【Coffee Lab】Cold Brew
Cold Brew (cold brew coffee) detailed introduction + editor's explanation ❄️☕️✨
Cold brew coffee is made by slowly extracting ground coffee at low temperatures for a long time, typically 8 to 24 hours, to fully release the flavors. Compared to hot water extraction, cold brew, optimized at low temperatures, produces a smoother, more mellow coffee with mild acidity, low bitterness, and a naturally prominent sweetness. Its texture is as smooth as silk, making it ideal for enjoying in Hong Kong's hot and humid summer climate. 🥶🌿
Cold brew coffee making method
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Use about 50 grams of medium-coarse ground coffee powder (similar to the thickness of sugar grains)
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Place in a container with a filter, add about 600-800 ml of cold water or room temperature water, the water-to-powder ratio is about 1:12 to 1:16, adjust according to your preference
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Cover the container tightly and put it in the refrigerator to soak for 8-24 hours. The longer the soaking time, the richer and more intense the flavor.
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After soaking, remove the coffee grounds through the filter or coffee bag to make cold brew coffee liquid.
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Add ice cubes, milk, syrup, or even sparkling water to your taste to create a variety of homemade iced coffee drinks
Flavor characteristics
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Low acidity, smooth and not bitter
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Natural sweetness, often with fruity and chocolate aromas
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Rich and round taste, smooth like velvet
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Very suitable for coffee lovers who don't like too sour and bitter taste
Hong Kong Cold Brew Coffee Culture
Hong Kong boutique coffee shops like The Coffee Academics, % Arabica, and Zero One are all hot sellers of cold brew coffee, making it a must-have during the hot summer months. Some shops are even innovating with ingredients like osmanthus flowers, lemon peel, and cane juice, giving cold brew a new lease of life.
Sharing from the editor's perspective
Cold brew is my daily summer must-have. Its light yet complex flavor is refreshing without being overwhelming, making it a lifesaver during Hong Kong's frequent sweltering weather. Making your own cold brew at home is also incredibly easy. Just steep it overnight and you'll have a large bottle of smooth, sweet coffee the next day. Enjoy it cold or with milk or syrup—the ultimate in style.
Beginners are advised to start with a 12-hour soaking period, experimenting with different proportions of water and gouache to find their preferred flavor balance.
Cold brew coffee captures the smoothest and sweetest essence of coffee through meticulous craftsmanship. It is one of the most popular iced coffees in Hong Kong during the hot summer. It is easy to carry and can be mixed in a variety of ways. It is definitely a must-try for every coffee lover! ❄️☕️💙
