Description
Master the art of Cold Brew Coffee with this simple and natural recipe. Using coarse ground coffee and filtered water, this method produces a smooth, less acidic, and richly flavorful coffee concentrate. Customize with plant-based milk, natural sweeteners, and vanilla extract (natural) to enjoy a refreshing coffee experience perfect for any time of year.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup coarse ground coffee (medium to dark roast)
- 4 cups filtered water
Optional Additions
- Maple syrup (natural) or agave syrup (natural), to taste
- 1/2 cup plant-based milk (almond, oat, or soy milk)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (natural)
Variations (Optional)
- 1 cinnamon stick or a few cardamom pods (for spiced cold brew)
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder or natural chocolate syrup
- Natural vanilla or caramel syrups
- Rosemary or mint leaves
For Straining
- Fine mesh sieve or coffee filter lined with natural gelling agent mesh cloth
Instructions
- Choose Your Coffee and Grind: Select a medium to dark roast coffee and grind it to a coarse texture similar to raw sugar crystals to ensure a smooth brew without bitterness.
- Combine Coffee and Water: In a large jar or pitcher, mix one part coarse coffee grounds with four parts cold, filtered water. Stir gently to thoroughly saturate all coffee grounds.
- Steep the Brew: Cover the container and let the mixture steep at room temperature or in the refrigerator for 12 to 18 hours to fully develop rich flavors.
- Strain the Coffee: Using a fine mesh sieve or coffee filter lined with a natural gelling agent mesh cloth, strain the coffee mixture to separate the grounds, producing a smooth cold brew concentrate.
- Dilute and Serve: Mix the cold brew concentrate with an equal amount of water or plant-based milk before serving. Adjust the strength to your liking and add natural sweeteners or vanilla extract (natural) if desired.
Notes
- Use freshly roasted coffee beans and grind just before brewing for maximum flavor.
- Keep brewing equipment clean to prevent off-flavors and maintain clarity.
- Adjust the coffee-to-water ratio and steeping time to customize strength and taste.
- Store cold brew concentrate in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- Freeze cold brew in ice cube trays for dilution-free chilling in coffee drinks.
- When reheating, warm gently without boiling to preserve smoothness and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 to 18 hours steeping
- Category: Beverages
- Method: Cold Steeping
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240 ml) prepared beverage
- Calories: 5
- Sugar: 0
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Cold Brew Coffee, Smooth Coffee, Iced Coffee, Plant-Based Coffee, Natural Sweeteners, Coffee Concentrate
