Are you tired of waiting hours for your cold brew coffee to be ready? Do you want to enjoy a refreshing and delicious cup of cold brew instantly? Look no further, because I have for you the best ways to make cold brew quickly and easily.
As you might know, the process of making Cold Brew takes anywhere from 8, 12 or 24 hours to make, which usually requires that you make a large batch in advance. But in this guide, I will talk about the 3 methods that makes you cold brew (and not any iced coffee), almost instantly, without the need to wait for that long.
How Cold Brew Is Traditionally Made
Traditionally, Cold brew coffee is made by steeping ground coffee in cold or room temperature water (hence, the name) for an extended period of time. The mixture is then filtered to remove the grounds, resulting in a smooth and less acidic coffee concentrate.
To make cold brew, you’ll need coarsely ground coffee, filtered water, and a container to steep the coffee in. Traditionally, a mason jar is used for this purpose, but any container with a lid will work.
The ratio of coffee to water can vary depending on your personal preference, but a good starting point is 1:4 (one part coffee to four parts water). Simply mix the coffee and water together in the container, stir, and cover with a lid.
The mixture is then left to steep in the fridge for 12-24 hours. The longer you steep, the stronger the coffee will be. Once the steeping is complete, the mixture is filtered to remove the grounds. Traditionally, cheesecloth or a paper filter is used for filtration.
Overall, cold brew is a simple and easy way to make coffee that’s less acidic and smoother in taste. By steeping ground coffee in cold water for an extended period of time, you can create a delicious coffee concentrate that can be enjoyed hot or cold.
How To Make Cold Brew Coffee Fast
If you’re short on time, you don’t have to make cold brew coffee from scratch and wait for a long hours for it to brew. Try one of the following methods to make cup of refreshing cold brew instantly or within minutes at most.
Method #1 – Instant Cold Brew Powder
Fastest Way to Make Cold Brew Under a Minute
Instant cold brew powder is the fastest way to make cold brew coffee. Simply mix the powder with water, and you’ll have cold brew coffee in seconds. This method is great for those who want to make cold brew coffee quickly and don’t want to wait for the brewing process.
Difference Between Instant Cold Brew and Instant Coffee
While they do look the same, Instant cold brew is different from instant coffee. Instant coffee is made by drying brewed coffee, while instant cold brew is made by freeze-drying cold brew coffee. So manufacturers will make batches of cold brew coffee, then dry it into instant granules coffee. It’s the same process used to make instant coffee, but with instant cold brew, they’re starting off with cold brew coffee instead of drip coffee.
Another thing is the size of the granules. Instant coffee has larger granules that takes longer to dissolve in cold water. Instant cold brew has finer granules that dissolves immediately into cold water or milk.
Can You Make Cold Brew with Regular Instant Coffee?
No, you cannot make cold brew with regular instant coffee. Instant coffee is not brewed in the same way as cold brew coffee, and it will not give you the same taste. You can make iced coffee using instant coffee, by mixing it with either cold water or cold milk, but it’s not the same as cold brew.
Is Iced Coffee and Cold Brew the Same?
No, iced coffee and cold brew are not the same. Iced coffee is made by brewing hot coffee and then cooling it down with ice. Cold brew is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for an extended period of time. Using cold or room temperature water instead of hot to steep the coffee gives it a different flavor and profile. Cold brew coffee is noticeably less acidic and smoother, especially when diluted in water.
Method #2 – Cold Brew Concentrate
Quick and Easy Way
Cold brew concentrate is another quick and easy way to make cold brew coffee. Simply mix the concentrate with water or milk, and you’ll have cold brew coffee in minutes.
What Is Cold Brew Concentrate?
Cold brew concentrate is a highly concentrated form of cold brew coffee. It is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for an extended period of time and then filtering out the grounds. It is sold in bottles and should be consumed by mixing it with either cold water or cold milk and ice.
Cold Brew vs Cold Brew Concentrate
When you buy pre-packaged Cold Brew, you have to read the label to make sure if its a Cold Brew or Cold Brew Concentrate. The difference is one is ready to drink, while the concentrated type has to be diluted with water or milk.
Why I prefer the cold brew concentrate and why I’m recommending it to you is because you get to control the strength of your cold brew drink. Add more or less to make it stronger or milder. While ready made cold brew can be either too strong or mild for your taste and you have no way to control the taste and strength.
