Summer is behind us, but I suspect more than a few warm days are in store for us on the march through autumn. You know what’s great on hot days when you need a caffeine hit? Cold brew. Back in 2013, I wrote about making your own at home and although the process hasn’t really changed, I do have some updated thoughts.
Once I picked up an espresso machine, I thought my days of home-made cold brew were over. And they were, until two weeks ago, when iced lattes made from hot shots just wasn’t doing it for me.
As much as I didn’t want to admit it, for an iced coffee, the softer, mellow flavour of cold extraction craps all over a hot pull, which tends to be more acidic. It can work, but for personal taste, cold brew is superior here.
So, I visited my local bean store and got a bag of ground coffee, just to see if there was a difference between the supermarket stuff (for cold brew, that is). And there was, though I don’t think it’s enough to justify the cost (if getting ground beans from your roaster of choice is more expensive).
I still recommend IKEA’s “Upphetta” french press, which has dropped in price since 2013 — $8.99 from $14.99. Hard to go past for less than a tenner. I also suggest — even if you have an espresso machine — whipping up a batch of cold brew every once in a while. It’s worth it, especially if you think you’re going to be busy.
Making a fresh coffee takes time, but mixing cold brew with milk (or having it straight)? That takes seconds.
I’m sorry I ever doubted you, CB.
Just Because You Asked, Here’s How I Cold Brew Coffee [Lifehacker Australia]
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