The world of coffee lovers is witnessing a rising trend known as “Cold Brew.” This innovative brewing technique has captured the hearts of enthusiasts far and wide, offering a refreshing alternative to traditional hot-water extraction methods and electric coffee makers; It has nothing to do with iced coffee.
Cold Brew is a meticulous process that involves steeping ground coffee in cold or room temperature water for an extended duration, allowing the aromas, colours, and flavours of the coffee to infuse and develop slowly.
The outcome? A velvety-smooth, full-bodied beverage that surprises with its intricate nuances. In addition to its captivating taste profile, Cold Brew brings out the natural sweetness of the coffee while reducing its acidity, resulting in a satisfyingly smooth and less bitter experience.
In this article, I invite you to explore the world of Cold Brew coffee makers, unveiling the options available and their unique features. We will investigate how these remarkable devices contribute to crafting the perfect cup of Cold Brew coffee.
- Coffee Gator Cold Brew Coffee Maker – BPA-Free Filter and Glass Carafe
- Asobu Portable Cold Brew Coffee Maker, Double Walled Vacuum Insulated
What Is cold brew coffee like?
Unlike regular iced coffee, Cold Brew offers a remarkably smooth and satisfying taste by avoiding dilution from melting ice. It preserves the coffee beans’ original characteristics and flavour nuances by extracting fewer oils and acids from the grounds.
Cold Brew’s versatility is one of its most notable advantages, as it can be enjoyed both hot and cold. This allows coffee enthusiasts to customize their brew according to their preferences, whether they prefer a refreshing and invigorating cold cup or a comforting and cosy hot treat.
Another standout feature of Cold Brew is its lower acidity. The extended steeping time in cold water significantly reduces the extraction of acidic compounds, resulting in a smoother and less bitter cup of coffee. The reduced acidity allows the coffee beans’ natural sweetness and subtle flavour notes to shine through, providing a truly enjoyable and nuanced taste experience.
Who invented Cold Brew coffee?
Cold-brewed coffee has gained popularity worldwide over the past decade but can be traced back to its origins in Japan. The earliest evidence of true cold-brewed coffee, using cold water, comes from Kyoto-style coffee in the 1600s. This method, characterized by a meticulous process of brewing coffee drop by drop using tall towers, was pioneered in Japan.
In recent years, cafes worldwide have embraced cold-brew systems inspired by the Kyoto style, recognizing the unique qualities it brings to the coffee experience. This global adoption of cold brew can be attributed to its practicality, artistic appeal, and ability to highlight the distinctive characteristics of single-origin coffee.
As the global resurgence of cold brew continues, coffee shops in several countries are set to explore the creative possibilities offered by this brewing method.
How to prepare cold brew coffee?
You can easily prepare delicious cold-brew coffee at home by following these steps and using your coffee maker:
- Grind your coffee beans: Start by grinding your coffee beans to a coarse grind. Aim for a consistency similar to sea salt. This helps prevent fine particles from seeping through the filter and ending in your cold brew. Use a burr grinder for a consistent grind size.
- Measure and add coffee grounds: Measure the desired amount depending on your taste preferences and desired strength. As a general guideline, a 1-part coffee to 8 parts water. For example, if you’re using 1 litre of water, you’ll need 125 grams of coffee.
- Add cold water: Pour cold, filtered water into the coffee maker, but use room temperature water or chilled water from the refrigerator. Avoid hot water, as it can extract undesirable flavours from the coffee. Make sure to add enough water to submerge the coffee grounds fully.
- Stir and let it steep: Gently stir the mixture to ensure all the coffee grounds are fully saturated. Place the coffee maker carafe or container in the refrigerator, and let it steep for at least 12 hours. You can steep it for up to 24 hours for a stronger concentration.
- Filter the cold brew: Remove the coffee maker carafe from the refrigerator once the steeping time is complete. Set up your coffee maker with a filter appropriate for cold brew, or use a separate filtering method. Slowly pour the cold brew mixture through the filter, allowing it to separate from the coffee grounds. This step helps achieve a smooth and sediment-free cold brew.
