Cold Brewed Iced Coffee

I love iced coffee -- in fact I drink it all winter long.  Last week I went to brunch at Village Coffee and had a big glass and it was one of the best iced coffees I ever drank.  They told me it was cold brewed, so I went on the internet, got myself a recipe (no electronic gadgets needed) and made myself a pot last night and this morning's glass was as good as VC's.  Here's the recipe I used (I used hazelnut coffee and 3 sticks of cinnamon):

http://www.thenourishinggourmet.com/2012/05/how-to-cold-brew-coffee.html

Cold brew coffee makes a smooth, non-bitter coffee that is especially perfect for iced coffee. I shared this over at Mnn.com the other week, but it’s such a favorite I thought I should share it here too. Whether you should drink coffee or not from a health perspective is up to debate, but if you are going to drink coffee this is a lovely way to do it.

Coffee never really appealed to me. At least, that’s what I thought. Cold-brew coffee is what first won me over and now I enjoy coffee made a variety of ways. There are both health benefits and disadvantages to drinking coffee, but that aside, I have discovered a love for coffee, and it all started with cold-brew coffee last year. If you are looking for a smooth cup of Joe, then this is an excellent method.

Plus, it is so simple! You leave coffee in water for 12 hours or more, and then you strain it. You now have a coffee concentrate that will last at least a week. What more can you ask for? The advantages of cold brewing coffee, as I see it, are as follows.

1. It is simple and easy to do.
2. It is less acidic, which many people find helpful on the stomach.
3. There is less caffeine per cup when cold brewed.
4. The cold-brew method is less bitter, which promotes a smooth flavor.
5. The cold-brew method allows a different flavor profile to appear. Without as much bitterness, the fruity, chocolate, vanilla or other undertones are allowed to shine. So, even if you like a good cup of drip coffee, cold brewed coffee can give you a wonderful variation.

I make this the most simple way possible with a mason jar (like these ones from my Amazon affiliate). But you can also use some of the great cold brew systems out there to make the process even simpler. The Toddy was the first system, butthis one is a lot more classy, and this Bodum one looks great too!

Here is how I make mine. The amount of coffee to water can be tweaked to preference. A good rule of thumb is 1/3 cup of ground coffee to 1 cup of water. I make batches of 4 cups, but you can certainly make less or a lot more by using the same ratio.

Cold Brew Coffee

1 1/3 cup of fresh finely ground coffee (Even cheap coffee tastes good using this method, but I recommend buying organic coffee beans, since coffee is a highly sprayed crop. I personally lean toward a medium roast bean)
4 cups of filtered water

1. Combine ground coffee and water in a mason jar or French press. Stir to combine well. Cover and leave for at least 8 hours, and up to 24 hours at room temperature.

2. Put a coffee filter in a fine sieve over a small mixing bowl or 4 cup measuring cup. Slowly pour coffee through the filter. This is your coffee concentrate.

3. Keep refrigerated. To serve, dilute to preference. A one-to-two ratio is common (one-third coffee concentrate, two-thirds water). For a stronger cup of coffee, use a one-to-one ratio. I like to add a little almond milk. My husband likes to add a tablespoon or two of organic cream and just a little sweetener.

It will keep at least one week.

Yield: 4 cups of concentrate (makes at least 8 cups of coffee).

Just be careful when you dilute this stuff to drink.  Generally has more caffeine than you think...gets you a bit wired.

SO_Dad said:

Just be careful when you dilute this stuff to drink.  Generally has more caffeine than you think...gets you a bit wired.

 Fer sure.  I used the dilute directions in the recipe (1/3 coffee to 2/3 cold water, plus ice) and it was strong, but good!

love cold brew!

I had my first glass today at home, thanks to @mumstheword!  I made decaf so I could dip in afternoon.  So good. 

After reading an article in Slate about cold brewed coffee I've made a similar cold brew except that I add a few slightly bruised mint leaves.  The coffee doesn't taste minty, it just tastes a bit cooler on the tongue.

I tried it too, using basic espresso in the French press. I let it steep about 9 hours. I like my coffee really strong, so a little ice and almond milk and it was perfect iced coffee for me. I didn't dilute at all. I have another pot I'm making for tomorrow, I made it a tiny bit stronger and it will steep a bit longer so I'll see if I need to dilute it. It's a great way to make iced coffee!