What is Cold Brew Coffee?

To truly understand the appeal of cold brew coffee, it's important to understand its characteristics and how it compares to other brewing methods.

Let's dive into the fundamentals of cold brew, exploring what sets it apart from regular hot coffee, how its preparation method differs from iced coffee, and how these differences have made this style of drink a coffee sensation.

Making cold brew is all about how you prepare it. It's different from your usual hot coffee. Instead of using hot water to quickly get the coffee flavour, cold brew uses cold water and time. You leave the ground coffee soaking in cold water for a long time, usually 12 to 24 hours.

This slow soaking process brings out the coffee's flavours without any heat (which can make coffee taste bitter).

Because of this, cold brew is smooth and rich, and less acidic than hot coffee, meaning it's gentler on your stomach and your palate!

There's an increasing hype surrounding cold brew coffees, and it's not just because of its smooth taste. When the weather turns warmer, a cold coffee is just what you need to cool down. It's also an incredibly versatile drink - you can enjoy it by itself, with milk, or add sweetener if you prefer.

One of the best things about cold brew is its extended shelf life. You can brew a batch and enjoy it for up to 7 – 10 days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Perfect for those with busy schedules as it eliminates the need for daily morning coffee preparation.

It's easy to mistake cold brew for its relative, iced coffee, but they are quite different. The primary distinction is in the brewing method, which greatly affects the ultimate flavour profile. Here's a comparison:

Cold Brew Coffee:
Brewed with cold or room temperature water, resulting in a smooth, low-acid flavour.
Steeping process extracts a naturally sweet and balanced taste.

Iced Coffee:
Hot brewed coffee poured over ice, retaining the original acidity and potential bitterness.
Dilution from melting ice can alter the final flavour.

Making cold brew at home is a simple and satisfying process. You'll need coarsely ground coffee, cold water, a large pitcher or jar, and a strainer.

Combine the coffee and cold water in your container, cover it, and let it steep at room temperature or in your fridge for 12 to 24 hours. Once it has steeped enough to your liking, strain it to remove the coffee grounds.

And that’s it - you now have your cold brew coffee concentrate. Mix it with water or milk to taste and serve.

While our NESCAFÉ® Dolce Gusto® coffee machines are not designed to make cold brew coffee, they do provide a convenient solution for making your own iced coffees. Simply use an espresso pod and a cup of ice, and with the press of a button, you can enjoy a homemade iced coffee.

Now the fun part – customising your cold brew. Whether you're a coffee purist or an experimenter, there are no limits to how you can enjoy a cold brew.

Adding sweeteners to your Cold Brew
If you want to sweeten up your cold brew, use Monin to a dash of vanilla syrup, a dollop of whipped cream, or a sprinkle of cinnamon can transform your cold brew into a sweet treat.

Using Plant-Based Milk
If you prefer a non-dairy version, replace the milk with alternatives with almond or oat milk - both of which perfectly complement the smooth taste of the cold brew coffee.

Adding liqueur to your Cold Brew
If you're eager to create your own cold brew cocktail, consider adding a splash of your preferred liqueur. Coffee liqueur and Irish cream are timeless combinations, but don't hesitate to explore with other flavours such as amaretto or hazelnut liqueur.