Cold Brew - Summer's Perfect Sip

Summer has arrived, and for many that means it's time to trade in their steaming cup of joe for something a little more chill. We recommend a frosty glass of cold brew made with our amazing Costa Rican coffee beans.

Brewing vs. Icing

Cold brew is not the same thing as iced coffee. It's ground coffee steeped in cold water, then strained. Iced coffee is traditionally brewed java served over ice. It requires a higher concentration of coffee to make up for the dilution that occurs when you add ice. That concentration can make it highly acidic, which creates a bitter taste.

Cold brew does take a lot longer, typically 18 to 24-hours for it to fully steep. However, the slow infusion process pulls out flavor while leaving behind the compounds that raise acidity. As a result, your patience will be rewarded with a sweet, smooth flavor. Another advantage - since it starts cold, it becomes far less diluted when served over ice.

Cold Brew Basics

Here's what you'll need to gather before you begin brewing:

• A large jar with a tight-sealing lid• A big bowl• A sieve or fine strainer• A piece of muslin or a few sturdy pieces of paper towel• Coarse-ground coffee (we prefer Costa Rican)

Fresh ground coffee will always produce a tastier drink. For cold brew, you want to start with coarse grounds. You're looking for a consistency resembling bread crumbs. We recommend starting with a 1:4 ratio of coffee to water (1 cup ground coffee to 4 cups of water) then adjusting to suit your tastes.

Ready…Set…Steep

1. Pour coffee grounds into the jar and cover with cold water.

2. Stir gently

3. Seal lid tightly

4. Allow coffee to steep for at least 18-hours.

5. Use the sieve to strain the coffee into the bowl to remove larger grounds and particles.

6. Cover the mouth of your original jar with muslin or paper towel. A rubber band does a great job of holding the straining material in place. Be sure to leave some slack inside the jar to avoid runoff.

7. Pour strained coffee through the material back into the jar to remove finer grounds and particles.

8. Repeat this process 2-3 times, or until coffee is free of murky residue.

9. Serve over ice and enjoy!

A jar of cold brew will last up to 30-days in the refrigerator. We like to make a big batch, so we always have some on hand. Another helpful hint – try using cold brew to make ice cubes. It reduces dilution, and actually adds to that delicious coffee flavor. (This is a great tip for iced coffee too!)

Keep visiting us at Noribette's Coffee Co. for more ideas on how to keep your coffee love affair going strong, and while you're there be sure to check out our amazing selection of top-quality Costa Rican coffee deliver straight to your door. See you next time!

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