The Cold Brew: History, Tips and Home Recipe

Cold brew is a method of brewing coffee that has gained popularity in recent years.

Unlike traditional coffee brewing methods that use hot water, cold brew involves steeping coarsely ground coffee in cold water for an extended period of time (usually 12 to 24 hours). This slow infusion gently extracts the coffee's aromas and soluble compounds, resulting in a distinctively flavored beverage.

It is then generally consumed with ice cream, milk or a vegetable drink, and you can even add chocolate sauce or caramel syrup for example for a more indulgent drink.Cold brew is a very popular coffee during the summer!

The beginnings of cold brew probably date back several centuries. It is believed that the first traces come from Japan in the 17th century, where it was then called "Kyoto-Style Coffee" because of its association with the city of Kyoto, but also " Dutch coffee " since it was traders from the Netherlands who exported this drink to the continent.

To prepare cold brew, the Japanese steeped whole coffee beans in water to release the bitter flavors and oils. Then they used the same slow-drip brewing systems they used to brew their tea. This long-term infusion of coffee resulted in a smooth and flavorful beverage.

In Cuba, between 1920 and 1950, The inhabitants used an extremely fine grind of coffee which they flooded several times with very cold water before filtering the resulting infusion.

Later, in the early 1960s, American inventor Todd Simpson, a nursery owner and chemical engineer, invented the tool called a toddy used for extraction. He was a great cooking enthusiast and discovered filter coffee during a trip to South America, which he decided to reproduce at home. His wife suffered from stomach problems and could not drink such acidic coffee, so "Toddy" searched for and found a solution: the acidity present in the coffee decreased as the brewing temperature of the water dropped. More than 65% of the acidity level was eliminated. He also found, among other things, a pH of 6.31 (close to neutral) for a cold brewed coffee, compared to an average of 5 for a hot brewed coffee, thus establishing the first variables of the cold infusion method as we know it today.

Today, cold brew has become trendy and is consumed all over the world.

The modern cold brew craze began in the early 2000s, particularly in the United States. Coffee lovers began to appreciate the smoothness and low acidity of cold brew, as well as its richer, less bitter flavor compared to traditional hot brewed coffee. This beverage attracted the attention of coffee lovers, baristas, and specialty coffee shops, who then began to offer cold brew on their menus.

It must be said that several factors have contributed to its popularity.

First of all, it offers a refreshing alternative to hot coffee drinks, making it a popular option in the summer, as a change from flavored waters or iced teas.

Additionally, it is often considered a milder and more accessible drink for those who are not used to the strong taste of traditional coffee.

It also benefited from the general trend toward alternative brewing methods and the search for new taste experiences in the world of coffee. Coffee lovers became curious and were attracted by the opportunity to explore new flavors and brewing techniques.

Choosing the right coffee for your homemade cold brew depends largely on your personal preferences. However, here are some features to consider when selecting a coffee for your cold brew.

First of all its roasting. Medium to dark roast coffees are generally recommended for cold brew. They can bring richer, more intense flavors to your cold brew.

Then look for a coffee shop with a flavor profile that suits your preferences. Some coffees may have more chocolatey notes, others may be more fruity or floral. Experiment with different coffees to find which ones you like best in your cold brew.

Opt for freshly roasted coffee beansThe freshness of the coffee will have a significant impact on the final taste of the cold brew. So, choose coffees with a recent roast date, at least a week (not less) up to a month, and avoid beans that have been exposed to air for an extended period.

Grinding your coffee is also very important. Make sure to use a coarse grind, which allows for a smooth and even extraction when cold brewing.

To finish, the origin of your coffee will play a role. Coffees from different regions of the world can offer unique flavor profiles. For example, South American coffees may have sweeter, chocolatey notes, while East African coffees may be more fruity and floral. So, simply explore different origins to discover the ones that suit your tastes.

It's also worth noting that some coffees are specifically labeled as suitable for cold brew. These coffees may be roasted in a way that brings out specific flavors when cold brewed.

• 170 to 200 grams of ground coffee (coarse grind)
• 1 liter of filtered water

1. Start by coarsely grinding your coffee. Make sure the coffee beans are uniform in size for a consistent extraction.
   
   
2. Pour the ground coffee into a container or carafe.
   
   
3. Slowly add the filtered water to the ground coffee. Make sure to saturate all of the coffee evenly by pouring the water in a circular motion. Make sure all of the coffee is fully submerged.
   
   
4. Cover the container with a lid or cling film and place it in the refrigerator.
   
   
5. Let the coffee steep in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours, or up to 24 hours for a stronger brew.
   
   
6. Once the brewing time is up, remove the carafe from the refrigerator and filter the coffee. Use a paper coffee filter, a cloth filter, or a fine-mesh strainer to remove the ground coffee.
   
   
7. Once filtered, you can dilute the cold brew with cold water or milk according to your preference. You can also add ice cubes to make it even more refreshing, and spice it up with syrup or sauce.
   
   
8. Serve your cold brew in a glass with ice cubes, if desired, and enjoy!

Feel free to adjust the proportions of coffee and water to your taste. You can also experiment with different types of coffee to achieve a variety of flavors.