An Edible Mosaic™

Everyday Fare With Extraordinary Flair

  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • about
    • faq
    • legal
  • recipes
  • books
  • portfolio
  • my other blog
  • press
  • work with me
  • contact

Home » Recipes » Drinks » Coffee » Cold Brew Coffee (And an Affogato Recipe)

Cold Brew Coffee (And an Affogato Recipe)

May 20, 2019 by Faith

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Every iced coffee-lover should know this easy method for how to make Cold Brew Coffee for iced coffee! Turning cold brew into Affogato (which means “drowned” in Italian) by adding a scoop of vanilla gelato or ice cream is just icing on the cake.

Cold-Brewed Iced Coffee

When I first moved to Florida for law school, I became a little bit of an iced coffee junkie. I developed a Starbucks-almost-every-morning ritual without realizing how easy (and cheap!) it is to make cold-brewed coffee at home.

Let’s briefly talk about coffee ice cubes. I think they’re a cute and clever idea, but with cold-brewed coffee, there really isn’t any need for them. This is because cold-brewed coffee is pretty concentrated stuff. Therefore, all you have to do is use a little less water to account for the ice melting.

Pro Tip: To serve cold brew, most people dilute it at about a 1:1 ratio with water. 

How to Make Cold Brew Coffee with Description

Cold Brew Coffee FAQ

Why do I need to cold-brew my coffee for iced coffee?, you ask. Can’t I just brew up a pot the regular way and let the coffee cool down? You can indeed. But hear me out…even though it takes a little bit of planning ahead since you’ll need to brew the coffee the night before, it is ridiculously easy to make.

Making cold brew coffee is actually less work than brewing a regular pot of coffee. And if you just use regular coffee that’s been chilled, it won’t be nearly as good as if you use cold-brewed. Here’s why…

What is the Difference Between Regular Coffee and Cold Brew?

Regular iced coffee is simply brewed coffee that’s served over ice.

Cold brew coffee uses a completely different brewing method, in which the coffee is never heated. Coffee grounds basically steep in room temperature water for about 12 hours, and then the liquid is double strained to remove the grounds. The result is a coffee concentrate that’s much less bitter than normal, has low acidity (so it seems naturally sweeter), and is nuanced with all those flavor notes that coffee connoisseurs love.

Is Cold Brew Stronger Than Regular Coffee?

Yes, cold brew is stronger than regular coffee. It is concentrated, which is why I like to dilute it with water before drinking.

Cold Brew Coffee Benefits

I’ve read conflicting articles; some say that cold brew is lower in caffeine than regular coffee, and some say it’s higher. Likewise, some studies show that cold brew is less acidic on the pH scale, and other studies show the opposite. Because of this, I won’t really talk about the health benefits, but I will mention the taste benefits!

To me, cold brew tastes less bitter and less acidic than regular iced coffee. It lacks a burned flavor that regular coffee can sometimes have, and also doesn’t taste diluted. Additionally, I find that its subtle flavor notes and nuances are preserved because the brewing process doesn’t involve heating the grounds.

How to Make Cold Brew Coffee Pin

How to Make Cold Brew Concentrate

You can make your concentrate in a mason jar, in a French press, or even in a gallon jug! The method is simple; combine coffee grounds and water. My favorite method is the French press method.

Cold Brew Coffee Grounds to Water Ratio

I use 2/3 cup coffee grounds for every 3 cups of water.

Cold Brew Concentrate Ratio – Cold Brew Coffee Ratio

Once your concentrate is made, I like to dilute it with water before I drink it. I usually use a 1:1 ratio of cold brew to water. However, if I’m adding ice I will use a little less water.

How to Make Cold Brew Coffee French Press

How to Cold-Brew Coffee 1

Step 1: Combine Coffee Grounds and Water

Stir together 3 cups cold filtered water and 2/3 cup medium to coarse-ground good quality coffee in a large measuring cup with a pour spout. Cover the measuring cup with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature overnight or up to 24 hours.

How to Cold-Brew Coffee 2

Step 2: Double Strain the Liquid

Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve (or a regular sieve lined with cheesecloth) into a French press. Insert the French press plunger and slowly press down; this is the second part of the double straining. The French press makes it easy!

How to Cold-Brew Coffee 3

Step 3: Store it in the Fridge

Your cold-brewed coffee is ready! Store it refrigerated until using.

