Cold Brew 101- Iced Coffee vs Cold Brew!

Making cold brew at home is easier than you think.  I personally haven't purchased a $5+ coffee in a good few years (Maybe longer!) Usually I save those treat's for when we are out on vacation and I can't purchase or bring my regular items to make those "barista" type home coffees.  

Let's gather what we need:

• Mason Jar or Cold Brew Pitcher (See below)
• Cold Brew Filter
• Course ground coffee of your choice

We use this cold brew filter:

Cold Brew Filter

If you dont have a cold brew kit, I absolutely recommened you purchasing one. Our's is linked - See Below 

There is also a few types of ways to make cold brew easily.  Make sure to read all the way to the bottom.  Likely, you have a few of these items already on hand.  

The pitcher posted in our photos is from Amazon.  And unfortunately, it is no longer available (of course right?).  Good news is, one of my very best friends purchased the one below and it works equally as perfect.  So I will link this one for you.  If the one pictured in my photos comes available again, I will update the blog photo.  I will link both below.  Both are glass and fits our cold brew filter perfectly to brew in your refrigerator overnight. Any pitcher with an opening of 3" will work with our filters.

Here is the link 

Amazon Cold Brew Pitcher

You can also click the pitcher below :) 

Cold Brew is much different than hot brewed coffee. 

Iced Coffee can be used with either hot or cold brew coffee.  Typically a little more bitter and acidic but made in just minutes.  

Cold Brew is made by steeping cold or room temperature water for 12 - 24 hours (or more!). The longer the brew time, the more intense the flavor.  But great news, it can last for up to 2 weeks! So that long wait is worthhhhhhh it! It's also a little easier on the tummy because its less acidic and less bitter.  

Image from @TheMacroBarista

What is the best ratio of coffee grounds to water?

If you want a concentrate, use a 1:4 ratio. For drinkable straight from the jar, use 1:8.

When we make cold brew, we use 3 ounces by weight (1 cup dry) for a 32 ounce container of cold brew. That’s about 24 ounces of water and a 1:8 ratio. This will leave you with a smooth, drinkable brew. 

If you prefer to make a concentrate, increase the amount of ground coffee you use to make the brew stronger. So, 6 ounces of coffee for that same 24 ounces of water will get you a double strong batch at a 1:4 ratio. 

A concentrate is just that, twice as strong and twice as caffeinated. So, you’ll definitely want to dilute your finished product with water, cream or milk. 

Once you've gathered your items, its pretty easy to assemble.  

1. Open your coffee - you can use any course ground coffee.  The coffee I'm using for display is from Target.  Nothing fancy.  You can use the cheapest to the most expensive.  Whatever floats your boat.  
2. Place your filter inside your pitcher.  
3. Fill your coffee to the top of the filter.  Leave a little bit of room for the coffee to expand once you start to add your water.  
4. Add water.  Cold or room temperature water only.  Make sure you leave room for expansion of the coffee.  I didn't leave much room here and it took me about 30 min to get all the water in.  If you add hot water, you will literally be making hot coffee. I fill mine approx 3/4 of the way full with water which gives us a medium flavor coffee.  If you want the flavor more intense, use less water (See Ratio's above)
5. Place the pitcher inside your refrigerator or on your counter for 12-24 hours (or longer).  The longer the brew time, the more intense the flavor.
6. Once your brew time is complete, remove the filter.  You can disgard the coffee ground, or place the coffee grounds in your plants.  Plants LOVE the nitrogen from the grounds.  Just make sure you are using these in plants that like highly acidic compost.  And thank you for not adding to the landfil.  
7. And you're done!! Homemade cold brew.  It will last for 1-2 weeks in your refrigerator.  However, ours usually lasts approx 1 week with my husband and I both drinking it.   

Pictured: Our Best Seller - The MBC 24oz Mason Jar Tumbler Set 

Pictured with our Clear Lid, Copper Rust Proof Band and Rose Gold Metal Straw 

Click the link below to shop!

The MBC 24oz Mason Jar Tumbler Set - Our Best Seller

Perfect for on the go and fits perfectly in your cupholders!

If you do not or do not want to purchase the pitcher above, you absolutely may have the items below to make amazing cold brew (I got you!)

Things you need:

• Mason Jar (Preferably a 32oz or larger)
• Coffee Filter (you will need 2)
• Strainer
• Wooden spoon
• Coffee beans - coursely ground
• Large bowl

1. Grind your favorite coffee beans
2. Place the ground coffee beans in the coffee filter and tie shut.
3. Place the ground beans in the mason jar and add your cold or room temperature water
4. Place inside your fridge for 12-24 hours.  Remember the longer the brew, the stronger the coffee
5. After the brew time is up, remove the mason jar from your refrigerator and remove the bag of coffee grounds (remember, plants love these! Toss them in your favorite plant)
6. Place your strainer over a large bowl and pour your cold brew through a coffee filter lined strainer.  This will grab any of the escaped coffee beans that made it into your cold brew (It happens to all of us!)
7. Pour your strained cold brew into your clean mason jar and store in your refrigerator!

This will be a pretty concentrated cold brew, so make sure to add a little bit of water, milk or cream when you make your coffee.