Cold brew coffee is exactly what the name suggests – coffee that has been brewed without heat.
Why is cold brew increasing in popularity?
If you’ve ever tried cold brew coffee, you’ll know that it has a completely unique taste, which may be anything from mild to intense depending on which beans were used and, above all, how long the coffee was left to brew.
We recommend experimenting to find your preferred brewing time. In general, 8-12 hours of brewing is enough to bring out the fruity notes of the bean; cold brew coffee is generally less bitter than traditionally brewed filter coffee.
However, if you prefer a stronger taste, leave the coffee to brew for longer. Cold brew coffee that has been brewed for over 16 hours is usually enjoyed by true connoisseurs of pure black coffee; after this point, the brew takes on a syrupy consistency and develops a strong, distinctive aroma.
Either way, the result should be a smoother coffee than one brewed with heat. Cold brew can be up to 70% less acidic than traditionally brewed coffee and as such is said to be easier on the body too.
How is cold brew coffee made?
Cold brew coffee is a whole new taste experience, but it can’t be rushed. This is a drink to take your time over – after all, the anticipation is half the fun! Currently one of the most successful coffee trends in Europe, there are lots of ways to enjoy cold brew coffee.
1. The Toddy Brewer Method – ideal for larger commercial batches
2. The Coffee Gator Brewer – ideal for domestic, smaller batches
Let’s take a closer look at each method!
The toddy brewer method
Equipment required:
– Toddy Cold Brew Coffee Maker 1.65L OR Commercial Toddy Cold Brew Coffee Maker
– Commercial Toddy Filter Papers
Process:
1. FILL: Insert the stopper into the outside bottom of the plastic brewing container. Dampen the disc-shaped felt filter and insert into the bottom of the brewing container. Next, place your reusable or paper bag into the container. Pour 340g of coarse ground coffee into the bag, followed by 1.65L of water. Stir gently to saturate. Twist the bag tightly closed.
2. BREW: Steep coffee grounds for 12-24 hours to create a smooth, rich flavour.
3. FILTER: Remove the stopper and let your coffee concentrate flow into the glass decanter. Coffee concentrate will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
The Gator method
The Coffee Gator mission is to get everyone drinking fresher, more delicious coffee by producing incredible accessories that create a better brew. These carefully crafted items work perfectly in cafes and restaurants – and are ideal retail products for home-use too.
The Gator Cold Brewer is the perfect solution for small batches of cold brew concentrate – and couldn’t be easier to use!
Equipment required:
Process:
1. FILL: Place 150g of freshly ground coffee into the mesh insert. Place the mesh back into the Gator Brewer and top with water – preferably filtered.
2. BREW: Steep coffee grounds for 12-24 hours to create a smooth, rich flavour.
3. SERVE: Serve from the fridge, over ice, topping up with chilled water to taste. A ratio of 1-3 concentrate to water will produce approx. 21 x 12oz drinks over ice.
The fun is in the experimentation
Purists may prefer to enjoy their cold brew in its most natural state, whilst others may wish to add sweetness with syrups or milk. Our current favourite twist on a regular cold brew is the ‘orange’ infused cold brew, which works especially well with our Ethiopia Sidamo coffee.
Simply add orange peel in the brewing process and enjoy an exotic burst of citrus. You can experiment with the levels, but we particularly enjoyed ours at a ratio of one orange peel to one small Toddy Maker.
Or… why not try cold brew tea?
The same principles of ‘time not heat’ can be applied to tea. We particularly recommend Suki fruit infusions such as Red Berry, Apple Loves Mint, Gunpowder Green Spearmint, Pink Grapefruit and Goji Berry & Pomegranate. Check out the latest recipes and videos at Espresso Warehouse!