Cold Brew Coffee
Some folks advocate using a mild, light coffee bean. I found it to produce a flat, one-note cold brew. I prefer a darker roast and have opted for Italian, French and espresso. Start with your favorite and use it as a guide to finding your perfect choice. The concentrate will last, refrigerated, for about two weeks in a tightly covered jar (Mason jars work great for this).
Makes 8 cups of concentrate
2 cups coarsely ground coffee 8 cups filtered water
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT: 2 (2-quart) containers Wooden spoon or rubber spatula Fine mesh strainer
Cheesecloth Coffee filters Mason jars or other airtight containers
Add coffee to a large, 2-quart container. Slowly pour in the filtered water.
Gently stir with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon (a metal utensil will leave a metallic taste) to ensure that all the grounds are wet — this will be the only time you stir. Stirring more later can agitate the compounds that make coffee bitter. Secure container with cheesecloth and let steep on the counter for at least 10 hours. Alternately, steep in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Line a fine mesh strainer with two or three layers of cheesecloth. Set it over a large container with at least a 2-quart capacity. Slowly pour in the steeped coffee and let drain naturally. Discard cheesecloth.
Line the strainer with coffee filters to cover completely. Rinse the original container well to remove any grounds and place the strainer over the container. Pour the strained coffee slowly into the strainer to remove any remaining grit in the coffee (this might take a few minutes).
Store in tightly covered Mason or Ball jars or a 2-quart pitcher with lid. For best results, refrigerate at least two hours before serving.
To serve: For hot coffee, add 2 parts very hot (but not boiling) water to 1 part concentrate. Add sugar and cream as desired. For iced coffee, fill a large glass with ice, pour in coffee concentrate, add half and half or creamer of choice and sweeten to taste. Or, try it with sweetened condensed milk for a real treat!