More than just cold coffee
Do you know that feeling? The sun is shining, but the craving for an aromatic coffee remains. Conventional iced coffee, quickly chilled with ice cubes, can often taste bitter. This is where cold brew coffee comes in – a growing trend that is fundamentally different from ordinary iced coffee and offers a unique taste experience.
But what exactly is meant by the English term "Cold Brew" and why is it conquering the coffee world? Find out!
What does cold brew mean? It's a gentle extraction process.
Cold Brew is a special method of coffee preparation in which coarsely ground coffee powder is extracted with cold water over a very long period of time.
- The crucial difference: Unlike classic coffee, which is prepared with hot water in a few minutes, cold brew usually steeps for 12 to 24 hours in cold water, often in the refrigerator.
Why does cold brew taste so special?
The cold, slow extraction is the key to its distinctive flavor profile:
- Milder and sweeter: Using cold water dissolves significantly fewer bitter substances and acids from the coffee grounds than when preparing it with hot water.
- Variety of aromas: This makes the cold brew taste particularly mild, soft, full-bodied and can highlight the fine, often fruity and sweet aromas of the coffee bean.
- Easier to digest: The lower acidity makes cold brew easier on the stomach for many people than traditionally brewed coffee.
Cold Brew vs. Iced Coffee: The Big Difference
These two drinks are often confused, but they are not the same:
| feature | Cold Brew | Iced Coffee |
|---|---|---|
| Brewing temperature | Cold | Hot |
| Brewing time | Very long (usually 12–24 hours) | Briefly (a few minutes) |
| The taste | Mild, sweetish, low in acidity, full aroma | May taste bitter or watery. |
| use | As a concentrate, with milk or for cocktails | Usually with ice cream and/or a scoop of vanilla ice cream |
How to easily make your own cold brew (Full Immersion)
Preparing it at home is straightforward. The most popular method is called full immersion .
- Grind & Ratio: Use coarsely ground coffee. A good starting ratio is 1:10 (e.g., 100 g coffee to 1 liter of cold water). Tip: A coarse grind (like for a French press) is ideal.
- Brewing : Place the coffee grounds in a large container and pour on cold, filtered water. Stir well.
- Let it steep: Cover the container and let it steep in the refrigerator for at least 12 to 16 hours (maximum 24 hours).
- Filter: Filter the cold brew through a fine sieve, a coffee filter, or a French press.
- Enjoy: Neat over ice, diluted with water or milk/plant-based drink, or in creative cocktails.
The finished cold brew will keep for up to one week if refrigerated in an airtight container.
