The only thing better than sipping a cold brew from your favorite café on a hot summer day might be making your cold brew at home (and not having to leave the house). Cold brew coffee offers a smooth, bold, and low-acid profile, making it an ideal sip for warmer days. Unlike iced coffee, which is brewed hot before being cooled, cold brew is steeped slowly in cold water, resulting in a concentrated extraction with exceptional depth of flavor.
Highly versatile and remarkably easy to prepare, cold brew coffee has become a staple for those who appreciate experimenting with their daily coffee rituals. Every detail contributes to the final result, including the brewing method and the choice of coffee beans.
Frequently Asked Questions for Making Cold Brew at Home
What do I need to make cold brew coffee at home?
Preparing cold brew coffee at home requires only fresh, coarsely ground beans and filtered, room-temperature water. Combine in a ratio of 1 part coffee to 4 parts water for a concentrate, or 1 part coffee to 8 parts water for a ready-to-drink preparation. Steep for 12 to 24 hours in the fridge, strain, and enjoy chilled.
What is the ideal ratio for cold brew coffee?
For a more robust and flavorful cup, many opt for a 1:4 ratio of coffee to water, producing a concentrate that can be diluted to taste. For a smoother, ready-to-pour beverage, a 1:8 ratio is preferred. These proportions offer flexibility while maintaining quality.
How much caffeine is in cold brew?
Cold brew typically contains more caffeine per ounce than traditionally brewed coffee. A 12-ounce serving of cold brew concentrate may deliver more than 200 milligrams of caffeine, depending on the bean and steeping time. For those seeking a vibrant but balanced boost, cold brew delivers complexity alongside energy.
Can I use a French press to cold brew coffee?
A French press is among the most effective tools for preparing cold brew coffee at home. Its built-in filtration and ease of use make it an ideal method for those seeking clarity of flavor without unnecessary equipment.
What are the best beans for cold brew?
The quality of your cold brew begins with the beans. Look for smooth, low-acid coffees with chocolate or nutty undertones. Organic, farmer-owned Pachamama beans not only enhance flavor but also reflect a commitment to the health of our people and our planet. Pachamama’s Inca Blend and Mexico Medium Roast Beans are especially well suited for cold brewing.
Three Cold Brew Recipes to Refresh Your Summer
1. The Piña Colada Cold Brew
A tropical twist on a classic cold brew, this recipe blends the clarity of cold brew with the richness of coconut and pineapple cream for a bright, fruit-forward experience.
Ingredients:
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Piña colada cold foam*
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Ice
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Organic Coconut Flakes or chips (optional garnish)
Instructions:
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Fill a glass with ice.
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Pour cold brew coffee, leaving a half-inch at the top.
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Add the piña colada cold foam.
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Finish with a sprinkle of coconut flakes.
*To prepare the cold foam: Combine three parts heavy cream, two parts milk, and one part each of vanilla, coconut, and pineapple syrups. Blend until light and silky.
2. Honey Bear Cold Brew
A gently spiced creation, this drink pairs floral honey with cinnamon and cold brew for a comforting yet refreshing and lightly sweetened sip.
Ingredients:
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Honey syrup
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Ground cinnamon
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Half and half or preferred milk
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Ice
Instructions:
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Add ice to your glass.
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Fill with cold brew coffee, leaving a half-inch of space.
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Stir in a measure of honey syrup.
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Dust the surface with ground cinnamon.
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Top with frothed milk for a velvety finish.
3. Classic Cold Brew
For seasoned coffee drinkers who prefer the simplicity of classic cold brew, follow our step-by-step guidance on crafting an exceptional batch at home.
How to Make Cold Brew Coffee at Home
Cold Brew with Intention and Purpose
Cold brew coffee is an invitation to slow down and savor the process. The method rewards patience, and the result reflects the integrity of the ingredients. Using organic, 100% farmer-owned Pachamama coffee beans ensures the highest quality coffee in your cup and equity in the supply chain.
Pachamama Coffee is 100% owned by the farmers who grow it. Each purchase supports over 400,000 smallholder farmers from the five cooperatives that make up Pachamama Coffee. For those who value flavor and impact, this is coffee worth investing in.
