Is it possible to cold brew coffee without a fancy system? In particular, what sorts of ratios do people use?

Question

I've been straining out the grounds with just a normal coffee filter. Both my husband and I think that we go through a lot more coffee than "normal" (slow-drip system) to achieve the desired strength. Is it possible that the lack of acidity is making us think the coffee is weaker?

Answer 1

you definitely need hot water. Boil some water in a pot and add the coffee powder, simmer for about 8 to 10 minutes. You need to let all the coffee bean particles to settle and the fresh brew floats on top. You could pour the coffee slowly into a cup and ensure the particles do not get mixed.

Answer 2

i don't think you can cold brew coffee. YOu need hot water.  At least 180-195 F.    But you don't need a drip coffee maker.  You can wrap coffee grounds in a coffee filter, tie it with a rubber band (much like a tea bag), and steep the coffee for 2 minutes.   You'll end up with a very refreshing cup of coffee.

this is a method like using a french press.  but you need hot water, or else the oils in the coffee won't be extracted.

Answer 3

When I make cold coffee, I use the instant coffee.  It is much faster to tastes just as good.  We all know sugar takes forever and 1/2 day to dissolve in cold water so what I do is put a little bit of water with the sugar in the pan and heat it till it dissolves.  You can also add the instant coffee as well.  Take a tall shaped glass and swirl around some hershey syrup around the glass then add ice cubes and the warm coffee mix you just made and fill the glass 3/4 full of cold milk.  top with whip cream and swirl some hershey syrup on top and you have the perfect mocha cold coffee.

Answer 4

The best way to make cold brewed coffee is with a french press (bodum makes a great one for $20) and with cold water.  Put the desired ratio of coffee to water in the press and let it sit in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours.  After that, press the plunger down on the coffee and decant.  Its great by itself or you can and milk and maybe a little vanilla extract.

Don't ever brew hot coffee and then chill it, the whole point of cold brewed coffee is you get more smooth chocolaty flavors and much less bitterness.