How to Perfectly Brew Cold Brew Coffee and Tea Refreshers: A Guide to Ratios
Introduction
Cold brew coffee and tea refreshers are popular beverages, especially during the warmer months. They offer a smooth, refreshing taste and can be easily made at home with the right ingredients and ratios. In this guide, we’ll break down the essential ratios and steps to help you make the perfect cold brew coffee and tea refreshers.
Cold Brew Coffee: The Basics
Cold brew coffee is known for its smooth, less acidic taste compared to hot-brewed coffee. The key to a perfect cold brew lies in the coffee-to-water ratio and the steeping time.
Ingredients
- Medium to Coarsely ground coffee beans
- Filtered water
- A large jar or pitcher
- A fine-mesh sieve or coffee filter
Ideal Ratios
The general rule of thumb for cold brew coffee is a 1:4 to 1:8 coffee-to-water ratio, depending on how strong you like your coffee.
- Strong Brew: Use 1 cup of coarsely ground coffee to 4 cups of water.
- Milder Brew: Use 1 cup of coarsely ground coffee to 8 cups of water.
- Pro Tip: 16 cups = 1 gallon
Instructions
- Combine: Add the coffee grounds to your jar or pitcher.
- Add Water: Pour the filtered water over the coffee grounds.
- Stir: Give the mixture a good stir to ensure all the grounds are saturated.
- Steep: Cover the jar or pitcher and let it steep in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours. The longer it steeps, the stronger the flavor.
- Strain: Use a fine-mesh sieve or coffee filter to strain the coffee grounds from the liquid.
- Serve: Dilute with water or milk to your taste and serve over ice.
Tea Refreshers: The Essentials
Tea refreshers are light, flavorful drinks that can be customized with various fruits, herbs, and sweeteners. The key to a perfect tea refresher is the tea-to-water ratio and the infusion time.
Ingredients
- Loose leaf tea or tea bags
- Filtered water
- A large jar or pitcher
- Fresh fruits, herbs, and sweeteners (optional)
Ideal Ratios
The standard ratio for making tea refreshers is 1 tea bag or 1 teaspoon of loose leaf tea per 8 ounces of water.
- Standard Brew: Use 1 tea bag or 1 teaspoon of loose leaf tea per 8 ounces of water.
- Stronger Brew: Use 2 tea bags or 2 teaspoons of loose leaf tea per 8 ounces of water.
Ideal Ratios for our 24 Gram Tea Bag Option
- Standard Brew: Grab 1 tea bag or 24 grams of loose tea leaves
- Pro Tip: You can also submerge the tea bag in 6 cups of filtered boiling water directly and let it cool there until you are ready to pour into your jar of choice.
- Boil Water: Bring the filtered water to a boil and let it cool slightly if you’re using green or white tea, which can be sensitive to high temperatures.
- Add Tea: Place the tea bags or loose leaf tea in your jar or pitcher.
- Pour Water: Pour the hot water over the tea.
- Steep: Let the tea steep for 5-7 minutes. For stronger tea, let it steep a bit longer, but avoid over-steeping as it can turn bitter.
- Cool: Remove the tea bags or strain out the loose leaf tea. Let the tea cool to room temperature.
- Customize: Add fresh fruits, herbs (like mint or basil), and sweeteners (like honey or agave) to enhance the flavor.
- Side Note: My personal favorite is Pineapple Chunks and cup of homemade lemonade added.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the tea until cold. Serve over ice and enjoy.
Tips for Customizing Your Cold Brew and Tea Refreshers
- Experiment with Flavors: Add flavors to your cold brew by infusing it with spices like cinnamon or cardamom, or by adding a splash of vanilla extract.
- Sweeten Naturally: Use natural sweeteners like honey, agave syrup, or stevia to sweeten your drinks.
- Fresh Fruits and Herbs: Enhance your tea refreshers with slices of lemon, lime, berries, or fresh herbs like mint or basil.
- Milk and Creamers: For a creamy cold brew, add your favorite milk or plant-based creamer. Almond milk, oat milk, and coconut milk are great options.
- Storage: Keep your cold brew and tea refreshers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week.
Conclusion
Making cold brew coffee and tea refreshers at home is simple and rewarding. By following these ratios and tips, you can enjoy these delicious beverages anytime without spending a fortune at your local cafe. Experiment with different flavors and ingredients to find your perfect brew, and enjoy the refreshing taste of homemade cold brew coffee and tea refreshers.