Can you Heat Up Cold Brew Coffee? Yes, We’ll Show You
Something about a pot of cold brew in the warm summer months just hits different. In this article, we tackle the age-old question: can you heat up cold brew coffee? We’ll explore the debate surrounding whether it’s sacrilege to warm up this chilled flavorful coffee drink or a practical solution for those hectic mornings when a hot cup of coffee is a non-negotiable necessity. We’ll also uncover the nuances of heating cold brew and discover whether it holds up as a satisfying alternative to traditional hot coffee on busy mornings.
Related: Americano vs black coffee, best almond milk to froth, cafe misto vs latte
What is Cold Brew?
Contrary to popular belief, cold brew is not the same thing as a cup of cold coffee with a few ice cubes tossed in. Cold brew is a brewing process for coffee that involves steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in room-temperature water for an extended period, typically 12-24 hours. This slow extraction process results in a smooth taste and less acidic coffee concentrate that is often diluted with water or milk before serving. Cold brew is known for its rich flavor and low acidity, making it a popular choice for coffee lovers!
An iced coffee drink is exactly what it sounds like; drip coffee made with hot water and poured over ice.
How to Make Cold-Brewed Coffee at Home
I find that the best way to make cold brew at home is to use a good ol’ French press. Here’s how:
- Use a coffee grinder to coarsely grind your coffee beans. Aiming for a coarse grind will prevent the coffee from taking on a bitter taste.
- Add the coarse coffee grounds to the French press. Use a ratio of around 1 part coffee to 4 parts water, depending on your taste preferences.
- Pour cold or room temperature water over the coffee grounds, ensuring that all the grounds are fully saturated.
- Stir the mixture gently to ensure even saturation.
- Place the plunger on top of the French press but do not press it down.
- For best results, let the coffee steep in the French press for about 12-24 hours at room temperature and away from any heat source.
- After steeping, slowly press down the plunger to separate the grounds from the liquid.
- Pour the cold brew concentrate into a separate container for storage. Keep stored in the refrigerator.
- Dilute the concentrate with water or milk to your desired strength before serving.
For exact measurements use: one oz of coffee grounds and one cup of water. The best part about learning how to make your own cold brew is not having to wait in line at coffee shops to get your caffeine fix.
my favorite french press
You can’t go wrong with this sleek and easy-to-use French press from Target.
How Long Does Cold Brew Last?
Cold brew enthusiasts will be delighted to know that cold brew and its rich flavors will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 14 days.
How to Heat Up Cold Brew Coffee?
Now that we’ve already answered the question, “can you heat up cold brew coffee,” we’ll show you exactly how to do that. Below are a few different methods for making hot cold brew coffee with ease. Choose the heating process that works best for you:
Microwave Method
Using a microwave oven is by far the quickest and easiest way to heat up your cold brew. Here’s how to do it:
- Pour your desired amount of cold brew coffee into a microwave-safe mug. Add desired amount of water or milk for dilution. Make sure to leave some space at the top to prevent spillage.
- Place the mug in the microwave and heat it on high power for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, depending on your microwave’s wattage and the desired temperature.
- Carefully remove the hot mug from the microwave using oven mitts or a towel.
- Give the coffee a quick stir to ensure that it’s evenly heated.
- If it’s not hot enough, you can continue to heat it in short intervals, checking the temperature after each interval until it reaches your desired warmth.
Stovetop Method
Heating cold brew coffee on the stove top allows you to control the temperature more precisely compared to using a microwave, giving you a more smooth flavor and more consistent result. Here’s how to do it:
- Pour your desired amount of cold brew concentrate and water into a small saucepan or pot.
- Place the saucepan or pot on the stove over medium heat.
- Heat the cold brew coffee, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired temperature. Be careful not to let it boil, as this can cause it to develop a burnt taste.
- Once heated to your liking, remove the saucepan or pot from the heat.
- Pour the hot cold brew coffee into a mug or cup using a strainer if necessary to catch any grounds that may have settled.
1.5qt Nonstick Ceramic Coated Aluminum Sauce Pan – Figmint
Electric Kettle Method
Using an electric kettle is a fast and efficient way to heat up cold brew coffee. Adjust the water ratio to achieve your preferred strength. Follow these steps:
- Pour your desired amount of cold brew coffee into a heat-resistant mug or cup.
- Fill the electric kettle with water and turn it on to boil.
- Once the water has boiled, carefully pour it over the cold brew coffee in the mug or cup.
- Stir the mixture gently to ensure the cold brew coffee is evenly heated.
- Allow the coffee to sit for a minute or two to reach your desired temperature.
Haden Dorset 1.7 Liter Electric Kettle
Something to Keep in Mind When Heating Up Cold Brew Coffee
Heating cold brew can alter its flavor profile slightly, so be prepared for a different taste compared to when it’s served cold. Experiment with different heating methods and temperatures to find the best flavor for your taste buds.
While heating up cold brew coffee may not be traditional, it’s certainly possible and offers a unique twist on enjoying your favorite caffeinated beverage. By exploring the methods outlined above and considering your preferences for regular coffee versus cold brew, you’ll never have to wonder, “can you heat up cold brew coffee” ever again. You can confidently find the best method to create satisfying hot drinks from your cold brew stash.