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COLD BREW has taken the specialty coffee world by storm in recent years. The smooth, low-acid taste has won over coffee drinkers everywhere. It is hardly a surprise that a lot of specialty coffee brands have flooded the Indian market as a result — Sleepy Owl, Colombian Brew Coffee, Blue Tokai, to name a few. In fact, Blue Tokai has their own chain of cafes in different Indian metropolises. These companies have also popularised cold brews with their easy to make pouches (in some cases). But, if you are a true coffee fanatic, we encourage you to try making your cold brew. So, let's explore how you can craft cold brews as good as any coffee shop.
Understanding Cold Brew Basics
Unlike hot brewing methods, cold brewing is a slow extraction process. Coarsely ground coffee is steeped in cold or room temperature water for 12-24 hours. The long, slow steeping draws out coffee's sweet flavours without bitterness.
Two key factors determine your cold brew's taste: 1. Coffee variety 2. Water temperature
For cold brew, opt for medium or dark roast beans with chocolate or nutty notes. Finer grinds extract too quickly at room temperature.
Water temperature should be between 15-21°C for optimal extraction. Colder water slows the process without stalling it. Room temperature works too but yields a slightly weaker brew.
Getting the Right Ratio
Ratio is everything when it comes to balanced cold brew. A general rule of thumb is 60g coarse ground coffee to 1 litre water. But ratios can be adjusted to suit your preferences.
More coffee yields a stronger, bolder cold brew while less produces a milder cup. Start with a 60g ratio and adjust to taste in subsequent batches. Record what you like for consistency.
Steeping and Straining
Add ground coffee to a filter-lined container or French press. Slowly pour filtered water over, stirring to saturate the grounds. Steep covered at room temperature for 12-24 hours.
After steeping, it's time to strain the coffee. Filters, cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer work well. Pour brewed coffee into a carafe, pressing grounds to extract maximum flavour.
Do You Need a Coffee Maker?
No, a coffee maker is not needed to make cold brew coffee. The cold brew process involves simply steeping ground coffee in room temperature or cold water for an extended period of time, usually 12-18 hours.
All you need is:
— Coffee grounds (coarsely ground for cold brew)
— Water
— A container to steep the grounds in water
— A filter or way to separate the grounds from the brewed liquid
The container can be as simple as a large jar or pitcher. As mentioned, using a dedicated cold brew coffee maker makes the process easier since they typically come with a built-in filter attached to the lid. But it's certainly not necessary — any airtight non-reactive container like glass or stainless steel will work.
Upgrade Your Brewing Equipment
While any container will work in a pinch, investing in proper brewing equipment makes the process easier and yields better results. Look for an airtight glass or stainless steel container with a filter attached to the lid. Popular brands like Hario, Oxo and Filtron offer reliable brewers at affordable prices. For large batches, opt for a 1-gallon or larger brewer with spigot for easy pouring. For easy clean-up, use dedicated brewing vessels with built-in filters like the Hario Mizudashi or Toddy cold brew system. Their airtight lids also prevent oxidation during steeping.
Flavouring and Serving Options
Once strained, your cold brew concentrate is ready for flavouring and serving over ice. It can be diluted with water, milk or nut milks for customized strength.
Add simple syrup, honey or sugar to balance acidity and sweeten to taste. Spices like cinnamon, cardamom or vanilla complement the natural flavours.
For an indulgent treat, blend cold brew concentrate into ice cream or yogurt for a caffeine kick. It also enhances cocktails, sodas and other chilled beverages.
With practice, you'll be crafting nuanced cold brews to rival the pros. Follow these tips to extract maximum flavour from your beans slowly and smoothly.
Troubleshooting Common Cold Brew Issues
Like any new technique, you may encounter some hurdles when learning to cold brew. Here are solutions to common problems:
— Bitter brew: Grind was too fine or steep time too long. Adjust grind and try shorter steeping next time.
— Weak flavour: Not enough coffee or too short a steep. Up the coffee ratio or let it steep a few hours longer.
— Flat taste: Water was too warm for slow extraction. Use chilled or room temperature water below 21°C.
— Gritty mouthfeel: Grind was too coarse or filter wasn't fine enough. Go one notch finer on grind size or use a paper filter.
— Rapid mould growth: Steeping vessel wasn't airtight. Use an airtight container like a Mason jar for steeping.
With some practice and these tips, you'll be brewing restaurant-quality cold brew coffee at home in no time. Mastering the technique is worth the effort for smooth, low-acid coffee bliss. Experiment fearlessly and always remember — the most important thing is enjoying the process. Soon enough, you'll be the resident cold brew expert among your friends and family.
