Now that the sun is starting to warm up, it's time to embrace refreshing coffee drinks designed to cool you down and give you a caffeine kick at the same time. Iced coffee and cold brew coffee are the perfect companions for the summer months, and in this post, we will explore what makes them so special and how you can easily make them at home.
The type of coffee you use for iced coffee or cold brew is up to you and your taste preferences. It might be wise to choose a coffee with extra sweetness. You can often ensure a good result by using coffee from the African continent or coffee with a berry-dried processing method. A washed, fresh coffee from Ethiopia is our favorite for cold brew and iced coffee.
Iced coffee: A timeless classic
Iced coffee is coffee brewed traditionally with hot water in just a few minutes. The coffee can be cold before adding ice cubes, or it can be chilled with ice cubes after brewing. The advantage of this type of iced coffee is that you can easily use the equipment you already have, and it's simple and fuss-free. However, be aware that the coffee can become a bit watered down as the ice melts.
Japanese Iced Coffee or “Flash Brew”
Brewing coffee over ice, also known as "Japanese iced coffee" or "flash brewing," is a method for making iced coffee that retains the delicate flavors and aromas of freshly brewed coffee while the ice rapidly cools it. This method can be traced back to the 1960s in Japan, but it wasn't until the 2000s that we started seeing the brewing method here in Norway as well.
The procedure is quite similar to regular pour-over, whether it's a Hario V60, Chemex, or other manual brewers. What's important to consider is the size of the serving carafe you're brewing into, as ice cubes take up more volume than water.
Brew according to your usual recipe, but replace part of the water with ice cubes. The ice cubes are placed in the serving carafe before you start brewing. Approximately 65% of the total water volume should be hot water, while the remaining 35% is ice cubes. What you are left with is a relatively strong brew that gradually dilutes as the ice melts and cools the coffee. Serve immediately, with or without milk, and preferably over even more ice cubes.
Cold Brew Coffee: The elegant alternative
Cold brew coffee differs from iced coffee in that it is brewed with cold water over a longer period, usually 12-24 hours. The slow extraction process results in a smoother, less acidic coffee that is still full of fresh and sweet flavors. Cold brew can be a good choice for those who prefer a milder taste or for those with a sensitive stomach.
One of the advantages of cold brew coffee is that it can be enjoyed as is, without the need for further additives. Its robust flavor and silky texture make it a favorite among coffee enthusiasts who want to explore new tastes and aromas.
What is needed to make cold brew coffee?
To easily make the perfect cold brew coffee, it can be useful to have a cold brewer, such as the "Filter in Bottle" from Hario, or you can use a cloth filter placed in a jar.
Typically, 60 grams of coffee per liter of water is a good starting point for the typical Nordic roasting style, which is relatively light. However, for cold brew, more coffee is needed for the same amount of water due to extraction in cold water. Start with, for example, 80 grams and adjust the amount from there. The coffee should be ground relatively coarsely, similar to French press or Chemex, just before brewing. Place the coffee in the filter, fill with fresh water, and ensure all the coffee is saturated before placing it in the refrigerator. Then, it's just a matter of waiting. The biggest drawback of cold brew is that it needs to be planned well in advance, but if you know that a glass of cold brew will suit tomorrow's weather forecast, you'll thank yourself for the effort the day before.
Cold brew in larger quantities for coffee shops with CoffeeSock
Cold brew is a summer favorite that can now be found in most coffee shops across the country. The challenge can be that it is difficult to brew large quantities efficiently. These cold brew bags made of organic cotton from Coffee Sock can be a good and affordable alternative for brewing larger quantities. The filters are robust and with proper maintenance, they can last up to a year. You choose whether to brew in a bucket or directly in a nice container with a spout for easy serving.
Create your own favorite with various additions:
One of the great advantages of iced coffee is that it can be easily customized to personal taste. For example, use vanilla extract, caramel syrup, chocolate, spices, or fresh mint leaves. Many milk varieties are now also available that can give coffee a new twist.
In summary, it's actually very easy to make refreshing, delicious coffee for warm days, whether for yourself, guests, or customers at a coffee shop. The brewing method that best suits you varies based on taste preferences, time, planning, or available equipment. Feel free to try different brewing methods with the same coffee – do you experience any variations or commonalities?
But regardless, the most important thing is to have good, freshly ground beans and fresh water.