Beat the summer heat and mellow out with a silky smooth cup of cold brew.
All it takes is freshly ground coffee and water to make the best cup of cold brew you’ve ever tasted!
Cold brew enables everyone to enjoy the rich, robust taste of fresh coffee, but without the acid or bitterness that can cause indigestion or heartburn.
What is Cold Brew?
Unlike watery iced coffee which is hot-brewed, then cooled and poured over ice, cold brew is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for several hours.
- Beat the afternoon blahs with a dose of caffeine in a cold brew.
- Cold brew enhances the nutty and chocolatey coffee flavors, making it great for flavored drinks.
- Homemade cold brew is easy, economical, and low in calories.
- Save fridge space and customize cold brew by making it super concentrated.
Ingredients & Variations
Coffee – For the best flavor, (and lower acid) avoid light roasts and use your favorite, and freshest, gourmet variety. Medium and dark roast coffees make the tastiest cold brews. Coarse grinds are also preferable to get clear, grit-free coffee that will be easier to filter. For best results, grind coffee beans just before adding to water.
Water – Use bottled or tap water that’s been filtered to remove chlorine and other off flavors.
Variations – Add sugar, sweeteners, simple syrup, or whole spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla bean, according to your taste. Try your favorite flavored roasts, or add a drop or two of baking extracts. Hazelnut, vanilla, raspberry, coconut, or chocolate extracts will give your blended drinks coffee house flair.
Consider making cold brew ice cubes so your coffee drinks will stay nice and strong! Use cold brew as the base for a chilly pumpkin spice latte or add some Irish cream. And don’t forget to top it with DIY whipped cream and a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce.
How to Make Cold Brew Coffee
This recipe couldn’t be easier! Just two ingredients (and a little patience!) are all it takes.
- Place ground coffee in a jar or French press in the amount recommended in the recipe below.
- Add water. Refrigerate for 12 hours.
- Filter through a tea or coffee filter, or press the grounds if using a Fresh Press.
- Add milk, sweeteners, or flavorings, or serve over ice according to your taste.
How to Store Cold Brew
Store cold brew in a glass jar in the refrigerator and use it within a week for the best flavor. It will keep longer, but the flavor will diminish.
Cold and Refreshing Drinks
Did you make this Cold Brew? Leave us a comment and a comment below!
Cold Brew
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup coarse ground coffee beans
- 4 cups water
Instructions
- In a French press or large jar with a lid, combine the coffee grounds and cold fresh water. Refrigerate for 12 hours.
- If using a French press, press the grounds and pour the cold brew coffee concentrate into a clean jar or pitcher. If using a jar, pour the coffee through a coffee filter into a clean jar.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Beverage, Drink
Cuisine American© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.
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My husband makes hot brewed coffee that is as thick (and tastes like) mud. I discovered a cold brew setup on Amazon a year or so ago and started making my own cold brewed coffee each day. Since I only drink iced coffee, this was the simplest way to get smooth, flavorful cold coffee every more. No more heartburn, no more bitterness! I think I will try adding additional flavorings tomorrow.
am not allowed too much caffeine, so wondering if you have a recipe for cold brewed tea, with a tea bag? I usually pour cold water and ice on my tea bag and let it steep. If you have something better , would be appreciated. I also like to add cream to my tea, even some herbal teas.
I have not tried making a cold brewed tea Sandra.
Sandra, I bought and used the Lipton cold brew bags. But the black tea was too much for the kidneys, so I figured out the equivalent for green tea. I use 8 tea bags and 2 liters of water. And let it set overnight. The longer the better.
This is so timely! I just made cold brew the other day in a French press, but I was guessing at the ratio of coffee and water! Thanks!!
That’s perfect timing! Enjoy!
love your recipes…
re: Iced coffee I add honey while hot, then cool in fridge…yum yum
Great idea Ann, thank you for sharing! So happy to hear that you are loving the recipes :)