Cold brew coffee has grown in popularity for its smooth, mellow flavor and low acidity. Unlike traditional coffee brewing methods, cold brew involves steeping coarsely ground coffee in cold water for an extended period, usually 12 to 24 hours. A cold brew maker makes this process even easier, allowing you to enjoy a refreshing cup of cold brew without any hassle. In this guide, we’ll show you how to make coffee with a cold brew maker, step by step.
1. Choose the Right Coffee Beans
The quality of your cold brew coffee starts with the beans you choose. Since cold brew involves steeping the coffee grounds in water for an extended period, it’s important to select beans that will produce a smooth, well-balanced flavor.
What to Look For:
- Medium to Dark Roasts: Cold brew coffee typically works best with medium to dark roasted beans. These roasts offer a rich, smooth flavor profile without being overly acidic.
- Coarse Grind: For cold brew, you’ll need a coarse grind, similar to that of sea salt. This allows the water to filter through the grounds evenly and ensures a balanced extraction.
Tip:
If you want a more complex or fruity flavor, you can experiment with light roast beans, but keep in mind that they may produce a more acidic cold brew.
2. Measure Your Coffee and Water
Getting the right coffee-to-water ratio is crucial when making cold brew. Too much coffee can make your cold brew overly strong, while too little coffee can result in a weak, watery brew.
Recommended Ratio:
- 1:4 to 1:5 Ratio: A good starting point is using 1 part coffee to 4-5 parts water. If you prefer a stronger brew, use the 1:4 ratio. For a milder brew, go with the 1:5 ratio.
Tip:
Use a kitchen scale to ensure accurate measurements and consistency with every batch.
3. Add Coffee Grounds to the Cold Brew Maker
Once you’ve measured the coffee and water, it’s time to add the grounds to the cold brew maker. Most cold brew makers have a filter or mesh insert that holds the coffee grounds and allows the brewed coffee to pass through.
How to Add Coffee:
- Step 1: Add the coarsely ground coffee to the mesh insert or filter in the cold brew maker.
- Step 2: Ensure the coffee grounds are evenly distributed to prevent uneven extraction.
Tip:
Avoid packing the coffee grounds too tightly. The water needs to flow through the grounds for even extraction.
4. Add Water to the Cold Brew Maker
Once the coffee grounds are in place, it’s time to add the cold water. Be sure to use filtered water for the best flavor, as tap water can sometimes affect the taste of your cold brew.
How to Add Water:
- Step 1: Slowly pour the cold, filtered water into the cold brew maker, making sure to saturate all the coffee grounds evenly.
- Step 2: Fill the cold brew maker according to the measurements you’ve decided on, ensuring the coffee grounds are fully submerged.
Tip:
Gently stir the mixture to make sure the coffee grounds are fully immersed in the water. This will help ensure even extraction.
5. Steep the Coffee
The beauty of cold brew lies in the extended steeping process, which allows the coffee to extract slowly, resulting in a smooth and mellow flavor.
Recommended Steep Time:
- 12 to 24 Hours: Place the cold brew maker in the fridge or on the counter to steep. A steeping time of 12 to 24 hours is ideal, depending on your taste preference. The longer you steep the coffee, the stronger and more flavorful it will become.
Tip:
If you’re new to cold brew, start with 12 hours and taste the brew. If you prefer a stronger flavor, let it steep for a few more hours.
6. Strain the Coffee
After the steeping process is complete, it’s time to strain the coffee. Many cold brew makers have a built-in filter, but if yours doesn’t, you can strain the coffee through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth.
How to Strain the Coffee:
- Step 1: Remove the coffee grounds or filter insert from the cold brew maker.
- Step 2: Pour the brewed coffee into a separate container, using a fine mesh sieve if needed to catch any leftover grounds.
Tip:
If you notice any coffee grounds in your cold brew, strain it again to remove them for a smoother cup.
7. Dilute the Cold Brew (Optional)
Cold brew coffee is often more concentrated than regular coffee, so you may want to dilute it with water or milk to achieve your desired strength.
How to Dilute:
- Step 1: Pour the cold brew into a glass and taste it.
- Step 2: If it’s too strong, add water, milk, or a milk alternative to dilute it to your liking.
Tip:
For a creamier texture, add milk or a non-dairy milk such as oat or almond milk. For a sweeter taste, try adding flavored syrups or simple syrup.
8. Serve and Enjoy
Once your cold brew is to your liking, it’s time to serve. Pour the cold brew over ice for a refreshing coffee experience.
How to Serve:
- Step 1: Fill a glass with ice cubes.
- Step 2: Pour the cold brew over the ice.
- Step 3: Add milk, sweeteners, or flavorings if desired.
Tip:
Cold brew coffee is best served cold, so always use ice to keep it refreshing.
9. Store Your Cold Brew
Cold brew coffee can be stored in the fridge for up to a week, so feel free to make a large batch and enjoy it over several days.
How to Store:
- Step 1: Transfer the remaining cold brew to an airtight container.
- Step 2: Store it in the fridge for up to a week.
Tip:
Always keep your cold brew covered to prevent it from absorbing other flavors in the fridge.
Conclusion: Brewing the Perfect Cold Brew Coffee
Making coffee with a cold brew maker is easy, and it results in a smooth, less acidic cup of coffee. By following these simple steps — from selecting the right coffee and grind to steeping the coffee for the right amount of time — you can create a refreshing and flavorful cup of cold brew every time. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced coffee drinker, cold brew is a great way to enjoy coffee with a different flavor profile.
