Cold Brew Coffee

What Is Cold Brew Coffee?

Cold brew coffee is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee (the Coffea bean) in room-temperature or cold water for a long time—usually 12–24 hours—instead of using hot water. Because no heat is used, it develops a very different flavor profile.

The long, cold brewing process extracts fewer of coffee’s acidic and bitter compounds; the result is a smooth, low-acid, naturally somewhat sweet coffee. It is usually brewed as a concentrate and diluted with water, milk, or ice before drinking.

Cold Brew Coffee Nutrition

Plain cold brew coffee (unsweetened and without milk) is virtually calorie-free and contains no significant macronutrients, so no numerical nutrition table is provided. Its stimulant effect comes from the caffeine it contains; the amount of caffeine varies with its concentration.

What Are the Benefits of Cold Brew Coffee?

Because it is low in acidity, cold brew coffee may be preferred by people who find hot coffee hard on their stomach. When consumed in moderation, it can be part of a daily beverage routine. Caffeine has a stimulant effect.

This information is general; cold brew coffee is a beverage and does not replace medical treatment.

How to Choose Coffee for Cold Brew

Freshly roasted, coarsely ground coffee is preferred for cold brew; medium-dark roasts generally produce a rounder, sweeter result.

• The coffee should be coarsely ground (about the size used for a French press).
• Freshly roasted beans provide a fuller aroma.
• Water quality matters; use clean, odor-free water.

How to Store Cold Brew Coffee

After filtering, ready-to-drink cold brew stays fresh for about 1 week in a sealed bottle in the refrigerator; adding milk shortens its storage life, so add milk when serving.

Using Cold Brew Coffee in the Kitchen

Cold brew coffee is consumed as an iced drink and is also used as the base for milk coffee (iced lattes), coffee tonics, and coffee cocktails.

How to Make Cold Brew Coffee

Put coarsely ground coffee (approximately 1 measure of coffee to 4–5 measures of water) in a container with cold water and leave it for 12–24 hours in the refrigerator or at room temperature; then filter to make a concentrate and dilute it with water, milk, or ice.

What Is the Difference Between Cold Brew and Iced Coffee?

Iced coffee is brewed hot and then cooled; cold brew is steeped in cold water from start to finish over a long period. That is why cold brew is less acidic and smoother.

Which Recipes Use Cold Brew Coffee?

Iced coffee with milk, cold brew tonic, coffee smoothies, and iced coffees sweetened with syrup are among the most common uses for cold brew.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should cold brew coffee steep?

It is usually steeped for 12–24 hours; a shorter time produces a lighter concentrate, while a longer time produces a stronger one. Adjust the time to taste.

Does cold brew coffee contain more caffeine?

Because it is brewed as a concentrate, it may contain a high amount of caffeine when consumed undiluted; when diluted with water or milk, the caffeine per serving becomes closer to that of regular coffee.

What coffee grind should be used?

A coarse grind is preferred; a fine grind makes the water cloudy and can taste bitter because of over-extraction.

Why is cold brew coffee less bitter?

Steeping for a long time at a low temperature allows fewer of coffee’s bitter and acidic compounds to pass into the water, resulting in a smooth, somewhat sweet flavor.

How long does cold brew coffee last in the refrigerator?

Plain filtered concentrate stays fresh for about 1 week in a sealed bottle in the refrigerator; cold brew with milk should be consumed soon.