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Cold coffee is a refreshing and indulgent beverage that has won the hearts of many across the world. There is no fixed time to enjoy this cold coffee – you can sip it amidst your busy work schedule or enjoy it in the evening along with friends, and family, or alone at home. But what elevates the whole experience of indulging in cold coffee is the hot summer months, providing respite from the heat and meeting the needs of the coffee lover.
Often time, you may look for cold coffee at your favourite cafe across the city. However, there is a different charm in making it completely at home. This gives you better control of the ingredients and enables you to make the beverage according to your preferences. And the best part is that you can have it at any time of the day. Although different people have different ways of making cold coffee, there are certain common mistakes that you should avoid so as not to compromise the taste and quality. Take a look at them in this article:
- Using Stale Coffee Beans
The first common mistake that you must investigate is avoiding using stale or old coffee beans. For the best flavour and aroma, the freshly ground bean yields the best result. It is best to opt for whole beans and grind them just before brewing. If you use stale beans, it will result in a flat and dull-tasting coffee, lacking the vibrant flavours of the freshly brewed ones. Invest in a good quality grinder and store beans in an airtight container to preserve freshness that will ensure you experience a flavourful cold coffee.
- Skipping The Brewing Method
There are various brewing methods involved while making cold coffee, such as cold brew, iced pour-over, or even espresso-based drinks. Each of these methods imparts a unique flavour and characteristic of the final beverage. If you skip the brewing process, it will lead to a subpar method that may result in the lack of flavour of the cold coffee. Choose a method that suits your preference and delivers a satisfying cold coffee experience.
- Neglecting The Coffee-To-Water Ratio
To achieve a well-rounded and flavourful cold coffee, it is important to have a perfect balance of coffee-to-water ratio. Too much coffee can result in a bitter and overpowering brew while too little coffee may result in a diluted and weak beverage. Adjust the ratio according to your personal preference. Moreover, consider factors like the type of coffee bean, grind size, brewing time, etc. that can impact the strength and flavour of your cold coffee.
- Overlooking The Sweetness Level
Sweetness in cold coffee enhances the overall flavour profile. If you overload your drink with too much sugar or syrup, the natural flavours of the coffee get erased away, resulting in an overly sweetened beverage. Similarly, if you avoid adding sweetness, it can result in a bland and unappealing drink. Strike the perfect balance by gradually adding sweeteners such as sugar, honey, or flavoured syrup and adjusting the sweetness. Experiment with different sweetening agents and quantities until you find the ideal level of sweetness.
- Forgetting To Chill Properly
Cold coffee requires the perfect chilling process. If you fail to chill your coffee, it will result in a lukewarm tepid beverage that will lack the refreshing chill factor. After brewing, allow your coffee to come to room temperature and transfer it to the fridge for chilling. You can also use ice cubes made of freshly brewed coffee to prevent dilution while chilling. Make sure your cold coffee is chilled adequately before serving to enjoy the beverage in the hot summer months.
- Neglecting Presentation And Garnishes
You mustn't enjoy dull-looking cold coffee. Here presentation and garnishes play a crucial role. You can add a decorative touch to your cold coffee like whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.
