Cold Brew & Cold Drip
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Here is everything you need to know about Cold Brew:
Choosing cold coffee instead of your usual latte order is a popular summertime choice. In our bar, we serve Ice Latte, Cold Drip Coffee or Cold Brew (immersion) as chilled beverages. The last two are becoming popular as it eliminates a lot of bitterness and acidity presented in hot beverages. Cold extraction method allows for a lighter and more floral drink. The slower process also means higher caffeine content.
What's the difference between Cold Drip and Cold Brew (Immersion)?
Cold brew is generally lighter compared to cold drip, which is more intense and concentrated. The main difference between the two is the method. Cold brew uses an immersion technique, mixing coffee and water, which is left to ‘brew’, like with the Bruer, The Toddy, The Hario Cold Brew Pot or the Trinity. In this process, coffee grounds are steeped in room temperature water for an extended period, until desired extraction is achieved.
Cold drip coffee requires timed contact with water and coffee, controlled by a slow drip and grind size. This is achieved with a drip tower, usually made up of three glass vessels held together by a wooden stand. Examples of Cold Drip makers are the Hario Cold Drip and the Yama Silverton. With the drip, you’re getting a drop of water that flows through coffee grounds and collects aromatic compounds, fats and lipids which then gets stored in a separate vessel. As opposed to cold brew’s immersion style where everything is swelling together.
What's best for home?
Cold Brew is definitely on the rise as a serious contestant for the home espresso. The coolest thing about it is that it doesn’t require any specialized equipment to make it nor skill. It can be made in a plunger or a jar, or with the Toddy Cold Brew System, which makes it easier to prepare in bulk. You will find below few other simple, inexpensive and compact solutions you can tuck away and only pull out when in need.
Not only that it's easy to make, but it delivers a refreshing, bitterness and astringency free flavours and occasionally very fruity brew. Much easier on the stomach too for those who suffer from reflux and can be enjoyed without sugar or milk, cutting down on calories an making it the healthier option!
In Di Bartoli we make daily fresh Cold Brew to serve from our brew bar. It's so easy and results are very consistent. 3 minutes of preparation and the bottle just goes in the fridge to chill. Drop by for a free Cold Brew sample if you're in the area or enjoy a full glass of yuminess!
Here are our 5 golden tips before you can make your first home Cold brew:
- It takes a while...
Using cold water instead of hot water slows down the extraction, so this isn't a quick fix, plan ahead! Subject to quantity you need to allow 6-12 hours to brew in your fridge before you can enjoy it.
- Have all your gear ready
The receptacle can be anything from your a simple jar (which you'd need to source separately the filter for) or any of the great home cold brew devices below like the Toddy, the Hario Coffee Bottle, the Hario Cold Brew Pot or the Bruer. If you do source your own pour over filter, remember that a metal mesh filter will give you more body, whilst paper or cloth will result in a cleaner cup.
- A good grinder is as important
Freshly ground coffee is the way to go. Hand grinders like the Hario Slim or the mini Porlex are the best cost/benefit investment you can make in coffee. However you can use your existent espresso grinder just don't forget to adjust it to filter, or you can choose a grinder for Cold Brew that can also handle well espresso if you decide to go there in the future, like the Macap M2M or the ECA KS.
- Get the right beans
It goes without saying that the best results for Cold brew require freshly roasted beans, but you may also want to choose filter roast if you drink it black so you can enjoy more delicate flavours. If you do add milk, espresso roast will give you bigger body to cut through the milk. Check our Ethiopian Sidamo, Ethiopian Yirgacheffe Kochere and the Origin of the Month for filter roast options and our Single Origin range for some espresso roast choice. .
- Don't forget filtered water
Your coffee will only be as tasty and full flavored as our water are, so tap water in most cases just won't cut it. Check here all we recommend as water filtration for home. Investing in one will also deliver healthier and softer water protection for all your appliances.