- Serve and enjoy: It will be served once the cold brew has been filtered. You can dilute it with water, milk, or ice cubes according to your taste preferences. Cold brew is often enjoyed over ice, but you can also heat it if you prefer a warm beverage.
Remember to clean your coffee maker thoroughly after use, following the manufacturer’s instructions, to ensure optimal performance and taste for future batches.
➡️ Buy Hario Cold Brew Coffee Pot Mizudashi 1000ml here.
Are there cold-brew coffee makers available?
There are several methods to prepare cold coffee, each with nuances in the final result. To start, you can make cold coffee using a French press or a siphon coffee maker, but the best option is to use a dedicated cold brew coffee maker.
Most of these machines are produced by the Japanese company Hario, although cold brew coffee makers are especially popular in the United States. They are called cold drip coffee makers because their operation resembles traditional filter or drip coffee machines.
- HARIO Cold Brew Coffee Jug 1000ml, 101x101x309 cm
- Ovalware Airtight Cold Brew Iced Coffee Maker (& Iced Tea Maker) with Spout
There is nothing particularly complicated about using these coffee makers as long as you understand and adhere to the basic principles of the process. They do not require advanced technology; they are specifically designed for extended infusion periods.
For instance, the Cold Bruer includes a small device to adjust the drip speed. The slower the speed, the more concentrated the resulting cold coffee.
You can find specific cold brew tutorials for these machines for more detailed instructions. If you want to learn how to use the Hario Cold Brew Coffee Pot Mizudashi, watch this video:
Benefits of cold brew coffee
- Healthier alternative: Cold brew coffee is known for having lower acidity than hot brewed coffee. This makes it suitable for individuals with sensitive stomachs or acid reflux issues.
- Longer shelf life: Cold brew coffee can be refrigerated and stored for up to two weeks without losing flavour or quality. This makes it convenient for preparing larger batches and enjoying it over several days.
- Versatile brewing: Cold brew coffee can be used as a base for various beverages, such as iced lattes, mochas, or coffee cocktails. Its concentrated form allows for customization and experimentation in creating unique coffee concoctions.
Cold brew vs Iced coffee
While cold brew and iced coffee are served cold, brewing methods and flavour profiles differ. Cold Brew is steeped in cold or room temperature water for an extended period, resulting in a smoother, less acidic, and less bitter taste.
On the other hand, Iced coffee is brewed with hot water and then chilled or poured over ice, which can lead to more acidity and a potentially diluted flavour.
Cold brew is generally considered a more concentrated and intense coffee experience, offering subtle flavour nuances and a velvety texture.
Cold brew coffee concentrate
Cold brew coffee makers often produce a concentrated coffee called Cold Brew concentrate. This concentrate can be diluted with water, milk, or other liquids to achieve the desired strength and flavour.
Cold brew concentrate can also be used as a base for making iced coffee beverages or as an ingredient in recipes like coffee-infused desserts, sauces, or marinades.
Cold brew coffee and sustainability
Cold brew coffee has gained popularity in the context of sustainability due to its no energy consumption during brewing. Unlike traditional hot brewing methods that require heating water, Cold brew relies on time and cold water, reducing energy usage.
Additionally, using a cold brew coffee maker with a reusable filter can reduce waste associated with disposable coffee filters or single-use coffee pods.
Cold brew coffee maker design
Cold brew coffee makers come in various designs, including immersion-style brewers, slow-drip towers, and portable options. Each design offers different brewing techniques and features, allowing coffee enthusiasts to choose the method that suits their preferences and lifestyle.
Some cold brew coffee makers have built-in filtration systems, eliminating the need for additional filtering steps. Others come with adjustable components that allow users to customize the strength and extraction of their Cold Brew.
Cold brew coffee trends
Nitro cold brew: Nitro cold brew is a popular variation where nitrogen gas is infused into the cold brew coffee, resulting in a creamy and velvety texture similar to draft beer. When poured, the nitrogen bubbles create a cascading effect and add a unique mouthfeel to the coffee.
Flavoured cold brew: Many coffee shops and enthusiasts experiment with infusing cold brew with flavours like vanilla, chocolate, cinnamon, or fruits. These additions can enhance the taste profile and create exciting flavour combinations.
