The One Thing You're Getting Wrong When Making Cold Brew

I am a self-proclaimed addict with a working — but not expert — knowledge of how to make cold brew, so I spoke with someone who is an expert. Erika Vonie, an N.Y.C. Coffee Masters Champion and former Director of Coffee for Trade, gave us some insider tips. To start, the number one mistake people make when attempting to make cold brew is not treating it like a unique way to approach coffee. 

"Roasters would use old beans, not care about extraction time, and harp on oxidation making cold brew taste flat," said Vonie. Fortunately, times have changed. Today, roasters carefully and meticulously source the proper beans for the job and pay attention to extraction methods, brew methods, and other specialty metrics that make your cold-brewed coffee a delight to drink every time. 

To make cold brew at home, grind your beans, add the grounds to a bag, and tie it securely. Place the bag in a mason jar or other container with a lid, and pour cold, filtered water inside. Store it in a temperature-stable place, away from sunlight. In the fridge, the coffee should brew for 18 to 24 hours. You can expect a slightly faster extraction of 12 to 16 hours when brewing at room temperature. Go based on taste; it should be the strength you like. 

When approaching homemade cold brew, choosing the correct roast is vital. According to Erika Vonie, medium to darker roasts are the sweet spot. "Darker roasts are more soluble in water, which means slightly easier and more even extraction. Darker roasts tend to also have less perceived acidity or brightness to them, which is something many cold brew drinkers value," said Vonie. Of course, you can experiment with different roasts and tasting notes to develop your favorite brew. 

Vonie also cautions home brewers to avoid using hot water at all costs. "In cold brew, we use cold or room temperature water to brew with, so those acids don't decay, and those aromatics don't evaporate. However, when we drink the cold brew, those oils hit you while in your mouth," said Vonie. Likewise, many suggest choosing quality beans to make cold brewed coffee since the flavors are more pronounced with this brew style. From there, focus on the grind size: Coarsely ground beans yield the best overall extraction and minimize bitterness.