Mastering the Art of Cold Brew

3 min read

Mastering the Art of Cold Brew:
A Step-by-Step Guide with the Toddy Cold Brew Maker

There's something undeniably refreshing and delightful about a glass of smooth and rich cold brew coffee. In recent years, cold brew has gained immense popularity among coffee enthusiasts for its distinct characteristics and unique brewing process. Unlike traditional hot coffee, cold brew is known for its low acidity, smooth texture, and bold flavor profile.

If you want your fridge stocked with some fresh cold brew this summer, try making it at home! The celebrated Toddy Cold Brew Maker is an exceptional choice to attain professional-grade outcomes. This comprehensive manual will lead you through the process of producing the ideal cold brew in your own kitchen, step by step.

Step 1: Gather Your Materials and Prepare

Before embarking on your cold brew journey, gather all the necessary materials to ensure a seamless brewing experience:

Toddy Cold Brew Maker (including the brewing container, filter, rubber stopper, and glass decanter)
Coarsely ground coffee beans (we prefer our full bodied Shop Blend but you can experiment with any coffee!)
Cold, filtered water
Airtight container for storing the brewed concentrate, like our James Coffee Growler (only available in the cold brew kit)
Optional: Flavoring agents such as cinnamon, vanilla, or cocoa nibs

Step 2: Assemble and Ready the Toddy Cold Brew Maker

Begin by inserting the rubber stopper into the bottom of the brewing container. Next, place the reusable filter on top of the stopper, ensuring a tight seal that prevents any grounds from escaping during the brewing process.

Step 3: Add Coffee and Water

Next, add 1 cup (250 mL) of water into the bottom of the Toddy brewing container and 6 ounces (170 g) of ground coffee. Now, it's time to add 3 more cups of cold, filtered water into the mix. Take care to pour the water slowly and evenly and in a circular motion over the coffee grounds, allowing them to become fully saturated.

Wait 5 minutes, then add the remaining 6 ounces (170 g) of ground coffee. Finally, slowly add the last 4 cups (950 mL) of water.

DO NOT STIR (stirring the bed of grounds can result in a clogged filter). Lightly press down on the topmost grounds with the back of a spoon to ensure all grounds are wet.

Step 4: Steeping for Perfection

Place the Toddy Cold Brew Maker on a level surface and let it steep at room temperature for a period of 12 to 24 hours, tailoring the steeping time to match your desired strength. Keep in mind that longer steeping times generally result in a stronger brew. For a harmonious flavor profile, we recommend a steeping time of approximately 20 hours. Embrace the anticipation as the magic of cold brewing takes place.

Step 5: Filtration - Unleashing the Liquid Gold

Remove the rubber stopper from the bottom of the brewing container and let your concentrate flow into the glass decanter. It takes a bit of time, but the Toddy system makes sure your coffee is smooth and free of bits. The result is a liquid gold that holds the essence of your patience and brewing prowess.

Step 6: Dilution and Storage - Crafting the Perfect Brew

Mix 1 part cold brew concentrate with 2-3 parts cold water to your liking. Adjust the dilution ratio to suit your desired strength and enjoy the flexibility to add ice if desired. For storage, transfer the remaining concentrate to a cold brew growler (or any airtight container/jar) and place it in the refrigerator. Keep your cold brew concentrate fresh for two weeks to enjoy its full flavor anytime.

Step 7: Customize Your Cold Brew - Unleashing Creativity

Now that you have mastered the fundamentals, it's time to embark on a journey of customization and creativity. Embrace your inner barista and experiment with flavorings and additions. Sprinkle cinnamon for warmth, add vanilla for sweetness, or use cocoa nibs for indulgence. Cold brew also makes a great base for a coffee cocktail!

With the Toddy Cold Brew Maker and this guide, you can make great cold brew coffee at home. It's easy!

Try making cold brew coffee at home with different flavors for a smooth and refreshing drink. Enjoy the satisfaction of sipping on your own creation.