I have always been a coffee lover, and discovering new ways to make the perfect cup of Joe is one of my favorite hobbies. Recently, I stumbled upon a method called cold brew coffee, and I was immediately intrigued. With its smooth and less acidic taste, cold brew coffee has become increasingly popular in recent years. Plus, it’s perfect for those hot summer days when a steaming cup of coffee just doesn’t sound appealing. Being a Ninja coffee maker owner, I decided to experiment with making cold brew coffee using my Ninja machine. In this article, I will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to make cold brew coffee with Ninja. So, grab your Ninja coffee maker and let’s dive right in!
Gather Your Tools and Ingredients
Tools:
To get started, you will need a few tools. Firstly, you’ll need your Ninja coffee maker, which should have a specialty brew setting for making cold brew coffee. If you don’t have this setting, don’t worry! I’ll show you an alternative method later in the article. You’ll also need a heat-resistant container or carafe to hold the coffee grounds and water during the brewing process. Additionally, a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth will come in handy to strain the coffee after brewing.
Ingredients:
For making cold brew coffee with Ninja, you will need coffee grounds and water. The quality of your coffee grounds is essential, so try to use freshly ground, coarse coffee beans for the best results. As for the water, I recommend using chilled filtered water, but tap water works fine too. The ratio of coffee to water can vary depending on your personal taste preference, but a good starting point is one cup of coffee grounds to four cups of water.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cold Brew Coffee with Ninja
Step 1: Measure and Grind Your Coffee
The first step in making cold brew coffee with Ninja is to measure out your desired amount of coffee grounds. As mentioned earlier, a 1:4 ratio of coffee to water is a great starting point. If you prefer stronger coffee, you can increase the amount of coffee grounds.
Once you have measured your coffee grounds, it’s time to grind them. As I mentioned earlier, using freshly ground coffee beans is highly recommended for the best flavor. Set your grinder to a coarse setting, similar to what you would use for a French press.
Step 2: Add Coffee Grounds to the Ninja Coffee Maker
Now that you have your coffee grounds ready, open the top lid of your Ninja coffee maker and take out the permanent filter. Add the coffee grounds into the filter and ensure they are evenly distributed. Remember not to overfill the filter, as this may impact the brewing process.
Step 3: Choose the Specialty Brew Setting
On your Ninja coffee maker, locate the control panel and look for the specialty brew button. It usually has an icon indicating the cold brew setting. Press the button and wait for the machine to start brewing. The brewing time can vary depending on your machine, but it typically takes around 10-15 minutes. During this time, the Ninja coffee maker will regulate the water temperature and brewing duration to achieve optimal results for cold brew coffee.
Step 4: Strain and Store
Once the brewing process is complete, your cold brew coffee will be ready to enjoy. However, before serving, you need to strain the coffee to remove any remaining coffee grounds. Take a fine-mesh strainer or a piece of cheesecloth and place it over your serving container or carafe. Slowly pour the brewed coffee through the strainer, allowing it to filter out any grounds or sediments.
After straining, your cold brew coffee is ready to be stored. Transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. Cold brew coffee can be stored for up to two weeks, allowing you to enjoy a refreshing cup of coffee whenever you want.
An Alternative Method: Making Cold Brew Coffee without Specialty Brew Setting
If your Ninja coffee maker doesn’t have a specialty brew setting for cold brew coffee, don’t worry! You can still make delicious cold brew coffee using a slightly modified method. Here’s how:
Step 1: Prepare Coffee Grounds
Follow the same steps as mentioned earlier to measure and grind your coffee grounds. Use a coarse grind setting to extract the flavors properly.
Step 2: Fill the Coffee Maker with Water
Instead of using the specialty brew setting, fill your Ninja coffee maker with cold filtered water up to the maximum fill line. This will compensate for the lack of a dedicated cold brew setting.
Step 3: Add Coffee Grounds
Open the top lid of your Ninja coffee maker and place the permanent filter inside. Add the measured coffee grounds into the filter, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Set the Brew Type
On the control panel of your Ninja coffee maker, select the brew type that suits your taste preference. For a milder flavor, choose the classic brew setting. If you prefer a stronger cup of cold brew coffee, opt for the rich brew setting. The brewing time may vary, so keep an eye on the machine to ensure the desired strength.
Step 5: Strain and Store
Once the brewing process is complete, follow the same straining and storing steps as mentioned earlier. Pour the brewed coffee through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove any grounds, and transfer the strained coffee to an airtight container for storage.
Enjoy Your Homemade Cold Brew Coffee
Now that you have mastered the art of making cold brew coffee with your Ninja coffee maker, it’s time to sit back, relax, and enjoy your refreshing cup of Joe. Remember, cold brew coffee is incredibly versatile and can be served over ice, mixed with milk or creamer, or even used as a base for specialty coffee drinks like lattes and frappuccinos. Feel free to experiment with different flavors and enjoy the smooth, less acidic taste of your homemade cold brew coffee. Cheers!