Cold brew coffee has taken the world by storm – and for good reason. This smooth, less acidic, and refreshing beverage is perfect for those sweltering Aussie summers.
Whether you’re new to cold brew or a seasoned coffee enthusiast, the best part is you can easily make it at home with just a few simple tools and a bit of patience.
Let’s dive into the world of cold brewing and discover how you can enjoy this chilled delight from the comfort of your own home.
What You’ll Need
To get started on your cold brew journey, you’ll need a few essentials:
- Coarsely ground coffee beans (we recommend Elixir Coffee’s single origin or blend options)
- Cold water
- A large glass jar or cold brew coffee maker
- A fine-mesh sieve, cheesecloth, or paper coffee filter
- A wooden spoon or stirrer
The Perfect Grind and Ratio
For cold brew, it’s important to use a coarse grind, similar to what you’d use for a French press. This allows for a slower extraction process, resulting in a smoother, less bitter brew. As for the coffee-to-water ratio, a good starting point is 1:10 (for example, 50g of coffee to 500ml of water). Feel free to adjust this ratio to suit your taste preferences – a stronger or lighter brew can be easily achieved by tweaking the amount of coffee.
The Brewing Process
- Add your coarsely ground coffee to your chosen brewing vessel.
- Slowly pour cold water over the grounds, ensuring all the coffee is saturated.
- Gently stir the mixture to help the grounds settle.
- Cover the container and let it steep in the fridge for 12-24 hours. The longer the steep time, the stronger your cold brew concentrate will be.
- Strain the mixture slowly through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth or a paper filter. This step removes any remaining grounds, leaving you with a smooth, grit-free cold brew.
- Dilute the concentrate with water or milk to your desired strength, serve over ice, and enjoy!
Customising Your Cold Brew
One of the greatest joys of making cold brew at home is the ability to customise it to your liking. Experiment with different coffee beans, steep times, and dilution ratios to find your perfect brew. You can even add flavourings such as vanilla, hazelnut, or caramel syrup for a delightful twist.
Feeling adventurous? Try using Elixir Coffee’s Organic Honduras single origin for a balanced cold brew with milk chocolate and almond notes.
Storing Your Cold Brew
Cold brew concentrate can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. This means you can brew a large batch at the start of the week and enjoy it daily without any fuss. It’s a great time-saving option for busy mornings or as an afternoon pick-me-up.
Embrace the Cold Brew Revolution
Now that you know how easy it is to make cold brew coffee at home, it’s time to give it a go! Stock up on your favourite Elixir Coffee beans, grab a cold brew maker or jar, and start exploring the wonderful world of cold brew
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes cold brew different from regular iced coffee?
Cold brew is made by steeping coarse coffee grounds in cold water for an extended period, resulting in a smoother, less acidic beverage. Iced coffee, on the other hand, is typically hot brewed coffee that’s been cooled and served over ice.
How long does cold brew last in the fridge?
Cold brew concentrate can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, allowing you to enjoy it at your convenience.
Can I use pre-ground coffee for cold brew?
While you can use pre-ground coffee, it’s best to grind your own beans just before brewing to ensure optimal freshness and flavour. Plus, pre-ground coffee is often too fine for cold brewing, which can result in over-extraction and bitterness.
Buying beans from our cafes? Ask them to grind it perfectly for you!
How can I customise my cold brew?
There are countless ways to customise your cold brew! Try experimenting with different coffee beans, steep times, and dilution ratios. You can also add flavoured syrups, milk, or even sparkling water for a refreshing twist.
Is cold brew less acidic than regular coffee?
Yes, cold brew is typically less acidic than hot brewed coffee due to the slower extraction process. This makes it a great option for those with sensitive stomachs or acid reflux.