Cold Brew – The Recipe for the Perfect Cold Coffee (Seasonal Hit)
Pawel Horzela
When the thermometer reads above 25°C / 77°F, the last thing you dream of is a steaming cup of espresso. This is where Cold Brew enters the scene – a drink that has transformed from a niche curiosity into the absolute king of summer cafes over the last few years.
This isn't just "iced coffee" (meaning hot coffee with ice). This is a beverage where time replaces temperature, extracting the sweetest notes from the bean and leaving the bitterness far behind.
Quick Recipe: Homemade Cold Brew (Ready-to-Drink)
The best part about Cold Brew? You make it in the evening, and in the morning, you have ready-to-go fuel for the entire day.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Coffee | 60–70 g per every 1000 ml (1 liter / approx. 34 oz) of water |
| Grind size | Very coarse (like coarse sea salt) |
| Water | Cold, filtered |
| Steeping time | 12 to 18 hours in the refrigerator |
The Magic of Low Temperature
Why does Cold Brew taste so different? Hot water instantly dissolves the acids and oils contained in the coffee, but it also leaches out compounds responsible for bitterness. Cold water treats the bean much more gently – this process is called maceration or cold steeping.
The result? A drink with very low acidity, almost completely devoid of bitterness, yet full of notes of chocolate, caramel, and ripe fruit. Importantly for energy fans: Cold Brew usually has a higher caffeine content than a classic "black coffee" because the long contact between water and coffee allows for almost total extraction.
Instructions: Cold Brew in 4 Steps
You don't need expensive accessories. A jar, a scale, and any coffee filter will do.
1. Grind and Pour
Pour the coarsely ground coffee into a large jar, bottle, or carafe. Add cold, filtered water.
2. Stir and Secure
Stir gently to ensure every coffee particle is in contact with the water. Seal the vessel tightly.
Important: Coffee absorbs odors like a sponge, so make sure it isn't sitting in the fridge next to an open container of pungent food.
3. Patience (12–18 h)
Place the jar in the refrigerator. The optimal time is about 14–16 hours. After 20–24 hours, the coffee may start to take on unpleasant, "woody" and earthy notes, so it’s worth keeping an eye on the time.
4. Filtering (The Key to Clarity)
Pour the contents through a paper filter (e.g., for a V60, Chemex, or a standard drip machine filter). This will remove coffee fines and sediment, making the drink clear and light.
Serving: What to Drink it With?
Your Cold Brew is ready to consume immediately after filtering, but the real fun begins with the additions:
- Black & Cold: Just ice. This allows you to fully appreciate the bean's profile.
- White: Oat or pea milk – their natural sweetness pairs brilliantly with "cold coffee."
- Coffee Tonic: An absolute hit – fill a glass with ice, pour 1/2 Cold Brew, 1/2 good tonic water, and add a slice of orange and a sprig of rosemary.
Which Coffee to Choose?
Cold Brew is very forgiving, but specialty beans take it to another level:
- Classic (Chocolatey): Choose beans from Brazil, Guatemala, or El Salvador. You will get a drink that tastes like liquid praline.
- Fruity (Refreshing): Choose light roasts from Ethiopia or Kenya. The Cold Brew will taste like blueberry compote or peach iced tea.
Troubleshooting: What Went Wrong?
- Is the coffee cloudy? The filter was likely too coarse or the grind too fine. Try double filtering through paper.
- Does it taste flat and boring? Try steeping at room temperature for the first 2 hours, and only then put the jar in the fridge.
- Is it too weak? Add more coffee (e.g., 80 g / 1 l), creating a concentrate that you can dilute with water or milk before serving.
Summary
Cold Brew is proof that in the world of coffee, patience is rewarded. It’s an ideal method for busy people – once filtered, the brew can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5–7 days. Make a batch on Sunday evening and have ready refreshment for the whole week.
Back to hot brewing: French Press – home classics and simplicity.
For Cold Brew, you need a coarse grind. Check our Coffee Emergency (parameters cheat sheet).