The short answer to this is that it is most likely under extracted. What leads to coffee being under extracted comprises many varying factors that can easily alter how your brew turns out.

When brewing cold brew coffee, or any method of brewing in general, there are a few stages of the brewing process you need to take note of: 

1. Under extraction (sour and oily) 

2. ‘Sweet’ spot (sweet and syrupy) 

3. Over extraction (bitter and flat). 

    

Hitting the sweet spot

The compounds in coffee are always extracted in this order with fats and acid being extracted first, sugars next and plant fibres last. The targeted sweet spot is to stop the brewing process once the sugars have been extracted to avoid going into the over extraction stage. In general, a sour cold brew would mean the coffee grounds in your brew is under extracted, whereas a bitter cold brew would mean it is over extracted. 

Environmental factors affect the brewing process

There are many factors that affect the speed and duration of reaching that ‘sweet’ spot. Some of these factors include:

• Grind size

• Temperature of water

• Temperature of your surroundings

For example, brewing your cold brew in the fridge will require a longer brewing time of approximately 16-24h. If you brew your cold brew on your countertop, it can range between 10 hours to 24 hours, depending on the weather.

While there are general guidelines to producing a good brew, the best way to brew a perfect cuppa coffee is through trial and error to find what works for you.

Try Wake The Crew’s cold brew concentrates for the ideal cold brew taste. Get your here.

Coffee has been a big staple for many, especially when there are so many benefits to them. Drinking coffee can not only help you burn fat, but also improve your energy levels and allows you to have a sharper brain. Ultimately, moderation is key, even for coffee, but who says you cannot enjoy coffee based drinks and desserts?

We have complied 5 unique ways to use your cold brew coffee concentrates, so you can wow your guests or spice up your daily cuppa!

1. Hot Coffee

Other than drinking it cold, cold brew coffee concentrates can also be consumed hot. Just heat up the coffee concentrates in the microwave for around 10-15 seconds before adding hot water or hot milk and get a perfect warm cuppa for a cold day.

2. Tiramisu

Tiramisu is a super popular Italian dessert which also means “Pick me up”. Instead of using espresso where you have to wait for your coffee to cool, cold brew coffee concentrates do just the job! The creamy blend of mascarpone cheese coupled with coffee-dipped lady fingers (also known as Savoiardi Ladyfingers) and cocoa powder makes an amazing no-bake dessert!

Find the recipe here.

3. Coffee Jelly

Coffee jelly is a highly refreshing dessert, predominantly more popular in Japan where it is served in many cafes. It is made of gelatin or konnyaku jelly, sugar and some espresso or coffee concentrates. Just top it off with some ice cream or add it to your daily cuppa for a coffee dessert!

Recipe here.

4. Coffee Cocktails

Cold brew coffee concentrates make coffee cocktails a breeze. No more spending the time to make an espresso shot just for your next coffee cocktail. Simply pour the coffee concentrate right out of the bottle and mix it into a cocktail!

Check out our Bailey’s coffee recipe now!

5. Frappuccino

Make your own Frappuccino in the comfort of your own home! Since cold brew coffee concentrates are used cold, there is no need for extra ice to keep your drink cold when blending it into an ice blended frappuccino. Just blend it with some milk and ice and you’re good to go. Easily recreate your favourite Starbucks/Coffee Bean drinks without the extra money.

Ready to make your own special concoctions? Shop for your coffee concentrates now!