Cold brew, a cold coffee drink... good for hot Summer?

[cyprusmax47]

I was just reading that article and thought it is maybe interesting for coffee freaks as an alternative to the Cypriot frappe which is done with low quality instant coffee.


"The buzz about cold brew and how to make it at home."

Cold brew, a cold coffee drink that’s not to be confused with iced coffee, has exploded in popularity from coast to coast. But what’s all the buzz about?

ABC News' Abbie Boudreau found out why and shared the story today on "Good Morning America."

Cold brew, also known as cold-press coffee, is the process of steeping coffee grounds in room temperature or cold water for an extended period of time, resulting in a coffee concentrate that must be diluted with water. The results boast smoother, sweeter and less acidic coffee.

Southern California-based roastery and retailer Groundwork Coffee has been a leader in organic homegrown coffee and tea for more than 25 years but, most recently, the roasters have mastered the art of cold brew.

"The popularity of cold brew has been growing exponentially for us," the shops Venice location owner Eddy Cola said.

But some serious coffee lovers have not totally embraced the trend.

"Die-hard coffee drinkers who are like, 'No, it's not coffee.' They're standing behind that acidity or bitterness like, 'We need that,'" Cola explained.

But the popular drink continues to sell across the country for astonishing markups. Prices for the specialty coffee beverage range from $3.19 at Dunkin’ Donuts to $3.45 at Starbucks.

One solution: Consumers could try to get more bang for their buck by making it at home.

Grind 3/4 cup of whole coffee beans, add one liter of filtered water, cover with a towel or lid and refrigerate 12 to 24 hours. After it has steeped, filter out the coffee grounds first with a strainer and a second time with a damp paper towel."

Max

[DavidatLWH]

The American attitude to Starbucks never ceases to amaze Europeans. For us, Starbucks is to decent coffee houses what MacDonalds is to fine dining. Most European people who are fussy about coffee would rather go thirsty than have a coffee in Starbucks. Wouldn't step foot in the place.

As for cold brew, it's been around a little while. I've tried it and it's pleasant enough, although I like the hit of a double ristretto. The two downsides are:

1. The amount of ground coffee needed is very high - I think the recommended ratio of coffee to water is around 1:8. That probably explains the price. And the coffee has to ground extremely coarse, about the texture of breadcrumbs.
2. It's a faff. Apart from preparing it the day before, it has to be filtered at least twice. Still, if someone else has made it, that's OK!

[DavidatLWH]

"has to be ground", of course.

[WHL]

Starbucks is like dish water to me...horrible stuff.

[Dominic]

What is the American attitude to Starbucks? I thought they treated them like McDonalds too?

Regarding cold coffee, I just stick my filter coffee in the fridge overnight.

[cyprusmax47]

The American attitude to Starbucks never ceases to amaze Europeans. For us, Starbucks is to decent coffee houses what MacDonalds is to fine dining. Most European people who are fussy about coffee would rather go thirsty than have a coffee in Starbucks. Wouldn't step foot in the place.

As for cold brew, it's been around a little while. I've tried it and it's pleasant enough, although I like the hit of a double ristretto. The two downsides are:

1. The amount of ground coffee needed is very high - I think the recommended ratio of coffee to water is around 1:8. That probably explains the price. And the coffee has to ground extremely coarse, about the texture of breadcrumbs.
2. It's a faff. Apart from preparing it the day before, it has to be filtered at least twice. Still, if someone else has made it, that's OK!

No, the idea behind my post was to have something better than a frappe made from Nescafe. I never was in one of the coffee houses like Starbucks or similar and also I wouldn't step foot in a Mac D..... all my life. Like you I LOVE a nice ristretto perhaps with a shot of grappa (delicious when I lived in Italy) but in the Cyprus Summer heat it makes perhaps more sense to drink more liquids.
The amount of coffee supposed to be 3/4 cup coffee beans and 1 l water (article!) I think it is not too much coffee. It gives you a concentrate which has to be diluted with water or milk, cream. You say it's a faff...but once the concentrate is done it is always available and quick diluted.... I will try it...

Max

[DavidatLWH]

What is the American attitude to Starbucks? I thought they treated them like McDonalds too?

I've always got the impression that most Americans worship Starbucks. Either they've never been to Caffe Nero or good coffee is wasted on them.

WHL: I think your comment is being kind to Starbucks.

[Dominic]

What is the American attitude to Starbucks? I thought they treated them like McDonalds too?

I've always got the impression that most Americans worship Starbucks. Either they've never been to Caffe Nero or good coffee is wasted on them.

WHL: I think your comment is being kind to Starbucks.

You may be right. I just googled and found this.

Warning: it might make you explode.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/bu ... s/5399351/

[DavidatLWH]

From that article, Dominic:

"The Starbucks mermaid's mug is appearing on so much stuff these days, you'd think she was a rock star. She is, above all else, the symbol of affordable luxury."

Therein lies the problem. Americans actually believe the stuff Starbucks sells is quality. It isn't. It's horrible.

[DavidatLWH]

CyprusMax - apologies for diverting the thread into a discussion about Starbucks.

I didn't read your original comment about the resulting filtered liquid being a concentrate. That makes a lot of difference - I had only had the drink made for me previously. Being a coffee-holic I shall certainly give it a go!

David