Three Simple Methods For How To Make Amazing Cold Brew At Home

There's nothing quite like that first cup of coffee. The sun is rising, the day is ahead, and that warm cup of joe is something to look forward to each morning. But if we’re being honest, we will have to admit that coffee is not only a great way to start the day, but it is also essential to jump-start our mornings.

Rather than stand in line at the local coffee shop for an iced coffee this summer, shake up your morning with a cold brew recipe by Fire Department Coffee. The best part about FDC cold brew is that you don't have to buy any fancy new equipment. FDC cold brew recipes and methods can be made with items you already have at home.

How does one make cold brew? I'm glad you asked. Here are three simple methods for how to make amazing cold brew at home.

Method 1: The Mason Jar Brew

If you're looking for the easiest Cold Brew method, this is the one for you.

Ingredients:

• 1 quart Mason Jar
• 1/3 cup of coarsely ground coffee
• 2 1/2 cups of filtered, room temperature water
• 1 fine strainer
• Coffee filter (pre-rinse with hot water before using)
• Wooden spoon
• Cheesecloth (Optional)

Directions:

1. Place your coarsely ground coffee in the bottom of the mason jar.
2. Pour 2 1/2 cups of water over your grounds in a circular motion, making sure to saturate the whole bed of coffee evenly.
3. Use the wooden spoon to press the grounds lightly (do not stir) to ensure even saturation and eliminate pockets of trapped air.
4. Secure the lid or tie your cheesecloth around the top of the jar.
5. Let sit at room temperature for 12 to 24 hours, depending on how strong you want your concentrate.
6. After 12 to 24 hours, place your pre-wet coffee filter in your strainer and carefully decant the concentrate into a separate vessel. Alternatively, you can secure your cheesecloth onto the top of the jar and filter the concentrate through that.

Method 2: The French Press Brew

If you have a French press at home and are looking to get some more use out of it, this method is ideal. This recipe produces a stronger brew, and is a bit easier since you don't have to strain the coffee — the French press does it for you. Here's what you'll need:

Ingredients:

Directions:

1. Place your coarsely ground coffee in the bottom of your French press.
2. Pour 1 1/2 cups of water over your grounds in a circular motion, making sure to saturate the whole bed of coffee evenly.
3. Use your spoon to very lightly press (do not stir) the grounds to ensure even saturation and eliminate pockets of trapped air.
4. Secure the French press lid and lower the plunger to where it lightly touches the top of the mixture. Don't push all the way down quite yet; we'll do that later.
5. Let sit at room temperature between 12 and 24 hours, depending on how strong you want your concentrate.
6. After 12 to 24 hours, slowly plunge the French press and decant into another vessel, or straight into your cup.

Method 3: The Flash Brew

Cold brew die-hards may point out that this isn’t “technically” cold brew. This method is for those who want to try the wonders of chilled or concentrated coffee without having to wait 12 to 24 hours. Here’s what you’ll need to make your concentrate:

Ingredients:

Directions:

1. Add half the amount of water you would normally use when brewing a full pot of coffee.
2. Place your pre-wet coffee filter in the coffee grind basket and insert the same amount of coffee that you would normally use for a full pot.
3. Fill your coffee pot 3/4 full with ice and place under the brew head.
4. Brew your coffee like you normally would. After the coffee has finished brewing, decant into a vessel that you can store in the fridge.

How To Serve:

Now at this point, you should have some delicious cold brew concentrate that's bursting with flavor just waiting to drink! There are numerous ways to serve your brew, and we encourage you to experiment and find a way that works for you. However, for simplicity’s sake, here are two methods that make a killer cup.

1. Fill a cup with ice, fill your glass halfway with concentrate, top with more filtered water, add milk, and enjoy.
2. Fill your coffee mug halfway with concentrate (depending on how strong you like your coffee), top it off with water, and enjoy.

Whether you're looking to shake up your morning routine or try something entirely new, cold brew is a spectacular way to do it. Rich in flavor and aroma, cold brew can give you that extra kick right when you need it, and it will stay fresh in the fridge for up to two weeks. With a little experimentation and some time, we're sure cold brew will become a staple in your coffee diet!