Cold brew is cold coffee that is prepared quite differently from traditional hot coffee that is cooled with ice. In the case of cold brew, the beans are steeped in cold or room temperature water, and this process takes longer — from 8 to 24 hours. As a result, you get a drink with a smooth, less acidic, yet rich flavor, without the bitterness that is often present in hot coffee.
The process of making cold brew is extremely simple, but it requires patience. Ground coffee is mixed with cold water, steeped in the refrigerator or at room temperature, and then strained. The resulting concentrate can be consumed as is, or diluted with water, ice, milk, or plant-based alternatives. Due to the long steeping time, cold brew contains more caffeine than regular coffee, making it popular among those looking for an energy boost throughout the day.
The history of cold brew dates back to the 17th century in Japan: there was a method of brewing coffee with cold water known as "Kyoto-style."
The drink became particularly popular in the U.S. in the 2010s when it began to be sold in coffee shops on tap, in bottles, and even infused with nitrogen — "nitro cold brew," which resembles dark beer with a creamy head.
Due to its low acidity, cold brew is often chosen by people with sensitive stomachs.
At home, it is easy to prepare in a large jar, French press, or special cold brewer.
Cold brew is not just a way to make coffee, but a whole culture. It is perfect for hot summer days, refreshing, invigorating, and revealing new facets of your favorite drink.
How to make cold brew:
Ingredients:
100 g of coarsely ground fresh coffee (as for French press)
1 liter of cold or room temperature water
A container with a lid (jar, pitcher, or French press)
A sieve with cheesecloth, paper, or reusable filter
Preparation method:
Mix coffee and water Pour the ground coffee into the container and add water. Stir well with a spoon to ensure all the coffee is soaked.
Cover and let steep Cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap and leave it at room temperature or in the refrigerator for 12–18 hours. The longer it steeps, the richer the flavor will be.
Strain the drink Strain the cold brew through a sieve lined with cheesecloth or coffee filter into a clean container. You can strain it twice for greater clarity.
Chill and serve Serve with ice, water, milk, or plant-based drink — depending on your taste preferences.
Tips:
Cold brew can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
If you want a stronger drink, use a ratio of 1:5 (coffee:water). For a lighter drink, use 1:10.
This is a concentrate: it can be diluted with water or ice before consumption.
Cold, smooth, and aromatic — cold brew will become a favorite summer drink for all coffee lovers.
