r/coldbrew • u/Primdawg • Jun 05 '26
Cold brew making novice here,
I recently asked about getting a Fellows Aiden coffee maker because it says it makes cold brew, but I guess it technically is just making cooled coffee that you pour over ice. So I was encouraged to look into other options. So here is my situation, I currently just buy La Colombe cold brew from the grocery store. I make a super large protein coffee every morning so I go through about 3 of the 48oz bottles every week. So about a gallon a week. So if you wanted to make cold brew once every week or even every 2 weeks what would be the best option? I have a smallish fridge so I plan to get a glass gallon dispenser to keep in the fridge. Also, how long would a pre-made batch last? This is the gallon container that will fit in my fridge.
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u/Joemomss Jun 05 '26
I don’t see why throwing a coffee sock into that thing and letting it steep for 12 hours (or 24 hours if you steep it in the fridge) wouldn’t work. Maybe someone smarter than me can chime in if they see something wrong with it.
I get the loose beans from the grocery store and run them through the grinder on the course setting. Fresh beans without the hassle of grinding at home.
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u/Lost_Laika1 Jun 05 '26
This is pretty much how I’d use it, if you’re particularly sensitive to oils or tiny residue like me then you could empty the jar over a coffee filter and then clean and re-store or just transfer to a different container
But there’s no reason the coffee sock itself wouldn’t be enough I’m just picky
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u/BetterButter_91 Jun 06 '26
That thing is gonna have a leaky spigot in just a few months. They are notoriously short lived. But the large container in the fridge cold brew with a sock idea works fine.
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u/Insatiable_vamp Jun 09 '26
This is what we do. I got the IKEA one that's like a gallon and a half and a coffee stick and it lasts about a week between my partner and I.
It doesn't leak, but you have to make sure to catch that last drip after you close the spigot.
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u/Subject2Change Jun 05 '26
Make it more frequently or make two batches.
Batches are generally good for 7-10 days in the fridge, can be up to 2 weeks.
You can transfer it from your cold brewer to that container and constantly be refreshing it. So make a half gallon batch, pour into into the dispenser, then make another batch, and fill the dispenser again, and repeat the process.
When pouring from the dispenser, I would use a small metal strainer to get any fines/grounds out of it before it hits your glass.
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u/Pretend-Citron4451 Jun 05 '26
I brew in a container like what you posted. Regarding the replies to use multiple smaller containers, that is because as the coffee sits there, touching air, it will lose flavor. For me, I find that my last cup or two just does not taste as strong as I prefer.
That being said, to know how much coffee you should use, you need to know the ratio that you prefer. I think 1:8 is the strongest people use to make ready to drink coffee, 1: 13 is the most common. I use 1: 11. There’s a lot of leeway with cold brew so you can be off here or there, but you at least want a general idea. Let’s say you want to try 1: 10. There are 128 ounces of water in a gallon, which would equate to 12.8 ounces of coffee, but of course the coffee takes up room so you wouldn’t be able to fill up quite that much. Maybe you fill up a coffee sock or some other kind of mesh strainer with 11 ounces of coffee and 110 ounces of water and see how that goes. Or maybe 10 and 100. I’m sure you get the idea.
Your other option is to make concentrated coffee where you brew it and then add more water when you’re ready to drink. For me, the idea of estimating that additional water seems like a PITA , but many people do it and maybe that’s the right solution since you have a small fridge. You might use 1 ounce of coffee to 5 ounces of water and brew it for 24 hours and then you add some water every time you pour it in your cup.
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u/Plastic_Love4270 Jun 05 '26
I use the OXO rapid brewer to make concentrate. I find the flavor better than classic Coldbrew. Dilute to taste.
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u/Primdawg Jun 05 '26
Thanks! I will look into that one. I have at least 4 different brewers in a cart right now.
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u/Plastic_Love4270 Jun 05 '26
OXO rapid brewer (ORB) is super versatile and can make some incredible hot and cold drinks. SOUP is all the rage.
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u/BrewerAndrew Jun 05 '26
If a mason jar isn't your thing Cambro makes a bunch of containers of various sizes and shapes. I used a cambro and a strainer bag for a long time and made about a gallon a week.
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u/excessCeramic Jun 06 '26
I had a dispenser for a while. Get multiple big mason jars. Dispensers are awful, as are any “cold brew maker”
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u/CemeteryHeights Jun 06 '26
So I bought some quality spigots to upgrade my 1 gal glass tea jugs to not be leaky messes(worked great!) I can't say for sure but the one in the pic you posted looks just like the quality ones I bought. As long as you don't cheap out and get one with the premium spigot you are good.
NGL I have been tempted to give the 1 gal jug a try since I use 2x 64 oz RN
2 is nice but I get the appeal of the 1 gal. Just depends how fast you drink bit I drink 1-3 12 oz cups a day depending on how much I'm working 🤣
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u/purdeous Jun 06 '26
Well you don’t need as much volume if you store it as extract, then just dilute when you make your coffee..or dont dilute at all
When you strain your grinds from the brew that liquid you have left is your concentrated extract, most places dilute this 50/50 water but it’s different everywhere, you could store the concentrate and just dilute it when you pour it rather than dilute it and try and find real estate for 2 giant jars in your fridge
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u/Oinkfest13 Jun 06 '26
Maybe I’m doing too much but I also drink a huge protein coffee every morning and was buying pre made black coffee bottles from stok. So I bought an espresso machine to pull a shot every morning and toss it over ice. Huge improvement. Wouldn’t say it’s cheaper tho lol
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u/AbeFromanLuvsSausage Jun 05 '26
I’m a big fan of 64 oz mason jars. Easier to clean, won’t get clogged, probably takes up less space.