Are you looking for a way to make a delicious cup of coffee that is more intense and flavorful than your typical drip coffee? Cold brew concentrate might be just the thing for you.
Cold brew concentrate is a delicious and flavorful way to enjoy your morning cup of joe.
In this article, we will explore what cold brew concentrate is, the supplies you need to make it, and how to make it in 5 simple steps.
So if you’re ready, let’s get started!.
Table of Contents
Short Answer
To make cold brew concentrate, you will need coarsely ground coffee beans and cold filtered water.
Begin by adding 1 cup of coffee beans to 4 cups of cold water in a large container and stir the mixture.
Then, cover the container and let the mixture steep in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours.
After steeping, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to separate the concentrate from the grounds.
The resulting concentrate can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
What Is Cold Brew Concentrate?
Cold brew concentrate is a smooth, full-bodied coffee beverage that is made from a cold water extraction process.
It is a popular alternative to hot-brewed coffee because it is less acidic and offers a smoother flavor profile.
Cold brew concentrate is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in cold water for 12 to 18 hours.
This allows the coffee to slowly extract its flavor and caffeine, resulting in a strong, concentrated coffee that can be diluted with water or milk and enjoyed hot or cold.
Unlike hot-brewed coffee, cold brew concentrate does not require the use of heat, which helps to preserve the delicate flavors and aromas of the beans.
Cold brew concentrate can be kept in the refrigerator for up to two weeks and can be used to make coffee-based drinks like iced coffee, frappes, lattes, and cappuccinos.
Supplies Needed
Making your own cold brew concentrate at home doesn’t require a lot of supplies or equipment.
You’ll need quality coffee beans, a coarse grinder, a large container, a strainer, and cold water.
When selecting the coffee beans, it’s important to choose beans that are fresh and high quality.
The beans should be dark roasted, as this will give the concentrate a richer flavor.
It’s also a good idea to buy whole beans and grind them yourself, as pre-ground coffee can quickly become stale.
For the grinder, a coarse grind is recommended.
A coarse grind is larger than a fine grind, and will help produce a brew that is less acidic and bitter.
You’ll also need a large container for the concentrate.
This can be anything from a large jar to a pitcher.
The container should be large enough to hold the coffee grounds and water.
Finally, you’ll need a strainer.
A mesh strainer or cheesecloth is best for straining the coffee grounds from the concentrate.
Once you have all the supplies, you’re ready to make your cold brew concentrate.
Follow the steps below and enjoy a smooth, flavorful cup of coffee at home.
Step 1
The first step in making cold brew concentrate is grinding the coffee beans to a coarse consistency.
This ensures that the beans will be able to steep properly, while still preserving the flavor and aroma of the beans.
For the best results, use a burr grinder and adjust the settings to a coarse grind.
If you don’t have a burr grinder, a standard blade grinder will also work.
Once the beans are ground, add them to a large container and fill it with cold water.
Make sure to use filtered or bottled water for the best flavor.
Allow the mixture to steep for 12-18 hours.
This will allow the flavors to fully infuse into the water, creating a concentrated coffee concentrate.
Step 2
In Step 2 of the cold brew concentrate process, you will take the coarsely ground coffee beans and place them into a large container.
It is important to use a container that has a wide opening, as the coffee grounds need enough room to expand and interact with the cold water.
You will also want to make sure the container is large enough to hold the full quantity of coffee grounds and water.
Once the coffee grounds have been added to the container, fill it with cold water.
This cold water will help maintain the temperature of the coffee grounds and allow them to steep for the desired amount of time.
Allow the mixture to steep for 12-18 hours, as this will give the coffee grounds enough time to fully develop their flavor.
Step 3
Once the steeping process is complete, it’s time to strain the coffee concentrate.
To do this, you’ll need a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
Place the strainer over a container and slowly pour the concentrate through the strainer.
Be sure to strain the mixture slowly and carefully, as this will help ensure that all of the grounds are removed.
Once the concentrate has been strained, discard the grounds and store the concentrate in a separate container.
Your cold brew concentrate is now ready to be diluted with cold water for a delicious cup of coffee.
It’s important to note that cold brew concentrate can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
If you’d like to make a larger batch of concentrate, you can always double or triple the recipe.
This will give you plenty of concentrate to last you throughout the week.
Just be sure to store it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator.
Enjoy your homemade cold brew concentrate!.
Step 4
Once the cold brew concentrate has steeped for 12-18 hours, its time to strain the coffee concentrate into a separate container.
Using a fine mesh strainer or a cheesecloth, carefully strain the concentrate into the new container.
This will allow the cold brew concentrate to be free of any grounds and sediment, resulting in a smooth and delicious cup of coffee.
Make sure to discard the grounds when youre done straining the mixture.
This step is important for ensuring that your cold brew concentrate is free of any unwanted particles and to give you a final product that has a smooth texture.
Step 5
In the final step of making cold brew concentrate, it’s time to enjoy your delicious cup of coffee.
To do so, you’ll need to take the cold brew concentrate and dilute it with cold water.
Depending on your preferences, the ratio of concentrate to water can range from 1:1 to 1:4.
If you’re a fan of a more intense coffee flavor, use a 1:1 ratio of concentrate to water.
For a milder flavor, use a 1:4 ratio.
Finally, pour the mixture over ice and enjoy your freshly brewed cold brew concentrate.
For an extra special treat, you can add cream, sugar, or spices to your cold brew concentrate for a unique and flavorful twist.
There are endless possibilities for creating a delicious cup of cold brew concentrate, so have fun and experiment with different combinations of flavors and ingredients.
With a few simple steps, you can now make cold brew concentrate from the comfort of your own home.
Enjoy!.
Final Thoughts
Making cold brew concentrate is a great way to enjoy smooth and flavourful coffee without having to leave your home.
With the right supplies and a few simple steps, you can make delicious cold brew concentrate that you can enjoy any time you want.
So get started and make your own cold brew concentrate today!.