Cold brew coffee is the perfect summer drink. Its smooth, rich flavor and chilled temperature make it a refreshing choice for hot days. Unlike hot coffee, cold brew is less acidic, offering a milder taste that’s easy on the stomach.
You can enjoy it in the morning to kickstart your day or sip it in the afternoon to cool off. This guide will show you how to make cold brew coffee at home with simple ingredients and easy steps. Plus, we’ll share tips to customize your drink and make it your own.
See also: Easy Frosé Recipe
Why Cold Brew Coffee is Perfect for Summer
Cold brew coffee is a summer favorite because it’s served ice-cold, providing instant relief from the heat. The brewing process uses cold water, which extracts flavors slowly, resulting in a smooth, less bitter coffee.
It’s also versatile, you can drink it black, add milk, or sweeten it with a splash of vanilla for a touch of sweetness. Whether you’re relaxing by the pool or hosting a summer gathering, cold brew is a crowd-pleaser.
Making cold brew at home is budget-friendly and lets you control the strength and flavor. With just a few ingredients and tools, you can create a café-quality drink without leaving your kitchen. Plus, it’s easy to store in the fridge for days, so you can always have a refreshing beverage ready.
Ingredients for Cold Brew Coffee
To make cold brew coffee at home, you’ll need just a few basic ingredients. Here’s what to gather:
- Coffee grounds (coarse grind, medium or dark roast, 1 cup)
- Cold water (4 cups, filtered for best taste)
- Ice (for serving)
- Optional: Vanilla extract (1-2 teaspoons for sweetness)
- Optional: Milk, cream, or sweetener of choice
Using high-quality coffee grounds is key to a great cold brew. A coarse grind works best to avoid a gritty texture. Medium or dark roast beans give a bold, rich flavor that stands up well to chilling.
See also: Simple Pineapple Lemonade Recipe
Kitchen Equipment/Appliances Needed
You don’t need fancy tools to make cold brew, but having the right equipment makes the process easier. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Cold brew maker or a large mason jar (for brewing)
- Coffee grinder (if using whole beans)
- Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth (for filtering)
- Pitcher or glass bottle (for storing)
- Tumbler (for serving over ice)
A cold brew maker simplifies the process with a built-in filter, but a mason jar and cheesecloth work just as well. If you’re grinding your own beans, a coffee grinder ensures the perfect coarse texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Cold Brew Coffee
Follow these simple steps to make delicious cold brew coffee at home. The process is easy but requires some patience as the coffee steeps.
Step 1: Prepare the Coffee Grounds
Measure 1 cup of coarse coffee grounds. If you’re using whole beans, grind them to a coarse consistency using a coffee grinder. The grounds should look like coarse sea salt to prevent a muddy brew.
Step 2: Combine Coffee and Water
In a cold brew maker or mason jar, combine 1 cup of coffee grounds with 4 cups of cold water. Stir gently to ensure all grounds are wet. The standard ratio is 1:4 (coffee to water), but you can adjust for a stronger or weaker brew.
Step 3: Steep the Coffee
Cover the cold brew maker or mason jar and let the mixture steep at room temperature or in the fridge for 12-24 hours. A longer steep (18-24 hours) creates a stronger flavor, while 12 hours gives a lighter taste.
Step 4: Filter the Coffee
After steeping, strain the coffee to remove the grounds. If using a cold brew maker, follow its filtering instructions. For a mason jar, pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth into a pitcher or glass bottle. Strain twice if needed for a smoother result.
Step 5: Store and Serve
Store the cold brew concentrate in a pitcher or glass bottle in the fridge for up to a week. To serve, fill a tumbler with ice, pour in the cold brew (dilute with water or milk if it’s too strong), and add a splash of vanilla extract for sweetness if desired.
See also: Easy Frozen Lemonade
Tips for Customizing Your Cold Brew Coffee
Cold brew coffee is highly customizable. Here are some ideas to make it your own:
- Add Sweetness: Try vanilla extract, maple syrup, or honey for a natural sweetener.
- Creamy Texture: Add milk, almond milk, or oat milk for a creamier drink.
- Flavor Boost: Experiment with cinnamon, cocoa powder, or a pinch of sea salt.
