Where did the story of French croissants begin, and what’s the difference between a croissant au beurre and a croissant ordinaire? Discover how this pastry became a breakfast icon worldwide – from Parisian bakeries to Japanese convenience stores – and learn how to bake croissants at home, step by step.
What is cold brew coffee?
Cold brew coffee has skyrocketed in popularity in recent years. Unlike traditional hot-brewed coffee, cold brew is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee in room-temperature water for an extended period. This slow extraction process brings out a different flavor profile, resulting in a coffee that is smoother, less acidic, and yet incredibly intense.
Which coffee beans work best for cold brew? Why is Brazil Guima Café a great choice?
The right coffee beans are key to brewing exceptional cold brew. Arabica beans are ideal—they offer a complex, well-rounded flavor, lower acidity, and less bitterness compared to Robusta. Depending on the variety, Arabica can feature notes of fruit, florals, chocolate, or nuts, making your cold brew more aromatic and enjoyable.
One of the best choices is Brazil Guima Café, a specialty coffee from the Varjão de Minas region. Its rich and diverse flavor profile, with hints of nuts, caramel, and yellow fruits, creates a deep and satisfying brew—perfect for summer sipping.
How much coffee should you use?
For traditional coffee, the typical ratio is 6–7 grams of coffee per 100 ml of water. However, since cold brew is usually served over ice (which melts and dilutes the drink over time), it’s best to use a slightly higher coffee ratio—7–8 grams per 100 ml of water.
That said, cold brew is all about personal preference, so feel free to experiment with different strengths until you find your perfect balance.
How to serve cold brew coffee
Cold brew tastes best when chilled and served over ice. However, you can customize it to match your preferences by adding:
- Milk or cream for a smoother texture
- Flavored syrups (vanilla, caramel, hazelnut, etc.) for a touch of sweetness
- Ice cream for an indulgent summer treat
Cold brew also makes an excellent base for coffee cocktails and mixed drinks—the possibilities are endless!
Is pre-infusion necessary for cold brew?
Pre-infusion (or blooming) is the process of briefly wetting the coffee grounds with a small amount of hot water before full immersion. This helps release trapped gases and promotes more even extraction.
Studies comparing different brewing and cooling methods—including cold brew, nitro cold brew, iced coffee, and room-temperature cooled hot coffee—have shown that each method affects the flavor, aroma, and overall quality of the final brew.
In one experiment:
- Cold brew was made by steeping coarsely ground coffee in room-temperature water for 17 hours, then diluted.
- Nitro cold brew was infused with nitrogen, giving it a creamy texture.
- Iced coffee was brewed hot and immediately cooled over ice.
- Hot coffee was left to cool to room temperature before serving.
Taste tests confirmed that brewing and cooling methods significantly impact flavor and overall coffee quality. The results suggest that incorporating pre-infusion into the cold brew process can enhance flavor extraction, making the final drink more complex and aromatic.
If you want to take your cold brew to the next level, consider blooming the grounds with hot water before steeping in cold water—it might just unlock even deeper flavors.
How to make perfect cold brew – step by step
Making cold brew at home is easier than you think. Follow these simple steps for a refreshing, smooth, and well-balanced iced coffee:
- Grind the coffee to a consistency similar to coarse sea salt (similar to what you’d use for pour-over methods).
- Measure your coffee—use 7–8 grams per 100 ml of water.
- Place the ground coffee in a pitcher or large jar.
- Pre-infuse (optional) by briefly wetting the grounds with hot water to enhance flavor extraction.
- Add cold water, making sure all the grounds are fully immersed. Stir gently.
- Cover and refrigerate for 12–24 hours.
- Strain the coffee using a fine mesh filter or a coffee filter to remove the grounds.
- Serve over ice and enjoy!
Summer heat? Not a problem anymore!
With this perfectly crafted cold brew, you’ll be ready to take on even the hottest days. Try it with Brazil Guima Café for an exceptional, refreshing coffee experience!
