How to Make Cold Brew Concentrate (Easily At Home)

Are you someone who likes to enjoy cold brew concentrate at different intervals?

Then stay with us till the end.

Today in this article, I will help you save your time, effort, and money spent on buying cold brew coffee by telling you how to make cold brew concentrate.

In this article, we will discuss,

- What is cold brew concentrate
- How you can make it at home
- How to store it
- And how it differs from cold brew coffee

So let’s start.

What is cold brew concentrate?

It is a potent form of cold brew coffee made by steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in cold water for 12 to 24 hours.

This results in a concentrate that is stronger than regularly made cold brew coffee.

The extended steeping time at a low temperature extracts the flavors, sugars, and caffeine of coffee without extracting too many bitter compounds.

So, you can expect this drink to be smooth and rich.

You can dilute it with water, milk, or any milk alternative to create a cold brew coffee that is less intense but still retains the smooth, rich flavor of cold brew.

Are cold brew concentrate and coffee concentrate the same?

Yes, cold brew concentrate and coffee concentrate are the terms that people use interchangeably.

The term "coffee concentrate" is a more general term that includes any concentrated coffee extract, hot or cold brew.

While, when we refer to it as a cold brew concentrate, it is a coffee specifically made with cold brewing methods.

"Cold brew concentrate" is the more precise term that best depicts it.

What is the difference between cold brew and its concentrate?

The main difference is that the cold brew is the final product, ready to sip on its own. While cold brew concentrate is like a coffee base that can be turned into any of your favorite drinks.

1) Strength

When it comes to strength, cold brew concentrate is stronger comparatively than regular cold brew coffee. People prefer to dilute it with water or milk to create a cold brew of desired strength.

2) Uses

Cold brew coffee is enjoyed as it is by cold brew lovers. On the other hand, cold brew concentrate is used as a base and is mixed with other ingredients to brew various iced coffee drinks.

3) Preparation

Cold brew concentrate has an additional step of dilution. In contrast, cold brew coffee is ready to drink instantly after brewing.

How to make cold brew concentrate at home?

Ingredients needed

1. 6 ounces coarsely ground coffee beans
2. 3.5 cups cold water

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Collect your ingredients

The first step for making cold brew concentrate is to get your coffee and water ready.

Step 2: Add coffee

Once done, take a pitcher or a large vessel and add coffee to it.

Step 3: Pour the water

Add water to the ground coffee. Then give it a fine stir for the grounds to saturate, cover it with a towel or cheesecloth, and let it sit.

Step 4: Filter your coffee

Lastly, take a fine mesh sieve and put a cheesecloth over it. Now pour the coffee-water mixture from above and let it drip. Here do not stir the mixture.

Step 5: Store your coffee

Finally, pour the stored coffee into an airtight container and store it in a refrigerator overnight or up to 12 hours.

How to use it?

1) Dilute with water

Most people like to enjoy cold brew concentrate by diluting it with water. You can follow a ratio of 1:1 concentrate to water, and adjust the ratio according to your taste preferences. If you want a refreshing touch, add some ice.

2) Mix with milk or cream

To give your cold brew a creamy touch, add milk or cream to it. You can use dairy or non-dairy alternatives like almond, oat, or coconut milk. There is no fixed ratio, you can use any ratio to find the perfect balance of coffee and creaminess.

3) Create different coffee cocktails

Cold brew concentrate is a fantastic base to make coffee cocktails. Mix it with vodka, Kahlua, Bailey's Irish cream, or other spirits for a delightful treat.

You can also add flavored syrups, chocolate liqueur, or whipped cream touch to it.

4) Blend and make some smoothies

You can even add some caffeine touch to your morning smoothie by adding cold brew concentrate. Combine it with bananas, protein powder, or your favorite fruits for a nutritious and energizing breakfast option.

How to serve it?

Serving cold brew concentrate is pretty simple.

You need to dilute it with water, milk, or your preferred liquid to get your desired strength and flavor in the cold brew.

For that, use a 1:1 ratio of cold brew concentrate to water or milk and adjust it as per your taste preferences.

How to store coffee concentrate?

You can store it in a sealed container and put that container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and maintain its flavor.

It can last for up to 2 weeks if stored well.

Why do people make cold brew concentrate?

1) It is more convenient

Cold brew concentrate can be stored in the refrigerator and can be diluted and used as needed which makes it convenient for quick and easy coffee preparation.

2) It can be easily customized

By diluting the coffee concentrate with water or milk, coffee lovers can adjust the strength and flavor of their coffee to match their flavor preferences.

3) It is quick and easy

Cold brew concentrate helps coffee lovers enjoy a strong and flavorful cup of coffee without brewing a fresh coffee batch every time.

No time to make it at home, do this instead

Though making concentrate of cold brew is easy, you might not get enough time to prepare it yourself.

However, you can still have it as there are lots of ready-made options available in the market.

You can buy a readily available concentrate at stores or websites. If you prefer buying it from Amazon, I am listing some best ones here.

1) Trader Joe's (Made from Arabica beans)

2) Java House’s single-serve liquid pods

Wrapping up

Here, I have got you covered with how to make cold brew concentrate at your home.

I am sure that now you can easily make a cold brew at home.

I would suggest you try it as a base for different caffeine blends and serve your coffee needs in no time.

This concentrate is ideal if you have limited time, need a daily cup of cold brew, or have a caffeine rush now and then.

FAQs

1) Does coffee concentrate last longer?

Yes, coffee concentrate can last up to 2 weeks if stored properly in the refrigerator.

2)Can you use milk instead of water for coffee concentrate?

Yes, you can dilute your coffee concentrate with milk instead of water for a creamier and richer coffee experience. What you can do is try the ratio of coffee concentrate to milk according to your taste preferences and change it accordingly.