How to Enjoy the Cold Brew Coffee Method With Our Motif Roaster's Coffee

There's something remarkably satisfying about a perfectly crafted cold brew coffee on a warm day. This smooth, sweet, and low-acid method has become a favorite among coffee enthusiasts for good reason. While it requires a bit more patience than hot brewing, the results are wonderfully refreshing—perfect over ice or as a versatile concentrate.

Why Cold Brew?

Cold brew isn't just regular coffee poured over ice. It's an immersion method that uses cool or room-temperature water to gently extract coffee's flavors over many hours. This slow extraction creates a completely different flavor profile: naturally sweeter, incredibly smooth, and significantly less acidic than hot-brewed coffee.

Getting Started with Cold Brew

1. Gather Your Equipment

• Container for Brewing: A large mason jar, French press, or dedicated cold brew maker all work well. Choose something with enough capacity for your desired batch size.
• Scale: A kitchen scale ensures you measure the right amount of coffee and water.
• Grinder: A burr grinder is best for consistent particle size. Even extraction is key for a clean-tasting cold brew.
• Filtered Water: Water quality matters. Using fresh, filtered water can improve flavor clarity.

2. Key Ratio & Grind

• Ratio: Cold brew is typically made as a concentrate using about 1:5 to 1:8 coffee-to-water by weight. For example, 100g of coffee to 500–800g of water.
  • A 1:5 ratio produces a stronger concentrate you can dilute to taste.
  • A 1:8 ratio might be closer to a ready-to-drink strength.
• Grind Size: Coarse—similar to sea salt or breadcrumbs. This helps minimize over-extraction and avoids excessive sediment.

3. Prep & Brew

• Measure & Combine: Weigh out your coffee and add it to your chosen container. Pour in the measured room-temperature or cool water, ensuring all grounds are evenly saturated.
• Stir Gently: Give the mixture a brief, gentle stir to break up clumps and ensure uniform wetting.
• Cover & Steep: Let it steep at room temperature for 12–14 hours. (Some prefer a slightly shorter or longer time; feel free to adjust based on your beans and flavor preference.) Alternatively, you can steep in the refrigerator for 18–24 hours; the cooler temperature slows extraction, which can create a slightly different flavor profile.

4. Filter & Store

• Strain the Grounds: After your chosen steep time, filter the brew. If using a French press, simply press the plunger down gently. Otherwise, pour through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth (and possibly a paper filter afterward for extra clarity).
• Transfer & Refrigerate: Move your cold brew concentrate (or ready-to-drink batch) into a clean container. Seal tightly and store in the fridge. It typically keeps fresh flavor for up to a week.

5. Taste & Tweak

• Dilution: If you brewed a concentrate (like 1:5), you can mix it with water, milk, or ice to your preferred strength. Some people do a 1:1 ratio of concentrate to water or milk, but experiment freely.
• If it's too bitter: Steep for a shorter time or grind coarser.
• If it's too weak or sour: Extend the steep time slightly or grind a bit finer.
• Adjust Ratio: If you prefer less potent coffee, move toward a 1:7 or 1:8 ratio. For a stronger concentrate, go with 1:4 or 1:5.

Enjoy Your Cold Brew!

By following these immersion-focused principles—consistent coarse grind, appropriate ratios, and patient brew times—you'll produce a smooth, naturally sweet cold brew with minimal bitterness. Whether you sip it straight, add ice, or top it off with milk, cold brew is a flexible, refreshing way to experience your favorite beans.

The beauty of cold brew lies in its simplicity and flexibility. It's a method that rewards experimentation, so don't be afraid to adjust and refine until you find your perfect cup. Happy brewing!