The thirst is real in the upcoming arrival of cold brew coffee season. It is high time to decide how we can quench our longing for this drink. Are we going to stick again in going to coffee shops? Or drop by convenience stores to buy canned cold brew coffees? Oh! Maybe it is time to learn to make your own summer-time favorite in a mindblowing way!
Despite the heavy demands in preparing cold brew coffee, no one can deny the sweet taste on a warm summer day. Be prepared for long hours of waiting and using considerably expensive equipment. I guarantee that it's all worth it in the end. But wait! Did you know you can cheat the system? Of course, waiting cannot be bypassed; however, the use of expensive equipment can be skipped. Read to the end to know some inexpensive tricks perfect for anyone with a frugal mind.
Cold brew has some amazing health benefits among which are:
- Will boost your metabolism and it will lift your mood.
- It will lower the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
- Cold brew may reduce the risk of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease.
However, cold brew is easier on the stomach than hot coffee and that is the reason many coffee lovers switch to it recently.
Guideline to a Traditional Cold Brew Coffee
BUT! Before you start making your own version of cold brew coffee, you should know how to make it the conventional way. I will help you throughout your coffee-making journey. I present to you the guide to a cold brew coffee success. Moving back to ancient history, there are two ways people ordinarily use to make their cold brew coffee.
Immersion Cold BrewIt is the process that we are most familiar with in the field of cold brew coffee. The way of cold immersion brew involves the GRINDING, STEEPING, and FILTERING of coffee grounds.
Drip Cold BrewThe drip cold brew uses a more complex process aided by an equipment called Bruer. Bruer is a glass structure with varying levels, each with its own glass container. The topmost glass slowly drips water unto the bottom bed of ground coffee.
Immersion Cold Brew vs. Drip Cold Brew
Immersion cold brew coffee tastes stronger than drip cold brew coffee.
Immersion cold brew produces a fuller-bodied structure which enhances the flavor of the coffee.
Drip cold brew coffee produces light coffee for your taste buds.
Drip cold brew is a more hands-on approach since you'd need to refill it with water every now and then.
Drip cold brew coffee is quicker to make than immersion cold brew coffee. Instead of waiting for 12-24 hours, you can drink your long-awaited coffee in only 3-5 hours through the drip cold brew.
Immersion cold brew uses French Press, Toddy, or a coffee machine to filter the coffee grounds.
Drip cold brew uses Bruer and towers. No need for that filtration equipment here! The coffee extracts filter themselves due to the Bruer.
Drip cold brew coffee is the queen for cleanliness due to the absence of sediments. Immersion cold brew coffee is quite the opposite.
Tips in Making Modern Cold Brew Coffee
Choose the type of coffee bean that you're going to use according to your preferences.
Some are saying that all coffee beans are alike, so why even care for the next coffee beans you buy? Well, if you're determined to taste a specific type of coffee, like those for espresso, then go for it! That is nice because you know the exact taste you want. It will guide you in your journey of creating your coffee masterpiece.
You can chill it or let it chill itself.
You can put cool your coffee grounds immersed in water in the fridge and wait for how long. But, you can also let it "chill" in a corner at room temperature. The latter procedure, however, would require a longer time with still the same taste.
Search for the suitable ratio of coffee-to-water based on your taste that fits in your brewing time.
Okay, there's a rule. Remember, the larger difference in coffee mass and water volume, the shorter the time for brewing.
Filter your brewed coffee like a pro.
You have so many options for filtering your brewed coffee. You can use a machine or tools such as:
French Press Coffee Maker. It's one of those machines that you wouldn't be able to live without if you're a coffee addict. It's simple, easy-to-use, and fast! Just plunge the ground coffee at the bottom of the French Press, and it will do the work for you.
Toddy. If you're feeling for a little bit of fancy-schmancy cold brew coffee, use this intricate filter system. Its filtration system is superb and really known for its cleanliness ease-of-use. We love Toddy.
Design! Design! Design!
Be creative in designing your cold brew coffee. Explore garnishes that further enhance the taste of your cold brew coffee.
Making a cold brew coffee is very simple, the only issue with both drip cold brew and immersion cold brew is the time. With a little creativity, you can use almost any coffee maker to prepare some cold brew. This is obviously a short term solution, the best way to do it is to brew large quantities and store it in the fridge. We like the Toddy for this, and many mention the Oxo cold brew, or the Filtron. Whichever your choice, make sure you get a batch immersion cold brew, and with a little planning you should be fine.