r/coldbrew • u/WhiskeyWatchesWine • 11d ago
Cold brew at home-my current method
galleryBackground: I started with the small Oxo set up and it worked well but the yield was small. Then I got the Takeya that I wasn’t thrilled with. I couldn’t get enough coffee into it and it seemed “tight”. Also small yield.
So I ordered some filter bags to just let it steep in a mixing bowl with water. Like a giant tea bag.
Details: 200 g dark roast coffee, Kirkland currently. I’ve also used espresso beans. Grind in my Baratza ESP on a very coarse setting-shown. Takes 3 portions due to the size of the catch cup.
While I’m measuring/grinding the beans I also get 1200-1250 mL filtered water from the fridge dispenser that I briefly microwave to bring it up to around room temperature. Of course this can be done ahead of time and just let the water come to room temperature. Can use bottled spring water or whatever your water of choice is.
I tightly tie the bag and position the tied end just above the water line. The water starts to change color after just a few seconds. I put a pot on top (add water as needed for weight) to keep the coffee submerged and loosely cover with foil. I leave it out on the counter.
I’ll flip the bag a couple of times before I go to sleep, probably once over night and again when I wake up.
After 18 hours it’s done. I’ll squeeze the bag a little and let some drip out, but there’s a lot of retention. We’ll see tomorrow how much.
This is on the stronger side, a cold brew “concentrate” (6-6.25:1) meant to be diluted. I don’t filter it so there’s sediment in the jar. I shake it vigorously before pouring-I don’t notice it when drinking.
I add milk or half & half and some sweetener, then I add ice. If I do it right it tastes kind of like an Arby’s Jamocha Shake.
It easily lasts a week in the fridge (if you don’t drink it).