Needed

• Ground or whole bean coffee
  • Set the coffee grinder to coarse if using whole beans.
• Glass container
  • Example: This jar from Amazon.
• Paper filters
  • Example: This filter from Amazon.
• Filtered water
• Food scale
  • Example: This scale also from Amazon.

Directions

1. Ensure the coffee container is clean.
2. Place the coffee container on the food scale and tare (zero) it.
3. Insert the paper filter into the container.
4. Fill the paper filter with coffee.
5. Aim for a 1:4 coffee-to-water ratio.
   • Monitor the food scale and note the amount used.
   • Record this value to maintain consistency. My standard is 8oz of coffee for a 68oz jar.
6. Refrigerate for at least eight hours or overnight.
7. Remove and dispose of the filter. Used grounds may be used for gardening.
8. Add 1 oz of cold brew concentrate to a 10 oz coffee cup.
9. Fill the cup with hot water, preferably around 175°F.
   • Ember mugs are fantastic if you get them for a good price.

Background

The average cup of coffee tastes terrible. Quickly heating coffee beans with high heat kills their natural sugars and unique flavors. For those interested in the science behind coffee brewing, here’s an in-depth article.

Avoid pour-overs, presses, and expensive cappuccino machines; opt for a large jar and a paper filter instead.

Rant

Starbucks over-roasts their globally sourced beans to achieve a consistent flavor, resulting in a bitter taste similar to a burnt cigarette. This bitterness makes people add sugar (replacing natural sugars) and cream (to mitigate the bitterness). Over-roasting also enhances the coffee flavor in popular dessert drinks, like frappuccinos.

What Beans Should I Use?

Selecting beans can be difficult. Initially, choose beans that are available in bulk. Costco is a good option. Once you refine your brewing process, try out a variety of single-origin beans and avoid blends.