Affogato Recipe

So, what is Affogato? It’s just a scoop of vanilla ice cream topped with a shot of espresso. And it is soooo good! In warmer months I like to use cold-brewed coffee concentrate instead of espresso when I make Affogato, but of course the trick is to find a good ice cream too.

Affogato 1

Affogato Ingredients:

  • A scoop of vanilla gelato or ice cream
  • 1 or 2 shots of espresso, or a generous splash of cold brew coffee
  • About 1 teaspoon dark chocolate shavings, for garnish (optional)

How to Make Affogato

To make this Affogato recipe, scoop the ice cream into a glass or small dish, and then pour the coffee on top. Enjoy!

More Cold Drinks to Cool Down With:

  • Probiotic Arnold Palmer (aka Lemonade Iced Tea)
  • Healthy Mocha Frappuccino Recipe (Starbucks Copycat)
  • Iced Strawberry Lemon Tea
  • Limonana (Middle Eastern Frozen Mint Lemonade)

Did you make this recipe? Please rate it and leave a comment below because I love hearing from you! You can also tag @anediblemosaic on social media. To stay up-to-date FOLLOW ME on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Xoxo, Faith

Cold Brew Coffee

Cold-Brew Coffee

Every iced coffee-lover should know this easy method for how to make Cold Brew Coffee. Serve it a splash of cream over ice for the best iced coffee ever!
Print Pin
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Author: Faith Gorsky

Ingredients

  • 3 cups filtered water
  • 2/3 cup medium to coarse-ground coffee
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Stir together the water and coffee in a large measuring cup with a pour spout. Cover and let it sit at room temperature overnight (about 12 hours, or up to 24 hours for a stronger concentrate).
  • Strain through a fine-mesh sieve (or a regular sieve lined with cheeseclotinto a French press. Insert the French press plunger and slowly press down (this is the second part of the double straining).
  • Store your cold brew concentrate in the fridge for up to 1 month.
  • For iced coffee, fill a tall glass with ice and add equal parts of coffee concentrate and water (or to taste). If desired, cream/milk and/or sweetener to taste.

Helpful Tips

  • Adapted slightly from The New York Times’ recipe for Cold-Brewed Iced Coffee.
  • This recipe yields 3 cups of cold-brewed coffee concentrate. To serve, I use 1/2 cup cold brew + 1/2 cup water + a handful of ice. If desired, you can add your favorite sweetener to taste.

Nutrition

Sodium: 6mg | Calcium: 4mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @anediblemosaic or tag #anediblemosaic!

How to Make Cold Brew Coffee (It's Easy!)

This post was first published on An Edible Mosaic on June 26, 201. I updated it with more information on May 20, 2019.

Disclosure: This post contains Amazon affiliate links to products I believe in, which means that even though it doesn’t cost you anything extra, I will receive a small amount of money from the sale of these items. Thank you for helping to support An Edible Mosaic!

Filed Under: Coffee Tagged: Affogato, Coffee, Coffee Float, Cold Brew Coffee, Cold-Brewed Iced Coffee, Decadent Coffee Drinks, How to cold-brew coffee for iced coffee, Ice Cream, Italian Coffee, Recipes, Summer Dessert Ideas

Comments

  1. Murad Hossen says

    August 15, 2019 at 1:49 am

    Hi, I am a coffee lover and me also a weakness for iced coffee. I don’t make iced coffee at home. But now I see your prosses to iced coffee making. It helps me and others. Thanks

  2. Wendy says

    May 21, 2019 at 4:52 am

    Thanks for the recipe, I love iced coffee. To clarify, the ratio is different for the french press version? You have 1/3 c coffee to 3 cups of water in those instructions. Thanks again.

    • Faith says

      May 21, 2019 at 5:55 am

      Wendy, Thank you so much for leaving a comment! That was a typo, I’m sorry about that! I fixed it in the post above. 2/3 cup coffee grounds for 3 cups water is the correct ratio. I love iced coffee too! :)

  3. Magic of Spice says

    July 4, 2012 at 4:05 pm

    Oh wow, I need this right about now! When I was a teen, a friends grandmother taught us to cold brew coffee, it was strong but I loved it :)

  4. Veronica says

    July 2, 2012 at 2:23 am

    Lovely photos! I too love Affogato but I must admit, I had no idea it had a name! lol I so want a French press just for my cold brewed coffee-it’s the only way I make it now but I still am using a colander with a double layer of paper towels lining it to strain it. Such a hassle! Lovely post, Faith, I’m certainly glad I have some cold brewed coffee in the fridge waiting till morning b/c you’ve made me crave it!

