how to make homemade cold brew concentrate
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How to Make Homemade Cold Brew Concentrate

How to Make Homemade Cold Brew Concentrate

Cold brew coffee is a type of coffee that is brewed with cold or room temperature water for an extended period of time, typically 12-24 hours. This slow, cold brewing process results in a coffee that is less acidic, smoother, and more flavorful than traditional hot brewed coffee. Cold brew coffee is also smoother and has a more intense flavor profile plus with the rise of specialty coffee cold brew is the latest craze. Cold brew concentrate can be diluted with water or milk to taste, and it can be served over ice or hot. We hope that you enjoy this concentrated cold brew recipe in our How to Make Homemade Cold Brew Concentrate post. 

Pouring Cold Brew Coffee

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Benefits of DIY Cold Brew Concentrate

  • Smoother taste: Cold brew coffee is known for its smooth and mellow flavor, lacking the bitterness and acidity often associated with hot brewed coffee. This is because cold water extracts different compounds from coffee beans compared to hot water, resulting in a less harsh taste.
  • Lower Acidity: Cold brew coffee typically contains lower levels of acidity, which makes it easier on the stomach and can be beneficial for those with acid reflux or other digestive sensitivities. The lower acidity also contributes to its smoother taste.
  • Natural Sweetness: Due to the cold brewing process, cold brew coffee often has a natural sweetness that many people find appealing. This sweetness comes from the extraction of different compounds that are less affected by heat.
  • Higher caffeine content: Cold brew coffee can contain up to twice as much caffeine as hot brewed coffee. This is because the cold brewing process allows for more caffeine to be extracted from the coffee beans.
  • Longer shelf life: Cold brew concentrate can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks without losing its flavor. This makes it convenient to have on hand for quick and refreshing coffee drinks throughout the week plus a great option for people who are on the go.

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  • Versatility: Cold brew concentrate can be enjoyed in various ways, either diluted with cold water or milk, served over ice, or used to make lattes, iced cappuccinos, and other coffee drinks. It can also be infused with flavors like vanilla, cinnamon, or hazelnut.
  • Healthier Alternative: Cold brew coffee is often perceived as a healthier choice due to its lower acidity and natural sweetness, which can reduce the need for added sugar or cream.
  • Lower caffeine content: Cold brew coffee has a slightly lower caffeine content than traditionally brewed coffee. This is because the cold water brewing process extracts less caffeine from the coffee beans.
  • Refreshing Alternative: Cold brew coffee is a refreshing and invigorating drink, especially during warmer months. Its smooth, less acidic taste makes it a pleasant choice for those who enjoy iced coffee but don't like the bitterness or acidity of traditional iced coffee.
  • Convenience: Cold brew coffee can be made in large batches and stored in the refrigerator, making it easy to grab and go on busy mornings or when entertaining guests. Cold brew coffee can be made at home using simple methods and readily available ingredients. This eliminates the need to visit a coffee shop every day and allows individuals to enjoy their favorite beverage at their own convenience.
Ice coffee in a tall glass with cream poured over, ice cubes and beans on a dark concrete table

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How to Make Homemade Cold Brew Concentrate

Ingredients for the Concentrated Cold Brew Recipe

Directions for the Smoothest Cold Brew Coffee

  1. In a large pitcher or jar, combine the coffee grounds and water.
  2. Stir gently to make sure all the grounds are wet.
  3. Cover the pitcher or jar and let it sit at room temperature for 12-24 hours.
  4. Line a fine-mesh sieve with cheesecloth or a coffee filter. After steeping, strain the coffee through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth-lined strainer into a pitcher or jar. 
  5. Discard the grounds.
  6. Cover the pitcher or jar with a lid and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.

To serve the Smoothest Cold Brew Coffee

A horizontal photo of rocks glasses with cold iced coffee with milk, coffee beans around, cookies, dark background, deep shadows

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Tips for the perfect Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate Ratio

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Good to Know about DIY Cold Brew Concentrate

  • DIY cold brew concentrate is a great way to make iced coffee all week long.
  • Use cold brew concentrate in other recipes, such as smoothies and cocktails.
  • Cold brew concentrate is a naturally sweeter and less acidic coffee than hot coffee.
  • Cold brew concentrate can be diluted with water, milk, or cream to taste.
  • Cold brew concentrate can be used to make iced coffee, lattes, and other coffee drinks.

What Determines the Coffee Strength

Cold Brew Coffee vs Iced Coffee

Feature Cold Brew Coffee Iced Coffee
Brewing method Steeped in cold or room temperature water Brewed with hot water and then chilled
Taste Smoother, less acidic, more intense flavor Can be acidic and bitter
Caffeine content Higher caffeine content Lower caffeine content
Shelf life Can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator Should be consumed within 24 hours

Drawbacks of Cold Brew Coffee

  • Time-consuming: Cold brew coffee takes longer to make than traditionally brewed coffee.
  • More expensive: Cold brew coffee is often more expensive than traditionally brewed coffee.
  • Not as widely available: Cold brew coffee is not as widely available as traditionally brewed coffee.
Pouring cold brew iced coffee in glass cup with ice cubes

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Frequently Asked Questions About Cold Brew

How to dilute cold brew? Are you supposed to dilute cold brew? How to dilute cold brew concentrate? Yes it should be diluted with water or your favorite addin like milk or cream or foam. 
Do you steep cold brew in the fridge? Yes. How long to let cold brew steep in fridge? 12-24 hours. 
How much coffee grounds for 1 gallon cold brew? What is the best ratio for cold brew concentrate? Our concentrate calls for 4 pounds of coffee per 1 gallon of cold brew concentrate. The best ratio is 1 pound of coffee to make 4 cups of cold brew concentrate. 

Cold brew coffee has gained popularity due to its smooth taste, lower acidity, natural sweetness, versatility, longer shelf life, convenience, and perception as a healthier alternative. some people simply prefer the taste of cold brew coffee over hot-brewed coffee. Cold brew coffee is a delicious and refreshing alternative to traditionally brewed coffee. It's a matter of personal preference, and many coffee enthusiasts enjoy exploring different brewing methods to find their favorite.

Cold brewing offers a unique coffee experience that appeals to a wide range of coffee drinkers. Our recipe for cold brew concentrate at home that is sure to please even the most discerning coffee drinker. If you are looking for a refreshing and flavorful coffee beverage, cold brew coffee is a great option to try. I hope you enjoy this recipe! If you have the time and patience, give it a try. We hope that this How to Make Homemade Cold Brew Concentrate inspires you. Happy brewing!

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