factors to Consider
- Grind Size: Use a coarse grind, even coarser than what you'd use for a French press, to ensure smooth brewing.
- Brew Ratio: For a concentrate, use 1 gram of coffee for every 5.3 grams of water. Once brewed, dilute the concentrate with water or milk at a 1:1 or 1:2 ratio to taste.
- Water Temperature: Use room temperature or cold water.
- Water Quality: Since water makes up 99% of your cup, use high-quality spring water for the best flavor.
- Fresh Coffee: Always use freshly roasted coffee beans and grind them just before brewing. The ideal window for brewing coffee is 7 to 30 days after roasting.
- Measure: Use a kitchen scale and timer to ensure consistency for every batch.
Step-by-Step Cold Brew Instructions
Step 1: Measure and Grind Coffee
- Coffee Amount: 340 grams (12 ounces)
- Brew Ratio: 1:5.3 coffee to water for a concentrate
Grind the coffee coarsely. A too-fine grind can block the felt filter and slow down draining.
Step 2: Prepare Filters
- Soak the felt filter in warm water for 1 to 3 minutes before using it for the first time. After soaking, wring it out and place it at the bottom of the Toddy system.
- After brewing, rinse the felt filter and store it in the freezer to prevent bacterial growth. When reusing, boil the filter for 1 to 3 minutes before placing it back in the system.
- Rinse the paper filter and place it inside the Toddy.
Step 3: Insert Rubber Stopper
Add the rubber stopper to the bottom of the Toddy to prevent the coffee from draining prematurely.
Step 4: Add Coffee
Pour the 340 grams of coarsely ground coffee into the paper filter inside the Toddy. Secure the filter with a twist tie or rubber band.
Step 5: Add Water and Mix
- Water Amount: 1,800 grams (64 ounces)
- Temperature: Room temperature or cold water
Slowly pour the water over the coffee grounds. Stir gently to ensure all the grounds are saturated. If you’ve tied the filter, weigh it down with a bottle of water or plastic wrap to prevent it from floating.
Step 6: Brew for 16 to 24 Hours
Allow the coffee to steep for 16 to 18 hours at room temperature. If you prefer a stronger brew, extend the steep time to 24 hours.
Step 7: Dilute and Enjoy
Once the cold brew is ready, remove the rubber stopper to let it drain. You now have a cold brew concentrate, which you can dilute to your taste.
- Suggestion 1: Mix 6 ounces of concentrate with 4 ounces of spring water.
- Suggestion 2: Mix 6 ounces of concentrate with 4 ounces of milk or a milk alternative.
Refrigerated cold brew concentrate will stay fresh for 7 to 10 days.
Cold Brew FAQs
- Best Grind Size? A coarse grind, more coarse than French press or pour-over.
- How to Store? Store the concentrate in a glass decanter or airtight container in the fridge.
- Filter Replacement? Replace the felt filter after 10 uses or every 3 months. Paper filters are single-use.
- Cold Brew vs. Iced Coffee? Iced coffee is brewed hot and then cooled, while cold brew is steeped cold for 16 to 24 hours. Cold brew tends to be smoother and less acidic.
- Can You Drink Cold Brew Hot? Yes! Mix 1 part cold brew concentrate with 2 parts hot water for a smooth cup of hot coffee.
Now you're all set to brew the perfect cold brew coffee!