- Stronger Brew: Increase the coffee-to-water ratio to 1:3 for a bolder taste.
- Health Kick: Pair your cold brew with Cappuccino MCT, a bulletproof coffee that boosts energy and supports fat burning for a healthy summer vibe.
For an extra health boost, consider supplements like Moringa Actives to support metabolism or Keto Actives if you’re following a ketogenic diet. These can complement your cold brew routine for a balanced lifestyle.
Nutritional Facts of Cold Brew Coffee
The nutritional content of cold brew coffee depends on how you prepare and serve it. Below is an approximate breakdown for a standard 8-ounce serving of black cold brew (without additives):
- Calories: 5 kcal
- Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 0.3 g
- Caffeine: 100-200 mg (varies by coffee strength)
- Sugar: 0 g (unless sweeteners are added)
Adding vanilla extract (1 tsp) adds about 12 calories and 0.5 g of sugar. Milk or cream will increase calories and fat content. For a low-calorie option, use unsweetened almond milk. To support weight management, try NuviaLab Sugar Control to help stabilize blood sugar levels while enjoying your coffee.
See also: The Best Homemade Iced Tea
Benefits of Drinking Cold Brew Coffee
Cold brew coffee isn’t just delicious, it has several benefits, especially for summer:
- Less Acidic: The cold brewing process reduces acidity, making it gentler on the stomach.
- High Caffeine: Cold brew is often more concentrated, providing a strong energy boost for hot days.
- Hydration: When diluted with water or served over ice, it helps keep you hydrated.
- Antioxidants: Coffee is rich in antioxidants, which support overall health.
To enhance your wellness routine, consider NuviaLab Immune to boost immunity or Fibre Select to cleanse your body and improve digestion. These supplements pair well with a healthy summer diet.
Storing and Serving Tips
Cold brew coffee is perfect for making in batches. Here are some tips to keep it fresh and flavorful:
- Store in a sealed glass bottle or pitcher in the fridge for up to 7 days.
- Shake well before serving, as the concentrate may settle.
- Serve in a tumbler with plenty of ice for a refreshing drink.
- Dilute with water or milk (1:1 ratio) if the concentrate is too strong.
- For a weight-conscious option, pair your cold brew with Fat Burn Active to support fat metabolism.
See also: Ranch Water Cocktail Recipe
Health and Wellness with Cold Brew
Cold brew coffee is a great addition to a healthy summer lifestyle. To maximize your energy and focus, consider Brain Actives to enhance cognitive function or GOAT Stamina for long-lasting energy without the caffeine crash.
For those looking to manage weight, Meltamin or Green Coffee 5K can support fat-burning efforts while you enjoy your refreshing cold brew.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cold Brew Coffee
1. What’s the difference between cold brew and iced coffee?
Cold brew is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for 12-24 hours, resulting in a smooth, less acidic flavor. Iced coffee is brewed hot and then cooled with ice, which can make it more bitter.
2. Can I use regular coffee grounds for cold brew?
Yes, but coarse coffee grounds are best to avoid a gritty texture. A coffee grinder can help achieve the right consistency.
3. How long does cold brew last?
Cold brew stays fresh in the fridge for up to a week when stored in a sealed glass bottle or pitcher.
4. Can I make cold brew without a cold brew maker?
Absolutely! A mason jar and cheesecloth work just fine for brewing and filtering.
See also: The Best Hibiscus Iced Tea
Conclusion
Making cold brew coffee at home is simple, affordable, and perfect for summer. With just coffee grounds, cold water, and a few tools like a cold brew maker or mason jar, you can create a smooth, refreshing drink to enjoy all season long.
Customize it with vanilla extract or other flavors to suit your taste. Pair your cold brew with supplements like Cappuccino MCT or Keto Actives for a boost in energy and metabolism. Enjoy your homemade cold brew and stay cool this summer!
For more health and wellness support, explore Collagen Select for radiant skin or Probiosin Plus for digestive health to complement your summer routine.
Looking for more delicious summer drinks? Here are a few of my favorites!
- Mai Tai Cocktail Recipe
- Arnold Palmer Drink
- Watermelon Agua Fresca
- Classic Margarita Cocktail
- Piña Colada Cocktail Recipe
