Iced Cold Brew Coffee Recipe

“Without coffee, police work wouldn’t be feasible,” remarked Wallander. “In fact, nothing would be feasible without coffee.” They reflected quietly on coffee’s significance. – Henning Mankell, One Step Behind

For many, myself included, coffee is the go-to morning beverage. My preference for coffee isn’t driven by caffeine; I enjoy the flavor and aroma of decaf just as much. Cold brewing coffee is an excellent method to enjoy your beloved cup of Joe!

I don’t indulge every morning, but when I do, it’s usually poured straight from my trusty French press. I like combining it with butter, coconut oil, and vanilla, or adding a touch of peppermint creamer. Sometimes, I mix these ingredients into tea or simply savor plain herbal tea.

There are countless ways to enjoy coffee… just steer clear of those coffee pods!

Cold Brew Coffee for Aficionados

Iced coffee is ubiquitous in the summer and generally contains more milk and sugar than coffee. While some find it tasty, this type of iced brew isn’t beneficial and can trigger more sugar cravings by overstimulating our dopamine receptors.

(Need more persuasion? Look into the sugar content of popular coffee chain options.)

Cold brew coffee has been a great alternative for me. It’s not just a hot brew served over ice. If you delight in a fine cup, cold brew coffee stays flavorful to the last drop, without becoming watery as the ice melts, and avoids the pitfalls of fancy coffee shop drinks.

Moreover, preparing cold brew at home is simple. It significantly trims costs compared to a Starbucks grande frappe habit.

Optimal Coffee Brewing Techniques

The method you choose and the beans you select have substantial effects on taste. Compare, for instance, the blandness of gas station coffee to the robust flavors of a freshly made espresso.

Select Prime Coffee Beans

Regrettably, many coffee beans are tainted with mold and mycotoxins. Opt for organic, low-acid coffee for a superior cold brew experience.

Another suggestion is to grind your beans freshly with a coffee grinder. This allows you to control the coarseness, enabling anything from coarse to espresso-grade. The volatile oils degrade quickly after grinding, so it’s best to process small quantities at a time.

Drip Coffee Makers

These machines are prevalent and use hot water passing over ground beans in a paper filter to produce coffee for many. However, this process can yield a more bitter, acidic result. While some adore their drip coffee makers, I prefer alternative methods.

French Press

A method I particularly relish is the French press. Simply mix boiled water and coffee grounds in the press, let it brew at room temperature, then press the plunger for hot brew coffee! This technique preserves the aromatic oils for a richer cup.

You can explore my favorite (healthier) coffee brewing techniques here.

Creating Cold Brew Coffee

Cold brew coffee, true to its name, is brewed cold, creating a less bitter, more fragrant coffee. The outcome is a naturally sweeter, full-bodied coffee that isn’t diluted by ice.

Some, like my father, who are traditionalists, avoid cold coffee, but for those willing to explore, cold brew is worth a shot! While you can buy special makers, I haven’t found them necessary.

To make cold brew coffee, you’ll need:

That’s it! The twist is that this method demands some planning since it requires about 12 hours to brew. The payoff? You can prepare your coffee in advance and brew while you sleep (Yay for multitasking!).

Unlike hot brewing, cold brew uses cold water from start to finish, resulting in a less bitter and more aromatic final product that isn’t watered down with ice.