When it comes to coffee, most of us are familiar with the regular cold brew variety; but what is this new invention of cold brew concentrate, and how is it different from your everyday iced latte regular coffee with ice? This is a magical cheat code that allows you to keep a reasonable pitcher of concentrate in your refrigerator that will last for a long time.
A cold brew concentrate is brewed similarly to regular cold brew coffee but with one major difference—the water ratio to coffee grounds.
Imparting bold and full-flavored coffee, cold brew concentrate is carefully crafted by soaking coarsely ground beans in cold water over an extended period.
When mixed with hot or chilled H2O, this intensely concentrated liquid brings forth a sophisticated assortment of coffee beverages.
Let us dive deep into the specifics of cold brew coffee concentrate and uncover how it is distinct from ordinary cold brew coffee.
Table of Contents
What Is Cold Brew Concentrate?
Cold brew concentrate is an increasingly POPULAR alternative to the daily dose of coffee. It’s essentially an exponentially more potent version of the average morning cup of hot coffee (especially for super-strong coffee lovers!).
To achieve an irresistibly smooth and rich cold-brew coffee, coarse ground coffee beans are steeped in water at room temperature for a MINIMUM of eight hours.
The outcome is concentrated and syrup-like, requiring further dilution with milk or water – either hot or cold to reach the desired beverage, whether it’s hot or iced.
Whether used with a home drip coffee maker, a French press, an espresso machine, or just as simple as a watered-down glass full of black liquid gold – no one can go wrong with some cold brew concentrate.
Discover the Perfect Balance of Coffee to Water with Cold Brew Concentrate
Brewing the PERFECT cold brew concentrate can feel like a science experiment! We understand the struggle, which is why we have all the information you need to concoct your masterpiece.
The ideal coffee-to-water ratio for one cup of cold brew concentrate VARIES depending on how strong or mild you prefer your coffee. Generally, water ratio of 1 part ground coffee and 8 parts cold water should do the trick.
If making a larger batch, think of 1 part coffee and 4 parts water! This can be EASILY adjusted depending on what coffee flavor profile works best for you!
Whether you prefer a super strong and bitter cold brew or an airy, mild one, it’s all about finding that IDEAL ratio. So don’t be afraid to experiment until you find your signature blend.
How To Use Cold Brew Concentrate
There are many ways to use a cold brew concentrate, whether for an iced latte or a hot brewed coffee. The most COMMON way is to dilute the concentrate with water, milk, or both, but there are also plenty of creative uses for this robust coffee.
Here are some recipes and ideas for using your own cold brew concentrate:
1. Dilute and Drink – Dilute the concentrate with EQUAL parts of hot water or cold water, depending on whether you want a hot or iced drink. You can also add some cream for a creamy coffee beverage!
2. Iced Latte – Dilute the concentrate with 2-3 parts cold milk and add ice for a delicious iced latte. Top it with some frothed milk for an EXTRA treat!
3. Coffee Ice Cubes – Freeze the concentrate into ice cubes and drop them into your regular cup of coffee. As they melt, the flavors will be released, resulting in a STRONGER, more flavorful cup of coffee [1]
4. Cold Brew Milkshake – Blend some cold brew concentrate with your favorite ice cream and top with whipped cream for a DELICIOUS milkshake.
Cold brew concentrate is incredibly versatile, and you’re sure to find ENDLESS uses for it in the kitchen.
Pro Tip: You can also make decaf cold brew concentrate by using decaf coffee beans.
Advantages of Using Cold Brew Concentrate
Now that you know what cold brew concentrate is and how to use it let’s look at why it’s becoming so popular.
When compared to regular cold brew coffee, the advantages of using cold brew concentrate are clear: more flavor and caffeine per serving, as well as a BOLDER flavor profile and fuller body that make it perfect for iced coffee drinks.
Due to the EXTENDED brewing time, cold brew concentrate is higher in caffeine than regular cold brew, which means a single cup packs more of a punch.
It also retains its flavor longer than regular cold brew, so you can have your favorite beverage WITHOUT worrying about any bitter or acidic aftertaste. And since the concentrate needs to be diluted before use, it makes an even bigger batch – perfect for when you’re entertaining.
So if you’re looking for a stronger SMOOTHER of coffee taste, than regular cold brew coffee, look no further than cold brew concentrate! Its bolder flavor and full body will provide a delicious experience every time.
How To Make Cold Brew Concentrate
Making your own cold brew concentrate is EASIER than you think; let’s look at what you need.
1. Coarsely ground roasted coffee beans – You can use your favorite beans, though we recommend medium to dark roast beans for the best flavor.
2. Coldwater – Filtered or spring water is recommended to provide better flavor and aroma in the concentrate.
3. Mason jar or French press – If using a mason jar, make sure you cover it tightly with a lid or plastic wrap to prevent any contamination of the brew. A French press is also a great way to make cold brew quickly and easily.
