Quick, Easy Cold Brew Espresso

Cold brew is coffee that’s been steeped in filtered cold water overnight. This cold brew process makes it less acidic, a little bit sweeter, and less bitter than regular coffee. It only takes 5 minutes to make, however, it needs to sit for at least 12-18 hours minimum, to enhance the overall flavor.

Ingredients:

1. Coarsely ground coffee beans: Use high-quality coffee beans, preferably a medium to dark roast. You'll need about 1 cup of coarsely ground coffee for every 4 cups of water.

2. Cold, filtered water: Make sure to use cold water for this recipe.

3. A large jar or container: You can use a mason jar, a French press, or any large container with a lid.

Instructions:

1. Measure your coffee: Measure out the desired amount of coarsely ground coffee. A general guideline is to use a 1:4 coffee-to-water ratio. For example, if you want to make 4 cups of cold brew, use 1 cup of coffee grounds.

2. Combine coffee and water: Place the coarsely ground coffee in your jar or container. Add the cold, filtered water on top of the coffee. Gently stir to ensure all the coffee grounds are saturated with water.

3. Steep the coffee: Cover the jar or container with a lid and let it sit at room temperature for at least 12 hours, or up to 24 hours for a stronger brew. The longer you steep, the stronger the cold brew will be. You can experiment with steeping times to find your preferred strength.

4. Strain the coffee: After the steeping time is up, it's time to strain the coffee. You can use a fine-mesh sieve, a coffee filter, or a special cold brew coffee maker to do this. Place your strainer over a clean container or pitcher and slowly pour the cold brew through it to separate the liquid from the coffee grounds.

5. Serve your cold brew: Your cold brew concentrate is ready. It's strong, so you'll want to dilute it before serving. A common dilution ratio is 1 part cold brew concentrate to 1-2 parts water or milk, depending on your preference. Add ice, sweeteners, and cream if desired. You can also store the concentrate in the fridge for up to two weeks.

6. Enjoy: Pour your diluted cold brew into a glass, add ice and your preferred fixings, and enjoy your homemade cold brew coffee!

Remember that cold brew is known for its smooth, low-acid profile, which makes it a great choice for those who find regular hot coffee too harsh. You can adjust the strength and flavor to your liking by experimenting with the coffee-to-water ratio and steeping time.