Cold Brew coffee - origin, pronunciation and how to make

Cold Brew

Pronunciation: /koʊld bruː/ (KOHLD-broo)

Coffee steeped in cold water for 12-24 hours. Smooth and less acidic.

Best for: The ultimate summer drink. Perfect if you have a sensitive stomach due to its low acidity.

Taste Profile

Strength
Mild
Strong
Sweetness
Bitter
Sweet
Texture
Watery
Creamy

What is Cold Brew?

Coffee steeped in cold water for 12-24 hours. Smooth and less acidic.

This coffee drink is perfect for those who the ultimate summer drink. perfect if you have a sensitive stomach due to its low acidity.. With a strength level of 4 out of 5, this is a bold choice to coffee.

When to Drink

The summer hero. Low acid, super smooth, and refreshing. Make it once, drink it all week!

Professional Preparation

Equipment

Large Toddy System

Method

  1. Steep: Steep coarse grounds in cold water for 12–24 hours.
  2. Filter: Double filter to remove sediment.
  3. Serve: Dilute concentrate 1:1.

Home Preparation (Simplified)

Equipment

Large Mason Jar, Cheesecloth or Fine Sieve

Method

  1. The Setup: Put coarse coffee grounds in a big jar. Add cold water (1 part coffee, 4 parts water).
  2. Sleep: Put it in the fridge and go to bed. Let it steep for 12–24 hours.
  3. The Reveal: Strain it through a filter the next day.
  4. Serve: Pour over ice. It's naturally sweet and super smooth!

History & Background

While it feels like a modern hipster trend, cold extraction has deep roots. Dutch traders in the 1600s used cold water to make coffee concentrates that could be transported easily and heated later. This method traveled to Japan, evolving into the elegant "Kyoto-style" slow-drip towers seen in specialty shops today. The modern US "Cold Brew" explosion in the 2010s was driven by a desire for smoother, less acidic coffee. By using time (12-24 hours) rather than heat to extract flavor, cold brew leaves behind roughly 67% of the acidic compounds found in hot coffee, creating a chemically distinct beverage that is naturally sweeter.

How to Pronounce Cold Brew

Cold Brew

Click to listen to the pronunciation

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