Cold 'Brew'?

[irons]

A friend recently turned me on to cold (room temperature) 'brewing' coffee. Anyone tried this? Tips, suggestions, etc? I'm going to try this in my press.

As I understand it the process works like this:

Coffee + room temperature water + 8-12 hours. Strain/filter/decant. Serve with a little milk if that's your thing. If you want it hot, add a little hot water.

[68TriShield]

It works very good for iced coffee.

[jmsremax]

is this possible with any of the keurig machines?

[weasel]

Opinion is definately divided on the internet.

I tried it - it tasted awful, but other people swear by it.

[jaydub13]

The best way to do it, in my experience, is to prep a french press normally, but instead, add cold water, and throw it in the fridge. Leave for 6-8 hours, then plunge, and enjoy.

[Wharf Rat]

Originally Posted by jmsremax

is this possible with any of the keurig machines?

Yes, but you need a large tub. Put the Keurig machine in the tub and cover with room temperature water. Let soak 12 hours. Strain and enjoy!

[68TriShield]

Originally Posted by jmsremax

is this possible with any of the keurig machines?

No,though there is a setting for iced coffee or tea.It is not cold brewed.

[skier171]

I've used the Toddy Cold brew system... it makes an expresso like blend that lasts me for a week or two. Works great until you lose the cork that holds the coffee for 12-14 hours during the brew. (duct tape works wonders for everything though, including coffee?)

I've mostly used it for making an americano of sorts, but with the warm weather here, I'm excited to try making some iced coffee with it.

[ashtonlady]

It is important not to use over roasted coffee when doing this. If the coffee is burnt that is what you will taste. I couldnt drink cold brew until I started my own roasting.

[perogee]

Originally Posted by 68TriShield

It works very good for iced coffee.

+1

I throw in a cinnamon stick or two, let it sit over night, then mix with condensed milk. Not necessarily healthy, but it is a nice treat, especially in the summer.

[lightning9191]

Originally Posted by jaydub13

The best way to do it, in my experience, is to prep a french press normally, but instead, add cold water, and throw it in the fridge. Leave for 6-8 hours, then plunge, and enjoy.

This is what I do. I have a girly stomach that can't handle hot-brewed coffee. From what I've read on the internet, there is less acidity in cold-brewed coffee. I add some honey and cream in the morning in my Nalgene bottle and take it to work. I use Folger's regular roast (I know I know....nothing fancy, but I'm happy with it).

[slickster81]

Hey Kevin, if there is a Trader Joe's near you, they have an organic, low acid, French roast coffee that is excellent. My father had to give up coffee due to the acidity, but the TJ's does not bother him at all, and still gives him the deep flavor he enjoys. Give it a try.

[htown]

Originally Posted by skier171

I've used the Toddy Cold brew system... it makes an expresso like blend that lasts me for a week or two. Works great until you lose the cork that holds the coffee for 12-14 hours during the brew. (duct tape works wonders for everything though, including coffee?)

I've mostly used it for making an americano of sorts, but with the warm weather here, I'm excited to try making some iced coffee with it.

I have a

Toddy Cold brew and love it. BTW you can buy more corks.

[irons]

I've been drinking a local super market's whole bean bulk brand. Decent selection, reasonably fresh and only $7/lb.

So, the cold brew in a press. I used a "Breakfast Blend". It took some getting used to. It's thin. Both in texture and pressence. I can see how it makes excellent sweetened ice coffee. I think condensed milk or even just Half-and-Half is all that is needed.

I don't care for the oily head and more noticable particulates. Nor the way those coat the cup. It seemed to get more bitter going through the cup. I drank it with just a little Half-and-Half to make it feel a little more heavy. I also tried with a mixing it down 1/3 with hot water.

Conclusion: Great for a less robust, but still tasty cup of coffee. Would be perfect for hot summer days. Going back piping hot for the regular morning routine. Maybe a lighter roast would be better.

[lightning9191]

Originally Posted by slickster81

Hey Kevin, if there is a Trader Joe's near you, they have an organic, low acid, French roast coffee that is excellent. My father had to give up coffee due to the acidity, but the TJ's does not bother him at all, and still gives him the deep flavor he enjoys. Give it a try.

Thank you for the tip John! I'll have to look into that when I find a Trader Joe's (I've never seen one.....but I hear good things about them). I think one of the big brands (Folger's?) also makes a low acidity one now....I haven't tried it (not a huge fan of hot drinks....I make hot tea and then let it cool down to drink it).

[forgop]

I picked up a Toddy cold brew system last week off of Amazon for $30 and love it. They claim it's much less acidic than by hot brewing and I must say that it doesn't seem nearly as bitter.

My wife even picked up some fine blended coffee by mistake and I tried it in there and it worked just as well. I love it.