Now that the weather is warming up, I have been splurging and buying iced coffee from my local coffee shop. This last time I went, I paid attention to how they made it, and as I watched him removed a bottle of cold coffee concentrate from the refrigerator and add some milk and ice to it, I was reminded of a post I had read at Small Notebook on making iced coffee the cold brewed way. I paid almost $4.00 for my iced coffee, and walked out of there determined to figure out how to make some at home.
The Cold Brew Method
The cold brew method is so easy, and you end up with a delicious drink that is less acidic, which is much more gentle on the stomach and goes down very smooth. No bitterness, which means less sweetener is needed.
You won't believe how easy this is to make, and it is so much cheaper that buying a cup at the coffee shop! The recipe below costs 50 cents per cup, and that is using good, organic coffee!
How To Make Iced Coffee Using The Cold Brew Method:
The cold brew method is simply soaking 1/4 cup of coffee grounds overnight in 1 cup of cold water. Let sit out on the counter overnight. The next morning, add another cup of cold water. Then strain the grounds and pour over ice. This makes 2 cups of coffee. I add a generous splash of vanilla almond milk and some sugar or stevia to taste.
If you like more milk, add less water.
I use a french press
, but you could also just use a mason jar and a sieve or strain through a coffee filter twice. The french press makes for a simple, easy process. I love it!~You can keep any leftovers in the refrigerator for several days.
~I have read that adding sweetened condensed milk makes for a very special, rich and creamy dessert coffee.
~Freeze any leftovers in ice cube trays to use in your next iced coffee or to throw in the blender for a blended treat.
~Pour into Popsicle molds for a frosty treat on a hot day.
~Make your own flavored simple syrups, using these recipes.
**I am pleased to be linking to these parties.
I need to try this! You're my hero :)
ReplyDeleteCold brew sounds tasty...now if only I hadn't donated my little used french press last month!!We make a whole pot of coffee, let it cool for an hour or two, and store in in a container in the fridge. When we want a glass, just pour over ice, add milk and sweetener. Some houses always have cereal, or crackers, but we ALWAYS have homemade iced coffee :) *I do think the better the coffee, the better the homemade iced coffee. We use Equal Exchange that we purchase through our church.
ReplyDeleteOh, I always thought that must be cold espresso or something...I sure will give this a try!! How cool!!
ReplyDeleteSuzanne
I started the cold brew coffee yesterday...since Starbucks gets way too much of my $$ I was looking forward to trying out this economical idea...WOWSERS!!! I put it in the blender with ice, 2 tbl van syrup and 2 tbl vanilla Coffee mate...awesome!!!! It made two glasses...less calories and less cash than the coffee shop version. You were right about the cold brew is less bitter...I poured it through my coffee maker filter and basket to strain...easy peasy...rice and cheesey!
ReplyDeleteThanks for this. I have been on the look out for an ice coffee recipe this Spring. I hate the idea of spending $4.00 when I can make it myself.
ReplyDeleteToday is definitely a hot coffee day in Nebraska...but I'll tuck this away for when it hits 94 degrees again, because I LOVE iced coffee!
ReplyDeletemmmmm I LOVE LOVE LOVE coffee... iced and hot. I really want to get a french press.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I am a coffee-aholic! Also good to know if I am ever stuck without my drip coffee pot or electricity! Woohoo!
ReplyDeleteWe're science geeks and happen to have a stir plate at home (doesn't everyone?)... So, we put the water in a quart jar, add the stir bar to get it going, then add the coffee... Let it stir for 2 hours or so and then strain. Just as strong and yummy as normal cold brew but much faster!
ReplyDeleteI am so excited to try this! I am a slacker in the morning and never get around to making coffee before I leave the house. This I can do! Yea! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI had never heard of the cold brew method before. I tried this and loved it! Thanks so much for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI don't have a french press, nor do I have the patience to strain it through the coffee filter twice. (Maybe my filters are non-porous -- It took forrrreverrrr!) I decided to put the correct measure of coffee grounds in a filter, then bunch it closed with a twist tie, and drop it in the water overnight. (It's like a homemade teabag) In the morning, I simply toss out the packet of coffee and it's ready to go. No filtering, and no waiting. yay! I'm really enjoying your iced coffee recipes. We have organic coffee our friends in Nicaragua grew and gave to us, so it's a VERY inexpensive treat for me! Love, Aunt Linda
ReplyDeleteI just put my coffee in my water :) can't wait to see how this turns out!
ReplyDeleteI just finished it ad it's amazing! It's very strong coffee but I love it!
ReplyDeleteAre you letting it brew in the refrigerator or out on the counter over night?
ReplyDelete@Dave out on the counter.
ReplyDelete@Hannah I bet the strength depends on the type of coffee one uses. You can adjust the amount to your liking!
@aunt Linda I love that idea! I do think filter brand makes a difference as I have had some super slow ones, too!