About Coldbrew Coffee: The Versatile Elixer

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An alternative means to make one of the world's most loved beverages.

I am a big fan of cold brewed coffee...but many abhor it.  It's got about 60% less acid than other brewing methods (which accounts for most of the flavor change) and more caffeine.  That's okay by me.  I like ALL KINDS of coffee:  French press, percolator, espresso, drip -- coffee is wonderful stuff.  But for my everyday, always-got-a-cup-in-my-hand times, I like what is known as a hot Toddy, named after the fellow who invented the easy way to brew cold coffee.

From what I understand, even the big coffee shops, such as Starbucks and others use coffee  "concentrate" or "elixer" in some of their recipes.  I know that if you add about one jigger of concentrate to a large Dairy Queen shake it makes a great Java Shake!  It also makes great ice coffee! (Most commercial iced coffees in the cooler at the convenience store were made with cold brewed coffee!)

To learn what others think of cold brew coffee, check out the Toddy/Coldbrew Thread at the Coffee forums.  People from all walks of life have put together a very enlightening discussion about this unique way to make coffee.

The Best Way to Make Cold Brewed Coffee 

The way I make cold brew coffee is with the Toddy System. In a nutshell, you take one pound of ground coffee, let it steep in about 9 cups of water for 10 to twelve hours then drain off the concentrate.

In my concoction, I use about 6 to 7 parts coffee and 9 parts water. It's not an exact science at my house, yet.

It's kind of like brewing beer; you experiment until you find exactly what you're looking for in flavor.

Below are some of the devices and methods folks use to make their brew.

How-to Cold Brew Coffee 

Since it's not rocket science, there's lots of ideas online about how to cold brew coffee!

First Time Method
If you have never had cold brewed coffee and aren't sure what to do, here's how you make your first couple of cups. The recipe says mix one part coffee elixir and one part water, but I recommend no more than 1 to 3 or even 1 to 5.
Cold Brew Coffee with a Toddy Coffee Maker
When you are ready to cold brew coffee regularly and make it your primary way to make coffee, the Toddy is a great way to go. Michael Allen Smith does a great job (with pictures) on how to cold brew coffee with the Toddy System. A definite must-see before you just-do!
Cold Brew Coffee on the Cheap
Malcom McFarren shows a pretty easy (and virtually free) way to build your own cold brew coffee system...for those who want to try this type of coffee before buying a Toddy System.
Simplified Cold Brewing
Here's how Tom Hawkins puts together his brewing system -- simple and, uh unique.
Hour Glass Coffee System
This system is a home model like the Toddy System -- Linda found it and brought it to my attention. There's many ways it can be done, and here's another way to get 'er done!
Vacuum coffee brewer@Everything2.com
Vacuum brewing makes the BEST coffee. Press pots don't hold a candle to ... The carafe is partly filled with near boiling water, if you use cold water, ...

Cold Brew Coffee Tools & Supplies 

More gadgets and do hickies to make coffee.

More gadgets and do hickeys to make coffee with!

Toddy Cold Brew System

This is the system I use -- very easy to clean (even I can do it) and everything you need is there!

Amazon Price: $31.85 (as of 12/20/2009) Buy Now
List Price: $37.50

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Krups 203-42 Fast Touch Coffee Grinder, Black

Whether it is this one or an old fashioned hand grinder (boy I would like one of those) you're gonna need to grind beans some how.

Amazon Price: $17.99 (as of 12/20/2009) Buy Now
List Price: $24.00

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Cold Brew Coffee Recipes 

When just a hot cup of Joe ain't enough...

ToddyCafe
This is a home site of the Toddy System. Sign up for a registered account and you can download "The Toddy Recipe Collection" for free. This 122 page ebook has recipes for hot and cold drinks, desserts, breads, meats, alcoholic beverages and more.
Cool Brew Recipes
From the New Orleans based Cool Brew Coffee company. Some Great Dessert Drinks here!
Save Money: Fancy and Cheap Coffee Recipes
World Champion barista shares her best cappuccino, mocha and latte recipes.
The Authentic Cuban expresso Coffee Recipes
Relive these Cuban glory days in your own home with your do-it-yourself Cuban expresso coffee recipes. Cuban cigars may be illegal, but great coffee made ...

My Cold Brew Coffee Recipes 

These are just my everyday recipes for the coffee I drink every day. Think of them more as guidelines rather than rules -- your pallet may differ in what you like.

Cup of Joe

1 part coffee concentrate
4-5 parts hot water

Boil water in the microwave. Let it set a minute or two before adding the concentrate. Then add cream, sugar, and any other condiment you like with your coffee. This is my everyday cup of joe.

Java Latte

1 part coffee concentrate
1 part whipping cream or 2 parts milk
3-4 parts water
Your favorite sweetener

Mix the whipping cream or milk with the water and heat; try not to boil it as it will sweeten the the mixture, and not in a good way. Mix in the concentrate then sweeten to taste. I occassionally like to sprinkle cinnamon or other spice on it for fun. Great on Saturday or Sunday mornings.

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