  5. [email protected] says

    June 29, 2012 at 7:33 am

    I love affogato but have never thought to make it with cold-brewed coffee. I usually do it with cooled expresso with still a little warmth so it forms a crust on the ice cream (and because I am too impatient to cool it properly). Affogato is a terrific instant dinner party dessert that everyone always loves and with your cold-brewed method it will be even tastier.

  6. Dana says

    June 27, 2012 at 9:24 pm

    I’m not a huge coffee person, but I do like coffee with dessert. Coffee IN dessert sounds like a great idea, too!

  7. Alyssa (Everyday Maven) says

    June 27, 2012 at 5:13 pm

    Great tutorial Faith!! I love cold brewed coffee :)

  8. [email protected] says

    June 27, 2012 at 12:52 pm

    Big fan of cold brewed coffee but always did in the fridge. Will have to try at room temp. And after my cold iced coffee I will have a hot Affogato :-D

  9. Hannah says

    June 27, 2012 at 12:33 pm

    Those photos are so clear and crisp, they look immensely refreshing! Affogato is probably one of my top two favorite desserts, by the way. Seriously craving one now!

  10. Tracy Wood says

    June 27, 2012 at 6:25 am

    Nice method! I will try it today – I hear it’s going to be hot here tomorrow! I usually use my coffee from the day before for my ice coffee, but your explanation about this method being less bitter makes perfect sense to me! Love it!
    ~Tracy

  11. [email protected]'s Recipes says

    June 27, 2012 at 6:13 am

    Delectable! Thanks, Faith, for sharing it.

  12. Michele | Napoli says

    June 27, 2012 at 5:16 am

    I’ve cold-brewed tea but never coffee. I’ll certainly try this.

  13. [email protected] says

    June 26, 2012 at 11:55 pm

    I m not a fan of coffee but somehow love it in desserts especially when its paired with choco. Your idea of vanilla ice cream + coffee sounds yum!
    Pretty lightning in pictures!

  14. Katie says

    June 26, 2012 at 10:01 pm

    I love cold brew iced coffee. I haven’t made it often enough yet this year…

  15. Jessie C. says

    June 26, 2012 at 9:09 pm

    Love this idea, thank you for sharing.

  16. brighteyedbaker says

    June 26, 2012 at 8:15 pm

    I guess I learned something new today! I had no idea cold-brewing coffee had its own set of benefits (besides starting out cold). The Affogato looks absolutely amazing and you made it look so beautiful, much unlike the image I have in my head of pouring coffee on top of ice cream! ;)

  17. Nutmeg Nanny says

    June 26, 2012 at 6:28 pm

    Mmmmm I love iced coffee! I just wrote an iced coffee/cold brew article too. Good minds think alike :)

  18. Riley says

    June 26, 2012 at 2:49 pm

    I don’t even like coffee, but I LOVE it in ice cream! This looks delicious, thanks for sharing.

  19. girlnpurpledress says

    June 26, 2012 at 11:47 am

    Fantastic idea, I had not realised that iced coffee had a special technique. Looking forward to trying it! :)

  20. Krista says

    June 26, 2012 at 10:07 am

    That coffee looks so wonderful, Faith!!

  21. Nancy-SpicieFoodie says

    June 26, 2012 at 7:55 am

    I have a weakness for iced coffee. But if it has ice cream then there’s no telling what I will do. Love this post Faith. It’s amazing how much money you can save making your own.

  22. Joanne says

    June 26, 2012 at 6:21 am

    I generally have to be in the mood for iced coffee, but top it with ice cream…and I’m pretty much always in the mood. All the time.

  23. Rosa says

    June 26, 2012 at 5:35 am

    Heavenly! I’ve never cold-brewed coffee, but I’ll try soon. Thanks for the tips.

    Cheers,

    Rosa


Hello! I’m Faith and I write An Edible Mosaic. This is my recipe collection of international favorites and updated American classics, with an emphasis on seasonal dishes. I focus on real foods that sustain body and mind, bring people together, and make a house a home. Welcome to my mosaic of recipes.

Languages

archives

categories

meet faith

I’m Faith Gorsky, the writer, cook, and photographer behind An Edible Mosaic. My goal is to inspire you to get in the kitchen and try something new! Feel free to email me with questions or comments.

