What is a Cold Brew?
Cold Brew is a coffee brewing method where coarsely grounded coffee beans are steeped in cold water for about 12-24 hours to produce a smooth, rich concentrate which is less acidic than the traditional hot brewed coffee.
Why should you cold brew your coffee?
Cold Brew doesn’t merely indulge your palate; it also boosts health! Due to lower acidity, it is gentler on the stomach and less likely to cause digestive discomfort like acid reflux. Its antioxidant nature can also help reduce the risk of heart disease and type two diseases.
The science behind cold brew lies in its brewing temperature and time. Unlike hot coffee, which extracts flavors and oils quickly at high temperatures, cold brew relies on time rather than heat to achieve a similar extraction.
1. The slow infusion pulls the great coffee flavour and caffeine from the beans.
2. The oils and fatty acids, which are less soluble at cold temperatures, don’t extract as much, preventing the bitter flavors often associated with over-extraction in hot coffee.
3. This means that cold brewed coffee is incredibly smooth and almost sweet tasting, which makes it perfect for iced coffees.
How to prepare a Cold Brew?
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Mix Your Coffee and Water: Combine the coarsely ground coffee with the cold water. Then, stir the mixture gently to ensure all the grounds are fully saturated.
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Let It Steep: Cover the jar or pitcher with a lid or plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Let the coffee steep for about 12 to 24 hours. The longer you steep, the stronger and more flavorful your cold brew will be.
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Strain the Brew: After steeping, remove the jar from the refrigerator. Place the fine mesh sieve over a bowl or another pitcher and line it with a coffee filter. Slowly pour the coffee through the sieve to filter out the coffee grounds.
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Second Strain: To ensure a clear, smooth brew, strain the coffee a second time through a new coffee filter into your serving container or bottle.
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Dilute and Serve: Cold brew concentrate is quite strong, so you might prefer to dilute it with water or milk according to your taste. Serve over ice for a refreshing coffee drink.
Try these Cold Brew variations at home
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Caramel Brine Cold Brew: A smooth and refreshing cold brew with a unique sweet-salty twist. Made with rich 100% Arabica cold brew coffee, this drink blends the deep caramel sweetness of caramel syrup with a few drops of saline solution to enhance the flavor and balance the bitterness of the coffee. Served over ice, it creates a perfectly balanced beverage that is bold, slightly sweet, and subtly savory- an easy café-style drink you can recreate at home in minutes. Perfect for warm days or whenever you want a flavorful cold coffee with a gourmet touch.
Ingredients
- 100 ML Cold Brew
- 20 ML MONIN Caramel
- 4 drops Saline solution
- 3-4 Ice Cubes
Procedure
Add ice cubes, cold brew, saline solution and caramel syrup in a glass and mix well.
2. Coconut Caramel Cold Brew: Imagine sipping on a drink that feels like a tropical escape in a glass. The coconut caramel cold brew isn’t just coffee; it’s an experience. The bold, smooth taste of cold brew wakes up your senses, while creamy coconut milk adds a silky, exotic twist.
Ingredients
- 100 ML Cold Brew
- 20 ML Coconut Milk
- 3 TBSP MONIN Caramel
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Ice cubes
Procedure
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Mix Coconut milk, Vanilla essence and MONIN Caramel in a glass. Stir until smooth.
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In a glass, add ice and pour cold brew over it.
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Slowly pour the coconut caramel mixture over the cold brew in each glass.
3. Orange Zest Cold Brew Cooler: The smooth, chilled cold brew gives you that bold coffee kick, while a twist of fresh orange zest brightens it with a citrus sparkle. It’s crisp, refreshing, and just a little unexpected, the kind of drink that wakes up your taste buds and feels like a burst of energy on a warm afternoon.
Ingredients
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100 ML Cold Brew
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15 ML MONIN Vanilla
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Orange Zest
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5-6 ice cubes
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Mint Sprig for garnish
Procedure
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In a tall glass, combine the chilled cold brew coffee with a splash of vanilla syrup for a hint of sweetness.
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Grate the zest of one orange directly into the glass, ensuring you capture all those fragrant oils.
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Stir the mixture gently to combine the flavors, being careful not to agitate it too much to preserve the coffee’s smooth texture.
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Add a couple of ice cubes to the glass to keep your drink cool and refreshing.
Elevate your Cold Brew Game!
This summer, elevate your cold brew game by experimenting with flavors that go beyond the ordinary. Whether you’re craving the sweet-salty balance of a caramel brine, the tropical indulgence of coconut caramel, or the refreshing citrus sparkle of an orange zest cooler, the secret lies in the flavours you choose. With MONIN, you can effortlessly transform your homemade cold brew into a café-style masterpiece bursting with character and depth. So, stock up on your favorite MONIN flavours, grab your cold brew concentrate, and start crafting refreshing, gourmet coffee creations right in your kitchen because a great coffee deserves a great finish.
Feeling inspired? Explore our entire range here and share your latest cold-brew recipes with us at @moninindia.
