Cold Brew Black Coffee: Why is it so Popular?
Over the last decade, cold brew coffee has seriously risen in popularity throughout the United States.
Back in 2017, the cold brew coffee market in the U.S. was worth about $166 million, and it's expected to take off, reaching around $944.16 million by 2025.
This explosive growth begs the question: why do people like cold brew so much?
If you're asking this question, it probably means you haven't had the chance to try a truly well-made cold brew yet. Cold brew black coffee has this simple appeal: it really brings out the sweetness and smoothness of coffee, highlighting those qualities beautifully and is less acidic than a regular brew.
Let's find out what makes cold brew such a hit with coffee lovers all over the world and how cold brew is made.
What Is Special About Cold Brew Coffee?
Recently, cold brew coffee has really taken off, and a lot of fans are excited to put in the extra work to make this tasty and refreshing drink. Here's why cold brew has stuck around all these years.
Smooth and Mild Flavor
If you love coffee and are looking for something a bit smoother and less bitter, cold brew black coffee could be just what you need. Cold brewing pulls out fewer bitter compounds, which gives it an incredibly smooth and mild flavor that a lot of people enjoy.
Fruity, Citrus, And Sweet Notes Usually Stand Out More
Cold coffee really brings out a wonderful mix of fruity, citrusy, and sweet flavors that you might not notice as much in hot-brewed coffee. This mix of flavors adds something special and enjoyable to the whole coffee-drinking experience.
Versatility
One reason cold coffee has won over coffee lovers everywhere is its incredible versatility.
Cold brew can be enjoyed straight, add a splash of milk, throw in a dollop of cream, or even use it as the base for some fun coffee creations. It’s all about what you’re in the mood for! Its flexibility really opens up a world for trying out new recipes and exploring different flavors.
Less Acidic (Easier on Your Stomach)
If you have a sensitive stomach, struggle with acid reflux or heart burn, you might find that cold brew coffee is a real lifesaver because it has lower acidity. Cold brew black coffee takes its time to brew, which makes it easier on your stomach. You can enjoy your coffee without stressing about any discomfort or irritation.
Fantastic Solution for Old Beans
Local coffee roasters have been "reviving" their stale beans in a batch of cold brew. African beans tend to do especially well in this process. You might find plenty of success with Yirgacheffe beans, even when they are around 6 months old.
For those who haven't experienced the joys of cold brew, consider it a delicious quest worth embarking on. Once you discover the perfect cold coffee, you'll find it hard to let go.
What Are The Benefits Of Black Cold Brew Coffee?
Cold brew black coffee captivates coffee lovers with its rich flavor and versatility. Aside from being super tasty, some people are really into cold brew because of its special benefits. Here's why cold brew is good for you:
Cold Brew Coffee Is Healthier
Not only does cold brew black coffee taste amazing, but it also brings some great nutritional benefits to the table. Cold brew coffee keeps more of the coffee bean's natural antioxidants since it doesn't use heat during brewing. This can help lower the risk of certain diseases and support overall health.
Usually Has Way More Caffeine
Cold brew black coffee really brings the caffeine, with more kick than your regular cup of joe. When you brew your coffee longer and use more coffee compared to water, you end up with a stronger cup. This is perfect for those coffee enthusiasts looking for that extra boost.
Cold Brew Coffee For Weight Loss
If you're on a weight loss journey, cold brew black coffee might just be for you. It may in fact help with boosting metabolism and burning fat, and since it's a low-calorie option compared to sugary coffee drinks, it's a great pick for anyone keeping an eye on their waistline.
How To Make Cold Brew Coffee
Feeling like you need that ideal cold brew black coffee but not quite sure how to kick things off? Don’t worry, making your own batch of liquid gold at home is easier than you might imagine. Here’s an expert guide on how cold brew is made:
Ingredients:
- Coarsely ground dark or medium roast coffee beans
- Water
Materials:
- Container or pitcher
- Cheesecloth
- Coffee filter paper
- Spoon for stirring
Step-by-Step Guide:
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Brewing
Soak the coarse coffee grounds in water using a ratio of 1 pound of coffee to 1 gallon of water in a jar or bucket of your choice. Use plain water for this step.
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Steeping Time
Stir the ingredients every so often. You only need to stir it around four times throughout the course of 18 hours.
Tip: Keep in mind that any duration greater than 12 hours is acceptable, with 18 hours being optimal. Steeping it for 24 hours is overdoing it.
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Straining the Cold Brew
Once you've let it steep for the right amount of time, strain out the grinds. First, you’ll want to filter through some fine cheesecloth to get rid of the bigger particles.
After that, just run the brew through a coffee filter paper to get a nice, clean finish.
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Store it and Enjoy!
Pour the strained cold brew into a storage container. Try not to open, touch, or move the ones you’re not using. If not handled properly, your cold brew could get moldy in about a week to ten days.
Serve and enjoy your cold brew over ice, or pop it in the fridge for later!
The BEST Tasting Cold Coffee That's Easier to Make
Try cold brew black coffee—it’s such a simple yet amazing drink that definitely hits the spot with its smooth and mild flavor.
Making the perfect cold brew at home is a breeze and definitely bumps your coffee experience up a notch. Just a heads up, if you want to get the most out of your cold brew black coffee, make sure you're using good beans. If you go for some really good beans, you’ll get a brew that’s super rich and flavorful—nothing else compares!
FAQs About Cold Brew
How to drink cold brew coffee?
Chilling with cold brew coffee is super easy and versatile. For a tasty experience, just pour some cold brew over ice or mix it with your go-to milk or sweetener. Customize your cold brew experience by throwing in some vanilla or caramel syrup, or keep it simple and enjoy it black for a nice, refreshing coffee vibe.
What cold brew coffee has foamy bubbles?
Cold brew coffee usually doesn't have those foamy bubbles. But, there are some refreshing variations like nitro cold brew, which gets infused with nitrogen gas. This gives it a creamy feel and a frothy top that kind of reminds you of beer or stout.
Are cold brew coffee grounds different?
Yeah, cold brew coffee grounds are usually ground coarsely to get the best flavor during the long steeping time. The rough grind size keeps things from getting too intense, giving you a smoother and less bitter coffee concentrate that's just right for cold brewing.
When does cold brew coffee go bad?
You can usually keep cold brew coffee in the fridge for about two weeks before it starts to lose its fresh taste and pick up some weird flavors. For the best flavor and quality, it's a good idea to drink your cold brew coffee within this time and keep it in a sealed container to avoid any oxidation and loss of taste.