HOW TO MAKE COLD BREW
Choose high-quality coffee beans and coarsely grind them, similar to breadcrumbs. If you're using pre-ground coffee, make sure it's a coarse grind.
If your beans are not ground, pour ¾ cup whole coffee beans into a coffee grinder. Then select coarsely-ground and grind into small particles.
In a large jar or pitcher, combine the coarsely ground coffee with 4 cups of cold, filtered water. Stir to ensure all the coffee grounds are fully saturated.
Give the mixture a thorough stir to make sure the coffee is well-mixed with the water.
Seal the jar or pitcher with a lid or cover it with plastic wrap if it doesn't have a lid. Place it in the refrigerator for an extended steeping period, typically ranging from 12 to 24 hours. The longer you steep, the stronger the brew will be.
After the steeping period, it's time to strain the coffee. You can use a coffee filter, a fine mesh strainer, or a combination of both. For extra smooth results, consider using cheesecloth in addition to the filter or strainer. Set the filter or strainer over a large bowl and pour the cold brew coffee through it. You may need to do this in batches.
If you're using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, you can press down on the grounds to extract more liquid. Be gentle to avoid squeezing out too many fine coffee particles.
Your cold brew concentrate is ready. To serve, dilute it with cold water or milk to your desired strength. Typically, a ratio of 1 part cold brew concentrate to 1-2 parts water or milk is a good starting point. You can also add ice cubes to make iced cold brew coffee.
Add sweeteners, syrups, or flavored creamers if desired. Cold brew coffee is highly customizable.
Sip and enjoy your homemade cold brew coffee. It's a refreshing and less acidic coffee option, perfect for hot days. Store any leftover cold brew concentrate in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. It's convenient for making additional servings. Now you can enjoy the smooth, rich flavor of homemade cold brew coffee whenever you like.