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Cold Brew | Summer Coffee Trend 2017 Anyone interested in current food and drink trends has probably already heard of the relatively new "cold brewing" trend for coffee in Germany. If you're a true coffee fan or even a coffee addict, and would consider a day without coffee practically pointless, then you should listen up. I want to tell you a little about "cold brewing" and cold brew coffee – a method for preparing cold coffee. But first, what exactly is cold brew coffee, how is it different from "iced coffee," and why am I telling you about it?

What is cold brew coffee and what's behind it?

Unlike regular coffee, cold brew coffee uses cold water for brewing. All you need is high-quality Arabica coffee beans and cold water. Cold brew coffee shouldn't be confused with iced coffee. Iced coffee is brewed hot and then cooled with ice cubes, meaning the brewing process is completely different. Cold brew requires significantly more time (and patience). Specifically, preparing a cold brew coffee takes 20 hours. That's how long the cold brew coffee at Starbucks, which is now available, steeps. Amazing, right? While it's possible to make it yourself quickly, it does involve some preparation. So, if you're in a hurry, Starbucks offers a great solution. Besides this long brewing time, cold brew coffee is characterized by its smooth and naturally sweet flavor, and—perhaps most noticeably—its low acidity. This intense and truly unique aroma arises solely from the extremely long brewing time combined with the fact that no heat is applied – all these factors combine to create the perfect "cold brew coffee." As a result, cold brew coffee has a higher concentration – meaning a more intense coffee flavor – but at the same time contains significantly fewer and less bitter substances.

Cold Brew Coffee at Starbucks

Cold Brew Coffee and how I came up with it

I know people for whom drinking coffee is synonymous with a celebration. It's not quite like that for me yet; my coffee is usually meant to keep me going, be of good quality, and of course, taste good. I've noticed more and more often that certain coffees upset my stomach, or rather, that various blends and coffee drinks tend to make me feel unwell. So I was open to new things, didn't want to give up coffee entirely, and had already heard a lot about cold brew coffee. On top of that, I don't have much time to drink coffee at home in peace and quiet, let alone make it myself. So I usually sit in a café or coffee shop with my laptop and write. And of course, a good cup of coffee is essential for that. Today was one of those days again, and I was sitting in my usual Starbucks writing. The perfect opportunity – and also the reason for this article about cold brew – for me to try out this new trend. I was feeling hot anyway, and the new cold brew coffee – which, as I learned, has been available in every Starbucks since May 4th, 2017 – was calling my name. So I tried the coffee drink for the first time.

What makes cold brew coffee special

Cold brew is primarily characterized by its smooth and floral flavor. I was very surprised by the difference in taste compared to "simply cold coffee." There are few, if any, bitter notes left after the first sip. If cold brew is made correctly – meaning a 20-hour brewing time after pouring room-temperature water over the coffee grounds – it tastes truly exquisite and, thanks to the absence of heat and the long brewing time, develops its characteristic sweet and mild notes. Cold brew coffee is not only an ideal summer drink but also a great alternative to "the beloved cup of hot coffee in the morning" – especially for those with sensitive stomachs in the morning. Another interesting point: the gentle brewing process (more on that in a moment) preserves valuable nutrients in the coffee and retains a high level of antioxidants, which protect against free radicals.

Also ideal for taking away in summer

…and how is it prepared?

To make approximately 500 ml of cold brew coffee, you'll need nothing more than a large glass or metal container with a lid, two paper coffee filters or a cotton cloth, a kitchen sieve, a spoon, and a large bowl. It's important that your container is made of glass or metal, as this is the only way to ensure the coffee's flavor isn't affected. Grab 232 grams of Arabica coffee beans – important: coarsely ground, i.e., the grind size for the French press method – and prepare one liter of cold-filtered water. Then you're ready to go: Simply add the ground coffee to the container and gradually pour in the cold, filtered water. It's important that the coffee is evenly covered and that you stir thoroughly. Now put the lid on the container and let the coffee brew at room temperature for 20 hours. Once the time is up, take the sieve – lined with a (pre-moistened) paper filter or cotton cloth – and filter the coffee into the prepared bowl. Moistening the filter prevents the coffee from developing a "papery" taste. For the perfect cold brew, repeat the process: filter the coffee again and transfer it to a clean container. This ensures that no coffee grounds remain in your finished cold brew. That's it! Your homemade cold brew is ready, and you can enjoy it straight, with cold water, or mixed with milk and sugar. The easiest way is to fill a glass with ice cubes and pour the cold brew over them—done!.

Cold brew coffee with vanilla syrup

You can store and enjoy cold brew coffee in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to five days – after that, it really does become "cold coffee," and you should brew a fresh batch. Cold brew coffee tastes best as a refreshing drink on hot days and is a wonderful way to cool down. The flavor is fruity and mild, which means you can optionally forgo additional additions like syrup, cream, ice cream, or even extra milk, or alternatively, experiment with them. The key to a successful cold brew coffee is, of course, using the right coffee. If you pay attention to this, cold brew can also serve as a base for new creations.

Key facts and information about Cold Brew at Starbucks

Anyone who wants to try this topic can either make a pot at home or, for example, try it out at a... Starbucks Stop by and order a serving. A very special blend has been created specifically for this purpose. The African beans used provide an extra refreshing and lemony aroma, while the Latin American beans add sweet, chocolatey notes for a balanced flavor. The coffee is ground by hand before brewing. I just mentioned the possibilities of getting a little more "creative" with cold brew, and if you'd like to try that, simply order the "Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew" with vanilla syrup, cream, and milk. I'm curious to hear what you think. Coffee with a twist – ready for the perfect summer.

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