How To Make Cold Brew Coffee At Home

Summary

In this video, Aleš from European Coffee Trip explores the world of cold brew coffee, offering tips for making it at home. He discusses different coffee choices, brewing techniques, and equipment for creating the perfect cold brew. Aleš compares five cold brew makers, from simple DIY setups to sophisticated options like the Toddy Cold Brew System. He emphasizes the importance of using the right coffee, grind size, and steeping time, while providing recommendations based on various preferences and needs. The video offers valuable insights for both cold brew lovers and those new to the process.

Takeaways

• 😀 Cold brew coffee is becoming increasingly popular, with the cold brew coffee business growing by 25% annually, expected to reach 1.63 billion USD by 2025.
• 😀 There are differing opinions on cold brew coffee, with some baristas supporting it, while others argue it doesn't do justice to high-grade specialty coffee.
• 😀 Making cold brew coffee is simple: coarsely ground coffee, cold or room temperature water, steeped for 12-24 hours, then separated from the grounds.
• 😀 The choice of coffee for cold brew is crucial; fruity, sweet coffees like African or Ethiopian varieties are recommended for better flavor.
• 😀 Cold brew can be made as either a ready-to-drink version or a concentrate, with different brew ratios for each.
• 😀 The grind size and brew time are important variables when making cold brew, with a coarse grind and steeping for 16 hours being the choice in the video.
• 😀 The video reviews five different cold brew makers: Goat Story's Cold Brew Kit, Mizudashi Cold Coffee Pot, Asobu Cold Brew, Toddy Cold Brew System, and a DIY cold brew maker.
• 😀 Goat Story's Cold Brew Kit is simple and convenient, but limited in coffee variety, priced around 22€.
• 😀 The Toddy Cold Brew System is a large, classic option that makes concentrated cold brew and is ideal for those brewing larger batches, priced around 40-48€.
• 😀 The Asobu Cold Brew system is stylish and practical, offering insulation to keep the coffee cold for 24 hours, priced around 60€ in Europe, and a good option for design lovers.
• 😀 If you don't want to purchase a specialized cold brew maker, using a DIY setup with basic equipment at home is a cost-effective solution.
• 😀 To enjoy the best cold brew experience, choosing the right coffee, brewing recipe, and suitable cold brew maker is key to getting the flavor you desire.

Q & A

What is cold brew coffee?

Cold brew coffee is a method of brewing coffee where coarsely ground coffee is steeped in cold or room temperature water for 12-24 hours. The grounds are then filtered out, resulting in a smoother, less acidic coffee compared to traditional brewing methods.

How does cold brew coffee differ from regular coffee?

Cold brew coffee is brewed using cold or room temperature water over a longer steeping period (12-24 hours), which results in a smoother, less acidic flavor profile. Regular coffee, on the other hand, is brewed using hot water, extracting more acidity and bitterness.

Why is cold brew coffee gaining popularity?

Cold brew coffee is growing in popularity because it offers a smoother, less acidic taste and is perceived as a more refreshing coffee option. Additionally, the cold brew coffee market is expanding, with a projected value of 1.63 billion USD by 2025.

What types of coffee are best for making cold brew?

Sweet and fruity coffees, such as naturally processed Ethiopian or other African coffees, are ideal for cold brew because the brewing method cuts down on acidity and bitterness. However, any coffee can be used, with some preferring older or leftover coffee beans to save them from losing flavor.

What is the difference between ready-to-drink cold brew and cold brew concentrate?

Ready-to-drink cold brew is brewed at a 1:15 ratio (coffee to water) and is ready to consume without any dilution. Cold brew concentrate, brewed at a 1:6 ratio, is stronger and can be diluted with water, milk, or tonic water according to personal preference.

How long should cold brew steep for, and what grind size should be used?

Cold brew should steep for 12-24 hours, with a coarse grind size being ideal. For this video, a coarse grind size was achieved with 35 clicks on the Comandante grinder or 14.5 clicks on the EK 43.

What are the key variables when making cold brew coffee?

The key variables when making cold brew are the coffee-to-water ratio, brew time, and grind size. These can be adjusted depending on whether you want a ready-to-drink brew or a concentrate, and according to your personal taste preferences.

Which cold brew coffee maker is best for beginners?

The Mizudashi Cold Coffee Pot is a great option for beginners. It is simple, affordable, and easy to clean, making it ideal for those new to cold brew coffee.

What makes the Asobu Cold Brew a unique choice?

The Asobu Cold Brew features an insulated container that helps maintain the temperature of your cold brew for up to 24 hours. It also has a sophisticated design and a built-in release mechanism for easy pouring, making it a stylish and functional choice.

Why is the Toddy Cold Brew System considered a classic?

The Toddy Cold Brew System has been around since 1964 and is known for its ability to brew large quantities of cold brew concentrate. It is robust, simple to use, and produces a strong, flavorful cold brew, making it a gold standard in cold brewing.