  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

faith's book

on instagram

anediblemosaic

anediblemosaic
#ad It even gets chilly in Florida (lows in the 40 #ad It even gets chilly in Florida (lows in the 40's! 🥶) and when it does, there's nothing better than cozying up with a bowl of soup. 🍜 With a balanced Thai flavor profile, fresh veggies, and ramen noodles, this 15-minute recipe might just become your favorite way to warm up this winter. 🥰 Find the recipe over on the @reducetarian blog --> https://www.reducetarian.org/recipes/thai-inspired-ramen

#reducetarian #eatyourveggies #ramenbowl #ramennoodles #ramen #noodles #noodlebowl #veganfood #foodphotography #photography #foodstyling #foodstylist @thefeedfeed #feedfeed #f52grams #thekitchn #saveur #bonappetit #huffposttaste #beautifulcuisines #hautecuisines #onmytable
Vanilla butter cake + cranberry jam + vanilla butt Vanilla butter cake + cranberry jam + vanilla buttercream + all the sparkle. ✨✨✨ The recipe is up on @anediblemosaic --> https://www.anediblemosaic.com/cranberry-cake-recipe/ but I have keto components for everything (yellow butter cake, cheesecake buttercream, and cranberry sauce) on my other site, Healthy Sweet Eats. 😘

#holidays #holidayseason #holidayvibes #festivevibes #festive #holidaze #foodstyling #foodstylist #cranberries #cranberryseason #f52grams #saveur #foodandwine #thekitchn #beautifulcuisines #cakesofinstagram #instacake #cakegram
Eggnog + cranberry + muffs = a quick and easy way Eggnog + cranberry + muffs = a quick and easy way to get in a festive mood. 🥰 This recipe is an oldie but a goodie on my site @anediblemosaic --> https://www.anediblemosaic.com/eggnog-muffins-with-cranberry-filling/

P.S. That's leftover cranberry sauce as the filling for those of you who are like me and still have some to use up. 🙈

#holidays #holidayseason #holidayvibes #holidaybaking #festivevibes #holidaze #foodstyling #foodstylist #bakingseason #f52grams #saveur #thekitchn #beautifulcuisines #eggnogseason #eggnog #cranberryseason #cranberries
Sugared Cranberries are the easiest way I know to Sugared Cranberries are the easiest way I know to add ✨sparkle✨ to cheese plates 🧀, charcuterie boards 🍖, festive cakes 🧁, and cookie trays 🍪 during the holidays. They're SO easy to make and they taste like nature's version of sweet/tart candy! Check out my step-by-step guide on @anediblemosaic --> https://www.anediblemosaic.com/sugared-cranberries-aka-candied-cranberries/

#holidays #holidayseason #holidayvibes #festivevibes #festive #holidaze #foodstyling #foodstylist #cranberries #cranberryseason #f52grams #saveur #foodandwine #thekitchn #beautifulcuisines
I shipped cookies to my family members this year b I shipped cookies to my family members this year because I’m not heading home for the holidays, and when I was thinking about what to bake I knew I wanted a few new things on the lineup! I’ve been wanting to come up with a recipe for Eggnog Cookies for a while and I’m pretty proud of these. 🥰 I couldn't wait to share the recipe with you! These are like sugar cookies, soft and chewy inside and slightly crispy outside, but with a festive eggnoggy twist. 💫 And bonus, they take just over half an hour to whip up. Recipe is up on @anediblemosaic --> https://www.anediblemosaic.com/eggnog-cookies/

#holidays #holidayseason #holidayvibes #holidaybaking #holidaycookies #festivevibes #holidaze #foodstyling #foodstylist #cookiesofinstagram #cookiegram #instacookies #bakingseason #f52grams #saveur #thekitchn #beautifulcuisines #eggnogseason #eggnog
Cranberry Cake, coming soon! 🥰❄️❤️ #fee Cranberry Cake, coming soon! 🥰❄️❤️ #feelingfestive #cranberryseason #foodstyling #foodphotography #merryandbright
Load More... Follow on Instagram
Home | About | FAQ | Legal | Recipes | Books | Portfolio | My Other Blog | Press | Work with Me | Contact

Copyright © 2021 | Faith Gorsky, An Edible Mosaic™ | All Rights Reserved Design by Deluxe Designs

This site uses cookies to ensure the best user experience possible.AcceptNo ThanksPrivacy policy