Cold brew: brewed really cold

Cold brew: the refreshing summer coffee

Have you ever tried cold brew? This refreshing coffee drink is the perfect companion for hot days. Unlike conventional coffee, cold brew is not brewed with hot water but extracted over several hours in cold water. This creates a unique flavour that contains less acidity and bitter substances.

In this article, you can find out everything you need to know about cold brew - from the origin of the name to delicious recipes.

Where does the name cold brew come from?

The name "cold brew" comes from the English and literally means "cold brewed". This term perfectly describes how this coffee drink is prepared: instead of using hot water, coarsely ground coffee is steeped in cold water for many hours.

The method originally comes from Japan, where cold-brewed coffee was already known in the 17th century. However, the technique we know today has only become established worldwide in recent years and is particularly popular in the summer months.

What ingredients are needed?

You only need a few high-quality ingredients to prepare cold brew:

• Coffee: Use 100 g of coarsely ground coffee. The coarse grind prevents the coffee from being over-extracted and ensures a balanced flavour.
• Water: You need 1 litre of cold water. It is best to use filtered water to preserve the pure flavour of the coffee.

That's all there is to it! This simple combination of ingredients makes cold brew so uncomplicated and yet impressively flavourful.

What equipment do I need?

You don't need any special equipment to make cold brew, but a few tools make the process easier:

• Cold brew maker or a large container: A special cold brew maker makes the preparation easier, but a large glass container will also do.
• Filter: You can use a fine sieve, a paper filter or a fabric filter to filter the coffee after extraction.
• Coffee grinder: A coffee grinder is ideal for grinding the coffee fresh and to the right grain size.
• Spoon: For stirring the coffee in the water. With this equipment, you can easily prepare cold brew at home.

How does the cold brew recipe work?

Preparing cold brew is simple and only takes a little time:

• Grind the coffee: Coarsely grind 100 g of coffee. The consistency should be slightly coarser than for French press.
• Mix coffee and water: Pour the ground coffee into your container and add 1 litre of cold water. Stir everything well so that the coffee is completely wetted.
• Extraction: Close the container and place it in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours. During this time, the coffee infuses in the water and develops its flavours.
• Filtering: After the extraction time, filter the coffee through a paper filter or a fine sieve to remove the coffee particles.
• Enjoy: Serve the cold brew pure, on ice or refined with juices, syrup or milk.

For a more intense flavour, you can also make a cold brew concentrate by doubling the amount of coffee to 200 g and increasing the ratio of coffee to water.

How can I drink cold brew?

Cold brew is not only a pleasure on its own, but also offers numerous possibilities for creative drinks:

• Cold brew with tonic: Mix 80 ml of cold brew with 200 ml of tonic water for a refreshing summer drink.
• Cold brew latte: Add milk or a milk substitute to your cold brew to enjoy a creamy cold brew latte.
• Cold brew cocktails: Cold brew is an excellent base for cocktails. Try it with a shot of rum, vanilla syrup and ice as a cold brew mojito.
• Cold brew with fruit juice: Combine cold brew with fruit juices such as orange juice or apple juice for a fruity flavour.
• Cold brew with ice cream: Simply add a scoop of vanilla or hazelnut ice cream to the cold brew for a delicious dessert variation.

These recipes show just how versatile cold brew can be.

Is cold brew coffee healthy?

Cold brew coffee has a number of health benefits due to the longer extraction time in cold water. Due to the cold preparation, cold brew contains around 70% less acids and bitter substances than hot brewed coffee.

This makes it milder and often better tolerated, especially for people with sensitive stomachs. Another plus point is that cold brew usually has a higher caffeine content, as the caffeine is completely dissolved during the long extraction process. This makes cold brew an ideal source of energy. Despite these advantages, cold brew, like any other coffee preparation, should be enjoyed in moderation.

How does cold brew coffee taste compared to filter coffee or coffee from a portafilter machine?

The flavour of cold brew is very different from filter coffee and coffee from a portafilter machine. Cold brew develops a pronounced sweetness and fruitiness due to the cold extraction, while bitter substances and acids remain in the background. The result is a mild but intense coffee that is particularly refreshing and light. In comparison, filter coffee is often more complex but also more acidic, while espresso from a portafilter machine is stronger and more concentrated. Cold brew is ideal for anyone looking for a smooth yet rich coffee experience that's perfect for warm days.

With these tips and recipes, you are well equipped to try cold brew at home and discover the variety of this refreshing coffee drink.