4. Cheesecloth (optional) – This will help strain out any remaining grounds before you consume the concentrate.
5. Pitcher (optional) – If you want to serve your cold brew concentrate to multiple people, a pitcher makes it easy to store and pour out the brew.
Once you have everything you need, here is how you make concentrate:
1. Put 2-3 tablespoons of coarsely ground coffee in the mason jar or french press.
2. Pour 4 cups of cold water into the container and stir until all coffee grounds are submerged.
3. Cover tightly with lid or plastic wrap and let sit for at least 12 hours in the refrigerator before straining (for a stronger flavor, let it steep for up to 24 hours).
4. Strain out any remaining grounds using cheesecloth (optional).
5. Pour concentrate into a pitcher and store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
And there you have it – homemade cold brew concentrate that’s ready to be enjoyed!
Cold Brew vs Cold Brew Concentrate
Cold brew, or cold-brewed coffee, has been all the rage recently. It’s definitely NOT just a trend.
But how does it compare to cold brew concentrate? Cold brewer concentrate is basically a more potent version of cold brew coffee as it is made with significantly more coffee grounds steeped for LONGER periods of time.
As a RESULT, you get more flavor and caffeine when you choose to use the concentrated version. Cold brews can be enjoyed straight from the fridge and usually require fewer grounds than if you were making it normally.
Ultimately, the choice between regular cold brew or the concentrated version largely comes down to PERSONAL preference — try them both and decide which you like better.
Pro Tip: If you want to enjoy the same flavor and caffeine as a regular cold brew, but with lower acidity, use half concentrate and half water. This will give you a delicious balance of both.
Is Concentrated Coffee Bad for You?
The answer to this question is a resounding no! Cold brew concentrate has the SAME ingredients as regular cold brew coffee. The only difference is in the cold brewing process, which results in higher caffeine content and bolder flavor.
In fact, because of its extended steeping time, cold brew concentrate has been found to contain MORE antioxidants than regular cold brew — making it a healthier choice for those looking for an extra boost of energy or antioxidant properties from their coffee.
So if you’re looking for a stronger coffee experience without worrying about any potential ADVERSE effects, give cold brew concentrate a try. You won’t be disappointed.
How Long Does Cold Brew Last in the Refrigerator?
Cold brew coffee is a popular beverage that is enjoyed by many. It is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for an extended period of time, usually between 12-24 hours. The result is a smooth and less acidic coffee that is highly caffeinated. One of the most common questions that people have about making cold brew is how long it lasts in the refrigerator.
According to several sources, cold brew can last in the refrigerator for up to a week. This is assuming that it is stored in an airtight container and kept at a consistent temperature. However, there are some factors that can impact the shelf life of cold brew, such as the presence of additives and the type of container it is stored in.
It is worth noting that some store-bought cold brews can last for much longer than a week. For example, some companies advertise a shelf life of up to six months for their bottled cold brews. However, homemade cold brew should be consumed within a week to ensure that it is fresh and safe to drink. If you want to push it, you can store it for up to two weeks, but it is best to err on the side of caution and consume it sooner rather than later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Drink Cold Brew Concentrate Straight?
Yes, you can drink cold brew concentrate straight, but be warned – it has a bolder flavor and fuller body than regular cold brew coffee. Drinking it straight is not for the faint of heart!
It’s better to dilute your cold brew concentrate with hot or cold water before drinking. This will make the flavor smoother and more palatable.
Is Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate Stronger Than Espresso?
Yes, cold brew concentrate is much stronger than espresso. Its concentrated form has more flavor and caffeine per serving compared to regular cold brew coffee.
It’s also a great way to get your daily dose of caffeine since you can adjust the strength by diluting it with water or milk. Additionally, cold brew concentrate packs a punch in terms of flavor and body, making it perfect for iced coffee drinks.
What Is The Difference Between Cold Brew Concentrate And Iced Coffee?
The main difference between cold brew concentrate and iced coffee is that cold brew concentrate is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in cold water for an extended period of time, while iced coffee is brewed hot and then chilled.
Cold brew concentrate has a richer flavor profile with more caffeine per serving than regular cold brew, making it the perfect base for iced coffee drinks. It also has a bolder flavor and fuller body, making it ideal for those looking for an intense pick-me-up.
Conclusion
Cold brew concentrate is a GREAT way to get your fix of strong coffee with an intense flavor. It’s an incredibly concentrated form of cold-brewed coffee that has more caffeine and flavor per serving than regular cold brew – without any bitterness or acidic aftertaste.
Whether you choose to sip it straight or dilute it with hot or cold water and serve it as an iced latte, the options are ENDLESS when it comes to using your cold brew concentrate! So go ahead and give this new way of brewing cold coffee up a try – you won’t regret it!