Cold Brew Coffee
For some people, iced coffee is a year-round addiction. Over the last few years, we have seen an explosion in popularity of iced drinks, especially cold brewed coffee. Personally, for me, it has to be well into a heat wave before I have an iced coffee in the afternoon. I just love my hot, black coffee. But, for all of you cold brew coffee lovers out there, this blog is for you.
What exactly is ‘cold brew’ and how is it different from iced coffee?
A respectable, easy way to make a refreshing cup of cold coffee is simply brewing double strength coffee over ice. The ice immediately chills the product. Because you brewed double strength, the ice melts a bit when it comes into contact with the brewed coffee and you're all set.
Cold Brew is brewed — or technically steeped — without heat. This process can reduce the acidity in the brewed coffee by almost 65%, creating a product with a smooth, naturally sweet taste. Using this method to make our Bold as Love Cold Brew creates a refreshing, lighter-bodied coffee. During the cold brew process, the coffee steeps at room temperature or in the refrigerator for 12-18 hours. And, depending on the brewing ratios and the length of time during the steeping process, you can can increase the strength and caffeine content by 25%. This is especially helpful when enjoying a nice glass of cold brew on the go. As the ice melts over time, your coffee remains deliciously strong.
As discussed in a previous blog, I prefer a coffee brewing ratio of 16:1. For Cold Brew, we use a coarse grind setting and brewing ratio of 8:1. Because of this, the end product is inherently twice as strong. Once the coffee has steeped 12-18 hours, the liquid should be filtered by pouring through a very fine strainer or cheesecloth. Cover and place brewed coffee in the refrigerator for up to five days. Whenever you need a glass, your coffee is at the ready. Pour over ice & enjoy!
Hope this helps you cool down as we head into the home stretch of the dog days of summer. If you don’t feel like going through the home-brewing process, remember that you can always find a perfectly brewed Cold Brew at Drip Café.
GV