Ohhh yep, El Nino is certain to make this summer a hot one. Looks like we're going to skip Spring entirely, and just move straight to summer. So you'll need to start getting your Cold Brew methods down pat!
Here are my tips for the perfect coldy;
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Start with fresh, coarsely ground coffee beans: To enhance the flavour of your cold brew, use a medium to dark roast coffee. Grind the beans coarsely as a finer grind may result in a bitter taste. (If you want to request a specific roast type in your next delivery, please reach out and I'll hook you up with the right beans for a cold brew process; coffee@brewsiphappy.com.au)
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Measure the coffee and water ratio: A good starting point is to use a 1:4 ratio of coffee to water. For example, if you're using 1 cup of coffee grounds, mix it with 4 cups of cold filtered water. Adjust the ratio according to your taste preferences.
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Combine the coffee and water in a container: Use a large jar or pitcher to hold the coffee grounds and water. Stir the mixture gently to ensure all the grounds are saturated. Make sure the container has a lid or cover to seal it tightly.
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Steep the coffee: Leave the container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for at least 12 to 24 hours. The longer you steep, the stronger and more concentrated the cold brew will be. Experiment with different steeping durations to find your desired strength.
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Strain the coffee: After steeping, strain the coffee using a fine-mesh sieve, cheesecloth, or a coffee filter. This step will remove the grounds and sediment from the finished cold brew.
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Dilute and serve: Cold brew is typically stronger than regular hot brewed coffee, so dilute it to taste. You can mix cold brew concentrate with equal parts water or adjust the ratio according to your preference. Pour the cold brew over ice and enjoy it black or with milk, sweeteners, or flavorings of your choice.
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Store and consume: Cold brew can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 weeks. It's best to make smaller batches to ensure freshness.
Remember, cold brew is known for its smooth and less acidic taste compared to hot brewed coffee. Feel free to experiment with different brewing times, coffee beans, and water ratios to find the perfect balance of flavours that suits your liking. Cold brew also makes for a great summer cocktail mixer... I'll post some fab coffee based cocktails soon!
And as always, happy sipping!
Image Credit: Premyuda Yospim for Getty