I love a good cup of coffee, but as the weather starts to warm up, I often find myself craving something a little more refreshing. That’s where cold brew coffee comes in. Cold brew is not only delicious and refreshing, but it’s also incredibly easy to make at home. If you’re curious about how to make cold brew coffee, you’re in the right place! In this step-by-step guide, I’ll walk you through the process of making cold brew coffee using a simple and easy method that you can find on YouTube.
Gather Your Supplies
Before we dive into the process of making cold brew coffee, let’s start by gathering all the supplies you’ll need. The good news is that you probably have most of these items in your kitchen already!
What You’ll Need:
1. A container: Look for a large glass jar or pitcher that can hold at least 32 ounces of liquid.
2. Coffee beans: Opt for a coarse grind as it will be easier to strain later. You can use any type of coffee beans, but medium to dark roasts tend to work best for cold brew.
3. Water: You’ll need cold, filtered water for this process.
4. Filter or cheesecloth: To strain the coffee grounds from the liquid, you’ll need either a coffee filter or a cheesecloth.
Measure Your Ingredients
Now that you have all your supplies ready, it’s time to measure out the ingredients. The general ratio for making cold brew coffee is 1 part coffee to 4 parts water. However, you can adjust this ratio based on your personal preference. If you prefer a stronger brew, you can increase the amount of coffee, or if you like it milder, you can use less.
Here’s a simple formula to help you calculate:
– For 32 ounces of water, use 8 ounces of coffee grounds.
– For 24 ounces of water, use 6 ounces of coffee grounds.
– For 16 ounces of water, use 4 ounces of coffee grounds.
Combine Coffee and Water
Once you’ve measured out the coffee and water, it’s time to combine them in your chosen container. Simply pour the coffee grounds into the container, followed by the cold water. Give it a gentle stir to ensure that all the coffee grounds are thoroughly saturated, and there are no dry pockets.
Tip: Use filtered water for the best taste!
Let it Steep
Now comes the easiest part, letting the coffee steep. This is where patience comes into play, as you’ll need to let the mixture sit for at least 12-24 hours to extract the flavors. Find a cool and dark spot in your kitchen where you can safely leave the container undisturbed during this time.
Pro Tip: Steeping the coffee overnight works well!
Strain and Serve
Once the steeping time is up, it’s time to strain the coffee and serve it. Place a coffee filter or cheesecloth over another container or pitcher and carefully pour the coffee mixture through the strainer. The filter or cheesecloth will catch the coffee grounds, leaving you with a smooth and delicious cold brew concentrate.
Feel free to adjust the strength of your cold brew by diluting it with water or milk!
Add Ice and Enjoy!
Now that your cold brew coffee is ready, it’s time to enjoy it! Fill a glass with ice and pour your cold brew concentrate over it. You can sip it as is, or if you prefer a milder taste, add water or milk to your liking. Feel free to sweeten it with a touch of simple syrup or your preferred sweetener.
Pro Tip: Cold brew coffee can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week!
Making cold brew coffee at home has never been easier, thanks to the wealth of resources available on YouTube. This step-by-step guide has given you the basics, but don’t be afraid to experiment with different brewing times or coffee-to-water ratios to find your perfect cup of cold brew. So, the next time you’re craving a refreshing coffee beverage without the heat, turn to this guide and enjoy a delicious glass of homemade cold brew coffee. Cheers!