How to make cold brew coffee

All this hot weather we’ve been having calls for something a bit cooler… so say hello to cold brew, hot coffee’s sweeter and more mellow cousin. Perfect for hot summer days in the sunshine. Here’s everything you need to know to make your own delicious cold brew at home.

The Benefits Of Cold Brew

• You get a slow release caffeine hit
• No caffeine crash even though caffeine levels are higher
• More stomach-friendly (less acidity)
• Properly brewed, it lasts for up to 7 days (so you can brew in batches)
• You can make cold brew coffee concentrate which can be diluted or used in various recipes

How to Make Cold Brew Concentrate

A cold brew concentrate can be mixed with water, milk or tonic or drunk straight! The most popular option is to just add water at 1:1 (one part concentrate, one part water) with some ice cubes. The best ratio to use to make your cold brew concentrate is 1:5 (one part coffee to 5 parts water).

Which Coffee Beans Should I Use For Cold Brew?

Cold brewing brings out the subtle flavours of your coffee beans, so choose something with a unique flavour profile. Here are some pointers to help you choose: For a fruity, winey flavor profile: try an African bean, such as our Belaroma blend. 

If you plan to mix your cold brew with milk or sugar, try something with a stronger flavour profile; any bean from central or South America would fit this profile, such as our Fairtrade blend.

Can I Steep It At Room Temperature?

Yes. You can steep cold brew at room temperature. Steeping at room temperature is fine, but once it’s ready, get it straight into the fridge.

Should I Use Filtered Water Or Tap Water?

The better quality your water; the better quality your end product. 

How Long Should I Steep Cold Brew For?

You should steep cold brew for 20 - 24 hours.

How Long Does Cold Brew Last?

Cold brew will last up to 10 days if you keep it refrigerated from the moment you make it. After that, it will start to go bad. As a general rule, aim to consume it within 7 days.

Does Cold Brew Have More Caffeine Than Hot Coffee?

Cold brewed coffee does have a slower release of caffeine which gives it a prolonged caffeine kick. But it does not have a higher caffeine content.

How Do I Make Cold Brew Using a Brewer?

What You Need

Cold Brew Brewer

400 grams Coffee

2 Litres Water

Instructions

1. Wet the filter and insert it into the groove inside the brewer. Don't forget to insert the plug in the bottom. (Optional, but recommended)
2. Add the paper filter bag to the brewer. The brewer will work without this, but it helps to extract more from the coffee, and makes clean up a whole lot easier.
3. Grind the coffee coarse and add to the brewer
4. Pour filtered water over the grounds, try to wet them as evenly as possible. If you're using the paper filter bag stir the coffee to make sure the grounds are completely wet.
5. If you're not using the bag, don't stir the coffee as the fine grinds can block the smaller filter - just pat any dry grounds you can see with the back of a spoon.
6. Cover the brewer and leave to brew at room temperature for 20-24 hours.
7. The next day, remove the plug and place on the decanter to drain.
8. Add the airtight lid and store in the fridge for up to 7 days.

I Don’t Have A Cold Brewer. Can I Use Something Else?

If you’re serious about this brewing style we suggest you buy a cold brew coffee maker. But if you want to make cold brew in another way, you can make it at home using a mason jar, here’s the recipe:

What you need

1 cup coffee beans (coarse ground)

5 cups water (filtered water)

1 mason jar 

1 cheesecloth or paper coffee filter or a fine-mesh sieve

Instructions

1. Use a measuring cup to organise 1:5 coffee to water.
2. Grind your coffee to a coarse grind.
3. Add your ground coffee and filtered water to your mason jar and give it a good stir.
4. Steep for 15 hours. If possible, steep in your fridge. If you brewer/jar does not fit in your fridge its OK to steep at room temperature.
5. Prepare to drink it the next day. Strain into a clean vessel or jar. 
6. Strain your brew through a cheesecloth, or use a coffee filter and filter it like you would with drip coffee.
7. Store in the fridge.
8. Mix and enjoy: add milk, or water at a ratio of 1:1 and pour over some ice cubes.