How To Use Cold Brew Concentrate?
To use cold brew concentrate, simply mix it with water or milk to your desired strength. This is one of the easiest way to make cold brew at home, if instant cold brew isn’t your favorite thing.
Cold Brew Concentrate Ratio
The ratio of cold brew concentrate to water or milk will depend on your personal preference. A good starting point is 1 part concentrate to 2 parts water or milk. Play with the ratio until you get the desired coffee strength.
Can You Drink Cold Brew Concentrate without Diluting It?
No, you should not drink cold brew concentrate without diluting it. Cold brew concentrate is highly concentrated and can be overpowering if consumed without dilution.
Method #3 – Electric Cold Brew Coffee Maker
Takes 15 to 30 Minutes
An electric cold brew coffee maker is a quick and easy way to make cold brew coffee. These machines use a rapid infusion process to make cold brew coffee in as little as 5 to 30 minutes using cold or room temperature water, so it’s an authentic way to make cold brew but in a fraction of the time.
How Does an Instant Cold Brew Coffee Maker Work?
An instant cold brew coffee maker works by using a rapid infusion process to extract the flavor from the coffee grounds. The coffee is brewed at a high temperature and then rapidly chilled to create a smooth and rich cold brew coffee. Most cold brew coffee makers will allow you to choose how mild or strong you want your cold brew to be, which is a great feature.
What’s The Difference Between a Cold Brew Coffee Maker and a Regular Coffee Maker?
A cold brew coffee maker is designed to brew coffee using cold water, just like how a batch of cold brew is traditionally made, but at a much faster time (from 5 minutes to 20 minutes). A drip coffee maker uses hot water to make a brew of coffee.
What Kind of Coffee to Use for Cold Brew Coffee Maker?
When making cold brew coffee, it’s best to use a medium to coarse grind coffee. This will help to prevent the coffee from becoming bitter or over-extracted. You can use any type of coffee, but it’s best to choose a coffee that you enjoy the taste of.
Cold Brew vs Iced Coffee – They’re Not the Same
Brewing Process of Cold Brew vs Iced Coffee
Iced coffee and cold brew are two popular coffee drinks that are served cold. The main difference between the two lies in the brewing process. Iced coffee is made by brewing hot coffee and then cooling it down with ice. On the other hand, cold brew is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for an extended period of time, usually 12-24 hours. This results in a smoother, less acidic flavor compared to iced coffee.
Strength and Caffeine Content
Cold brew typically has more caffeine than iced coffee due to the longer brewing time. According to a study by Caffeine Informer, a cup of cold brew contains on average 200 mg of caffeine, while a cup of iced coffee contains on average 165 mg of caffeine. Therefore, if you’re looking for a stronger caffeine kick, cold brew might be the way to go.
Taste Difference
The taste difference between cold brew and iced coffee lies in the brewing process. Cold brew uses time instead of heat to extract the coffee’s oils and caffeine, resulting in a smoother, less acidic flavor compared to iced coffee. Cold brew is often described as having a sweeter, more chocolatey taste, with notes of caramel or even fruit, depending on the coffee grounds you use. In contrast, iced coffee has a flavor profile quite similar to hot brewed coffee, just at a lower temperature. Iced coffee tends to be more acidic and bitter than cold brew, and some people might prefer to drink it with milk, cream, or sweetener to balance out the flavors. Ultimately, the taste difference between cold brew and iced coffee comes down to personal preference, but if you’re looking for a less bitter and more mellow coffee experience, cold brew might be the way to go.
Why Is Cold Brew Coffee So Popular?
Wondering why people prefer cold brew coffee to other types of iced coffee? Here are the top 5 reasons why Cold brew has become so popular:
- Cold brew coffee has a significantly lower acidity level than hot brewed coffee, with a reduction of up to 67%.
- The taste of cold brew coffee is distinctive, characterized by its smooth and chocolatey flavor profile.
- Due to its lower acidity, cold brew coffee is less likely to cause stomach irritation compared to hot brewed coffee.
- Cold brew coffee is versatile and can be used in various ways, such as making coffee ice cubes for iced coffee drinks.
- Cold brew coffee is made without any heating elements, resulting in a refreshing and chilled beverage.
