September 2, 2024

Put that kettle away – Cold Brew season is on

Cold brew coffee is often mistaken for iced coffee, but they are distinctly different beverages. While iced coffee is hot-brewed and then chilled, cold brew is made by steeping coarse-ground coffee beans in room-temperature water for 10 to 20 hours. The method gives cold brew its unique characteristics and benefits.

Why Choose Cold Brew?

Cold brew coffee is not only delicious but also convenient. Here’s why you should consider making it at home:

Ease and Convenience

Cold brew coffee is easy to make ahead, ensuring it is ready whenever you need a caffeine boost. Homemade cold brew keeps well in the fridge; it’s best consumed within 24-48 hours but can be stored for up to a week or two.

Smooth, Non-Bitter Flavour

One of the standout features of cold brew is its smooth, non-bitter flavour. This is because hot water, used in methods like pour over or drip coffee makers, extracts more bitter compounds from the beans. In contrast, the cold brewing process results in a naturally sweeter and mellower taste.

Customisation and Experimentation

Making your own cold brew allows you to customise the strength and flavour. You can control the dilution to make it weaker or stronger based on your preference by adjusting the coffee-to-water ratio. You can also experiment with different steep times, generally keeping it between 12 and 48 hours.

Health Benefits

Emerging research suggests that cold brew may have positive effects on immune health. Additionally, if regular coffee upsets your stomach, you might find cold brew more agreeable due to its lower acidity.

Flavour Innovation

The versatility of cold brew extends to flavour experiments. Try adding infusions like orange for a unique twist or creating your own cocktails. A cold brew Old Fashioned or a Strawberry Mojito cold brew cocktail are fantastic options. This summer, our favourite at Victoria Central is Cold Brew Tonico.

This is How We Do It: Step-by-Step

Creating cold brew at home is straightforward and rewarding. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making the perfect batch:

Choose your Brew Ratio
Start with a brew ratio of 1 part coffee to 15 parts water (1:15). Feel free to experiment with this ratio to find your preferred strength.
Select Your Vessel
You can use a Cold Brew Maker or a French Press. Determine the volume of your vessel and subtract about 15% for the water volume. For a one-liter Cold Brew Maker, you’ll need approximately 850ml of filtered water and 60 grams of coffee.
Prepare the Coffee
Grind your coffee on a coarse setting, or have it ground at your local roaster.

4. Combine Coffee and Water
Add the coffee and cold water into your Cold Brew Maker. Stir well to ensure all grounds are fully immersed in water.

5. Steep
Place the lid back on and press the plunger so it sits on the surface, ensuring all grounds stay submerged. Leave it at room temperature, out of direct sunlight, for about 18 hours. Adjust the steep time if you prefer a weaker or stronger brew.

6. Filter and Store
Plunge the Cold Brew Maker and, for the best results, pour it over a paper filter method such as a V60 or Chemex. Store your cold brew in the fridge and enjoy it over ice.

! Tip: Use High-Quality Coffee: The final taste of your cold brew heavily depends on the quality of the coffee beans you use. Always opt for fresh, high-quality coffee for the best results.

Top 3 Recommended Coffee Specialties for Cold Brew

For an exceptional cold brew experience, try out these specialty coffees from Vicky Coffee. The following selections are known for their unique flavours and are perfect for crafting a high-quality cold brew at home.

1. Sigri, Papua New Guinea

Notes: Juicy Maracuja, Tropical Fruits & Tomato

Variety: Arusha, Typica

Process: Washed

Read the whole story of Sigri from Papua New Guinea