What is cold brew?
Cold brew is coffee which has been brewed without using any heat, hence the name “cold brew”. Cold brew is different than iced coffee, which is brewed hot and then iced or refrigerated in order to cool it. Cold brew 
consists of coarsely ground coffee which has been allowed to steep in cold or room temperature water for roughly 16 to 24 hours.
How is cold brew made?
The coffee is prepared by either using a strainer type device or a woven cold brew bag similar to a tea bag. Coarsely ground coffee is placed into the bag or strainer within a large container and covered with cool water. Once the full extraction of the cold brew occurs (approximately 16-24 hours later) the cold brew sachet or filter is removed/discarded and then the cold brew beverage diluted and is served over ice.
Which coffee is best for cold brew?
Not all coffees are suitable for cold brew.
There are certain roast profiles and different origins of coffees blended specifically for cold brew. Using the incorrect coffee can result in a sour or acidic tasting cold brew.
**We recommend our Rise and Shine Blend or Single origin Guatemala specifically for cold brew. **
Our Rise and Shine blend is the perfect balance for cold brew, Our rise and shine blend is a medium bodied coffee with subtle cupping flavors of cocoa and a natural sweetness. It has a nice boost of caffeine as well for the perfect pick me up. Our signature Rise and Shine Blend can be purchased here
Why is coarsely ground coffee used for cold brew?
Only coarsely ground coffee should be used for cold brew extraction. If the coffee is ground too finely, you will get a cloudy cold brew with a lot of sediment and fine grounds in it making it taste terrible. Using a blade grinder is not I suitable for making cold brew as a blade grinder causes uneven grounds with varying particle sizes. Only a burr grinder adjusted to a coarse setting should only be used when grinding coffee for cold brew. In addition, a commercial grade grinder is going to give a better result than a household burr grinder.
AT HOME COLD BREW RECIPE Yield: 32 ounces (4 cups)
4 ounces of coarsely ground fresh roasted coffee (4 oz net weight is about 1 1/3 cups of grounds if you are using measuring cups)
4 cups of cold or room temperature water
1 cold brew filter bag or sachet
Clean container
Directions for making cold brew:
- Add the grounds to the filter basket or a cold brew bag and tie securely
- Pour water over the grounds
- Allow the grounds to steep overnight approximately 16 to 24 hours before removing and discarding the grounds and then serving. (You will not need to dilute this recipe after discarding the grounds.)
If you are looking to make bigger batches of cold brew in bulk, you can use this larger scale recipe below.
COLD BREW RECIPE Yield: 1 gallon of cold brew (16 cups) Recipe for cold brew:
1 lb of coarsely ground fresh roasted coffee (specifically blended for cold brew)
1 gallon of cold or room temperature water
1 cold brew filter bag or sachet
Clean container
Directions for making cold brew:
- Add the grounds to the filter basket or a cold brew bag and tie securely
- Pour water over the grounds up to the 1 gallon line on your container.
- Allow the grounds to steep overnight approximately 16 to 24 hours before removing and discarding the grounds and then serving.
- Dilute the cold brew to taste, we recommend filling the container back up to the top of the 1 gallon line so it will be ready to pour.
*Cold brew can be stored in the refrigerator, in an airtight container for up to 4 days.*
Is cold brew less acidic than regular coffee?
Cold brew is less acidic than regular coffee since heat is not used during the extraction process. The end result is a very smooth coffee with low acidity which is not bitter. Many people say cold brew is easier on their tummy than regular coffee due to the lower acidity.
The great thing about cold brew is that it can be diluted with water to taste, after it is made. If the coffee is too strong for your tastes, just dilute it with a little cold water before serving.
Cold brew tips:
- Be sure to use coarsely ground coffee
- Use a cold brew filter or several layers of cheesecloth
- Use a blend specifically roasted for cold brew
- Use good quality filtered water
If coarsely ground coffee is not used, there will be a lot of sediment in the coffee and the cold brew will be ruined. Cold brew is best served over ice.
