Hello, coffee lovers! Today, we're diving into a hot weather necessity - the delicious, refreshing world of cold coffee. Iced Coffee and Cold Brew - two summer favourites that, while seemingly similar, are unique in their tastes and brewing methods.
Let's explore their differences and learn how to prepare each using our top-notch brewing equipment.
Iced Coffee vs. Cold Brew: The Basics
Iced Coffee
Iced coffee starts life as a regular hot coffee, brewed with your typical French Press or drip machine. The hot coffee is then cooled and poured over ice. The brewing process brings out the bright, acidic flavours that are signature to coffee, which are then mellowed out by the chilling process.
Cold Brew
On the other hand, Cold Brew is steeped for an extended period (usually 12-24 hours) at room temperature or in the refrigerator. This slow brewing process results in a coffee with low acidity, smooth taste, and notes of chocolate.
Your Guide to Brewing the Perfect Iced Coffee
Our secret to a balanced and refreshing iced coffee lies in the Hario French Press. This stylish coffee maker extracts all the flavours and oils from your coffee grounds, making it ideal for a chilled cup of joy.
Step 1: Start with our freshly roasted beans, grind them to a coarse consistency. A good rule of thumb is 1 tablespoon of coffee for every 4 ounces of water.
Step 2: Pour hot water (just off the boil) into the Hario French Press and give it a quick stir. Cover the press without pushing down and let it steep for 4 minutes.
Step 3: Now, press the plunger down. Pour the hot coffee into a pitcher and let it cool to room temperature.
Step 4: Once cooled, pour over ice in a tall glass. Feel free to add milk or sweetener to your taste.
Pair your iced coffee with a pastry and enjoy your at-home iced coffee experience!
How to Make the Smoothest Cold Brew with Toddy
When it comes to the cold brew, the Toddy Cold Brew System is your best companion. This innovative tool enables you to extract coffee with minimum acidity and maximum flavour.
Step 1: Begin with a coarse grind of our beans. For the Toddy system, use 12 oz coffee for every 8 cups of water.
Step 2: Add water and coffee in alternating layers into the Toddy brewing container. Let it steep for 12 to 24 hours.
Step 3: After steeping, release the coffee concentrate into the glass decanter. You now have a cold brew concentrate that can be stored in the refrigerator.
Step 4: To serve, dilute the concentrate with an equal part of cold water or milk. Pour over ice in a glass and adjust to your taste.
Enjoy your cold brew solo or with a slice of homemade coffee cake! Get the recipe.
Essential Accessory: Hario 1L Kettle
An honorable mention in our brewing guide goes to the Hario 1L Kettle. Its precision spout ensures a steady pour, making it a great asset for both iced coffee and cold brew preparation.
No matter which route you take, iced coffee or cold brew, using the right tools and beans will make all the difference. At Bean Around The World, we're committed to providing you with the best quality, ethically-sourced coffee beans and superior brewing tools to enjoy every sip.
Now that you're all caught up with the info, why not try both methods and see which one suits your palate best? The beauty of coffee is its versatility, and summer is the perfect time to explore cold coffee.
Stay caffeinated, coffee lovers!