Summer’s Best Kept Secret: Homemade Mason Jar Cold Brew
Beat the Heat with a Smooth, Rich Flavor
For coffee enthusiasts, summer means one thing: cold brew season. This refreshing drink is not only a perfect way to enjoy coffee in warm weather, but it’s also less acidic than hot coffee. The slow extraction process of cold brewing results in a rich, smooth flavor that’s hard to resist.
The Costly Conundrum
However, frequent trips to the coffee shop can quickly add up. The solution? Make your own cold brew at home! With just a few simple ingredients and tools, you can create a delicious, cost-effective alternative.
The Essential Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups coarsely ground dark roast coffee (freshly ground, if possible)
- Cold or room temperature water (make sure it tastes good on its own)
The Necessary Supplies
- 32-ounce mason jar
- Fine mesh strainer
- Coffee filter (or a few layers of cheesecloth)
- Large bowl
The Easy DIY Process
- Place the freshly ground coffee in the mason jar.
- Add enough cold water to fill the jar halfway. Stir.
- Fill the jar the rest of the way with cold water. Stir again.
- Place the lid on the jar and refrigerate for 12-24 hours.
- When the brewing time is up, place the mesh strainer over a large bowl and line the strainer with a coffee filter.
- Slowly pour the cold brew through the lined strainer. Discard the grounds or use them in your garden.
- Rinse out the jar and pour the coffee back in. Put the cap back on and store in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Get Creative with Variations
This mason jar recipe is just the starting point. Feel free to experiment with different ratios, flavor add-ins, and steeping times to find your perfect blend.
How to Enjoy Your Homemade Cold Brew
Dilute your potent cold brew concentrate with your preferred milk or sweetener to create a refreshing, palatable taste. You can also add simple syrup or sweetener to each serving. Pro tip: Make coffee ice cubes to keep your cold brew chilled and prevent watering down.
The Bottom Line
You don’t need to be a coffee expert to create a delicious, coffeehouse-level cold brew at home. With a mason jar and a little patience, you can enjoy a smooth, rich flavor all summer long.
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