If you’re a coffee lover who is always on the lookout for a refreshing beverage, cold brew coffee might just be your new favorite.
Cold brew coffee is a growing trend that is taking over the coffee world, and it is the perfect way to enjoy a cup of coffee without the bitterness and acidity that comes with hot brewed coffee.
In this article, we will guide you through the perfect cold brew recipe, so you can make a delicious cup of cold brew coffee at home.
What’s the Difference Between Iced Coffee and Cold Brew?
Before we jump into making cold brew coffee, let’s be clear on something, Iced coffee, and cold brew coffee are two different beverages.
Iced coffee is made by brewing hot coffee and then pouring it over ice, while cold brew coffee is brewed using cold water and steeped for several hours.
Iced coffee is more acidic and bitter due to the hot brewing process, while cold brew coffee is smoother and less acidic due to the slow steeping process. Cold brew coffee is also less diluted than iced coffee, as it is not poured over ice.
Although you can enjoy your cold brew coffee poured over ice and mixed with other ingredients, it’s truly the brewing method that sets it apart.
And trust us, if you haven’t experienced it yet, you’re missing out on something truly special.
The smooth, rich taste of cold brew coffee is simply unforgettable!
What are the best beans to use for cold brew? Check out our article here as we get to the bottom of this.
How To Make The Best Cold Brew Coffee
Cold brew coffee is incredibly simple to make, and all you need are a few basic ingredients and some patience. Here are the steps to make the best cold-brew coffee:
- Start by selecting your favorite coffee beans. You can choose whole beans or pre-ground coffee. It’s always better to opt for high-quality coffee beans to get the best results.
- Coarsely grind the coffee beans. For cold brew coffee, a coarse grind is essential, as it allows the coffee to infuse with water better. If you’re using pre-ground coffee, make sure it is coarse.
- Measure out your coffee. The recommended ratio for cold brew coffee is 1:8, which means one part coffee to eight parts water. So, for 1 gallon of cold brew coffee, you will need 1 pound of coffee.
- Mix the coffee and water. Add the coffee to a large container and pour in the water. Stir the mixture until the coffee is fully saturated.
- Cover and let it steep. Cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap and let it steep in the fridge for at least 12 hours or up to 24 hours. The longer you let it steep, the stronger the coffee will be.
- Strain the coffee. After steeping, use a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to strain the coffee. Make sure to strain out all the grounds, so your cold brew coffee is smooth and sediment-free.
- Enjoy your cold-brew coffee. Once you have strained the coffee, pour it into a glass with or without ice, add your favorite creamer or sweetener, and enjoy.
In our article, find out what country makes the best coffee and how you can get it.
How Much Coffee Do I Need For 1 Gallon Of Cold Brew?
The amount of coffee you need for 1 gallon of cold brew depends on the coffee-to-water ratio you’re using. The recommended ratio for cold brew coffee is 1:8, which means for 1 gallon of cold brew coffee, you need 1 pound of coffee.
You might want to brew yourself a quick cup of joe for this part. Let’s dive into the math of ounces to cups and what that all adds up to for 1 gallon of cold brew…
First, a bit of investigation. The typical amount of coffee you can purchase ranges from 12 to 16 ounces. When I looked at what companies claim for the number of cups that amount makes, it again ranges from 16-24 cups.
Out of curiosity and for comparison purposes, I decided to look up the details of Bean Box, the monthly coffee subscription service we use.
According to their website, each 12 oz bag we receive through the subscription should yield 16-24 cups of coffee, which aligns with my findings from a quick Google search. Additionally, the coffee is conveniently shipped directly to our doorstep each month.
The reason for the range in servings is because of a multitude of factors. Different coffee drinks require different amounts of coffee beans. On top of that, there is also a personal preference. On my Breville Barista Express machine, I can set the amount of beans I want ground depending on the coarseness of the grind and drink type I am preparing.
How Many Ounces of Coffee Equals A Pound?
There is a bit of discrepancy here as well…depending on the roasting and dryness of the coffee beans. Typically though, 12 to 16 oz of coffee equals a pound.
How Many Cups Are In A Gallon?
The next step, obviously is to know how many cups equal a gallon. Again, doing a quick google search I get a clear result of 16 cups. So if my deduction is correct…
How Much Coffee Is Needed To Make One Gallon of Cold Brew?
If the average 12oz bag of coffee makes anywhere from 16 – 24 cups, and there are 16 cups in a gallon, I think it’s fair to say you need about 1 bag of coffee for a gallon of coffee to be made. Maybe a little less, depending on how bold and robust you want the flavor.
To make the best coffee, you need to grind your beans at the right time. Please join us in our article, This Is How Often To Grind Coffee Beans: New way of thinking!
Whole Beans vs. Ground Coffee
When it comes to making cold brew coffee, you can use either whole beans or pre-ground coffee. However, as with any coffee brew, using whole beans will give you a fresher and more flavorful cup of coffee.
When you grind coffee, the flavor and aroma begin to dissipate, so using whole beans will preserve the freshness and flavor of the coffee for longer.
Cold Brew Coffee Ratios
The ratio of coffee to water is essential when making a big batch of cold-brew coffee. We recommend a ratio for cold brew coffee of 1:8, which means one part coffee to eight parts water. This ratio will give you a smooth and well-balanced cup of coffee.
However, you can adjust the ratio based on your personal taste. If you like stronger coffee, you can increase the amount of coffee you use, or if you prefer milder coffee, you can decrease the amount of coffee.
Cold Brew Coffee Brew Time
The brew time for cold brew coffee is essential to get the perfect cup of coffee. Our recommended brew time is at least 12 hours or up to 24 hours. The longer you let it steep, the stronger the coffee will be.
That being said, it’s essential to note that leaving the coffee too steep for too long can result in a bitter taste. I typically mix mine up a few hours before bed and let it steep in the fridge overnight.
Cold Brew Coffee Tips
To make the perfect cold-brew coffee, there are a few tips you can follow:
- Use high-quality coffee beans or pre-ground coffee for the best results.
- Use cold, filtered water to brew your coffee.
- Steep the coffee in the fridge for at least 12 hours or up to 24 hours to get the best flavor.
- Experiment with different coffee-to-water ratios and brewing times to find the perfect balance for your taste.
- Store your cold brew mix in a glass container with an airtight lid.
How Long Can You Store Cold Brew Coffee in The Fridge
Now we get to one of my favorite parts about cold brew coffee. One of the advantages to cold brew coffee is that it can last up to 2 weeks in the fridge, but the flavor will start to degrade after the first week.
It’s essential to store your cold brew coffee in an airtight container to prevent any contamination or spoilage. You can also freeze cold brew coffee into ice cubes to use later in iced coffee drinks.
I recommend something like the BTaT- Cold Brew Coffee Maker. It has everything you need to make and store a large volume of cold brew coffee. Tea, lemonade, and other drinks can be made in it as well. This coffee maker comes with a stainless steel filter, pouring spout, and an airtight lid. Being made of glass lets you pour in hot or cold liquid with no problems.
Sip into Summer with the Perfect Cup of Cold Brew Coffee
So there you have it, a simple and delicious cold brew coffee recipe that is sure to satisfy your caffeine cravings on a hot summer day. With just a few easy steps, you can make your own refreshing beverage that will rival any coffee shop creation.
So grab your favorite coffee beans, a glass container, and get ready to enjoy the perfect cup of cold brew coffee. Cheers to a summer filled with delicious sips!
Tired of bad coffee? Check out our article, The Mystery of Why Does My Coffee Taste So Bad?
