As the weather gets warmer you may start thinking about switching up your regular hot brew coffee for a refreshing cold brew.   We know that you might think brewing cold coffee at home is a challenge, but we want to show you how easy it can be. First, let's find out a bit more about cold brew coffee.

What is cold brew coffee, and is it different to iced coffee?

Iced coffee is brewed hot and then either refrigerated for a few hours or ice is added.  Neither of these are great for the coffee connoisseur as the ice dilutes the coffee, and hot brew coffee always tastes best when you enjoy it fresh.

Cold brew coffee is simply coffee brewed with cold water instead of hot. For true cold-brew coffee, time replaces heat, and it can take anywhere between 4-24 hours to steep. Devotees say cold brew tastes smoother and is more mellow than iced coffee.  

How is Cold Brew different from Hot Brewed coffee?

One of the key benefits of cold brew coffee is that it has less acidity and bitterness than hot brewed coffee. This is because the hot water dissolves the coffee quickly.  Cold-brew takes a longer time to brew, and by maintaining cold temperatures during the brewing process, the oils from the coffee are not released. This can make cold-brew coffee up to 70% less acidic than hot coffee and gives cold brew coffee its smoother and sweeter taste. Bitterness is one of the biggest reasons people don't like coffee, so if that is the case for you, cold brew could be your ideal drink!

How do I make Cold Brew Coffee?

We stock three great devices to create a cold brew in the comfort of your own home.  If you have an AeroPress, the Puck Puck inexpensively turns your AeroPress into a cold brewer.  Our biggest selling model is the Toddy Home Cold Brew System. And to really elevate your cold brew experience, the Bruer uses the drip method.  Let's take a look at each of them

The Puck Puck

The Puck Puck neatly sits on top of your AeroPress and creates a slow drip cold brew coffee at a fraction of the cost of a full set-up.  The Puck Puck is designed to be used on the go, you only need your AeroPress, a Puck Puck and a compatible water bottle, and you can have great cold-brewed coffee anywhere. 

The Toddy Home Brew System

The beauty of the Toddy is in how easy it is to get a great cold brew. Just follow these simple steps.

• Take some coarsely ground coffee beans and filtered water. The Toddy brewing container is designed to hold 340g of coffee and 1600ml of water.
• Insert the stopper into the outside bottom of the brewing container. Then dampen the filter and insert it into the inside bottom of the brewing container.
• Next, add 200ml of water into the bottom of the Toddy brewing container and 170g of ground coffee. Slowly pour 700ml more of water over the grounds. Then, add the remaining 170g of ground coffee. Finally, wait five minutes and slowly add the last 700ml of water.
• Steep your grounds for 12 to 18 hours to create a smooth, rich flavour.
• We recommend starting with a one-part coffee ratio to two to three parts water, milk or non-dairy milk.

Bruer Cold Brew System

Once only found in select speciality coffee shops, Cold Bruer's slow drip method is known for producing a less acidic, less bitter cup with exceptional complexity. Drip by drip Cold Bruer's slow hypnotic process unmasks the natural sweetness and full-bodied origin flavours of any coffee you brew.

See how easy it is to use it in this short video:

Cold Bruer Demonstration from Bruer on Vimeo.

How can I drink Cold Brew Coffee?

If you like just straight-up black cold brew, making a ready-to-drink brew is for you. Stick it in the fridge, and it's good for up to 2 weeks.

If you like to mix it up, then make a concentrate and stick it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, ready to add your favourite ingredients.

We have pulled together some of our favourite cold brew coffee recipes. Check them out here.  

What type of coffee is best for Cold Brew Coffee?

You can use any type of coffee. A general rule of thumb is this:

1. If you like black ready to drink cold brew, get a high grown coffee, a light roast from Kenya would be great.
2. If you like to add to your cold brew, a medium espresso blend is spot on. We love The Don Espresso by Smith Street.

Cold Brew coffee is a great refreshing drink to enjoy any time of the year but especially when the sun is shining.