The heat of summer is underway which means by now, many of us have switched over to drinking cold brew coffee, and we don’t blame you! It’s the perfect alternative to a steamy cup when the summer heat just won’t quit. Cold brew coffee is naturally smoother and almost 70% less acidic than hot coffee since cold water extracts less acidic flavor compounds during brewing. The result? A cool cuppa java. It’s icy. It’s refreshing. There’s a reason it’s so popular.
Cold brew coffee is coffee brewed without hot water (ie. cold water). We prefer using a full bodied, low acidic roast like Redeye, though the Malawi Peaberry (darker) and the new Guatemala (lighter) are tasty as cold brews as well. Use a course grind setting and let the coffee steep in cold filtered water for at least 24 hours to create a strong cold brew concentrate that we then dilute with water/ice or milk. The ratio is 1:1, one gallon of water to one pound of coffee.
While we’ve been busy roasting AND trying to stay cool we’ve crafted a few coffee concoctions and found two cold brew coffee drinks that we think you absolutely must try this summer. Both of these recipes call for cold brew.
1. Cold Brew Fizz
Originating in Turkey, the Cold Brew Fizz is a straightforward, refreshing way to start—or keep moving through—your day. This cold, balanced, effervescent drink is a one step simpler. Simply combine equal parts Redeye Cold Brew and seltzer water for the perfect sparkling beverage equally ready to sub in for your morning coffee or provide a late afternoon jolt.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 oz Redeye Cold Brew Coffee, chilled
- 4 oz Seltzer Water, chilled
Combine all ingredients. Watch the colors and bubbles dance. Consume. Rinse + repeat for an invigorating caffeinated experience.
2. Pete’s Caribbean Coffee Cooler
Having a party and inviting the adults? You must try Pete’s Caribbean Coffee Cooler! Originally created by Matt Sorrell of Cocktails Are Go and inspired by Pete, Stringbeans’ founder, and roaster’s love of all things Pirate-y. The Caribbean Cooler is a joyful and inebriating drink ready for your summer plans and pictures. For this pirate, nothing beats a Caribbean coffee cooler!
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 oz Redeye Roast Cold Brew
- 1.5 oz dark rum
- 1 oz honey syrup**
- coconut milk
Combine all ingredients except for the coconut milk in a glass over crushed ice. Top with coconut milk. Garnish with an orange slice (optional).
**For our recipe, we used this honey syrup from Monin, but you can easily make your own at home! Simply combine 2 cups of honey and one cup of water in a medium sauce pan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 5 minutes. Take off heat and let cool, then transfer to a clean jar or bottle. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
Do you know of other cold brew coffee drinks we must try this summer? Leave us a comment below!
