Hipster's coffee

Whilst out and about on my travels (mostly reading Timeout) I've noticed a trend with something called 'cold brew coffee.' Immediately my interest was spiked as I'm rather partial to a cold glass of coffee. Upon reading more on the matter I've discovered it's a lot like using a French press and ground coffee but instead of using hot water, brewing for a few minutes, you use cold water and leave to steep for up to 24 hours. The result is apparently a much less acidic and bitter drink with light coffee flavours but still the same caffeine hit. After giving it a go I would agree with this statement. It definitely lacks the punch of an espresso based or hot brewed coffee but there is a subtly complexity that I enjoyed. It is also makes summer life amazingly easy when you have some cold coffee sitting in the fridge ready to mix with ice and milk for a refreshing hit. Having said that, you can also keep it at room temperature and mix with some boiling water for a hot drink too, just add more coffee grounds whilst brewing to produce a stronger base. 

I read some articles it can last up to a month in a sterelised jar in the fridge so even if you're not a regular drinker it's rather handy. If you like coffee give it a try. 

Cold brew coffee

Makes 6-8 cups of coffee 

80-100g course ground coffee (it has to be course to avoid a cloudy drink and residue after straining. I just blitzed some beans in a food processor and got them as fine as possible) 

1 litre of cold water.

Get a large container and pour boiling water inside to sterelise then empty. After this just chuck in the coffee and water, give a good mix and then leave in the fridge or room temperature for at least 16 hours or up to 24. Make sure you stir or mix the brew a few times during this period. 

Once brewed take a sieve lined with muslin and strain off. When it has fully drained, repeat this process 3-4 times to produce a clear, clean product.

It's now ready decant in to a sealable sterilised jar or bottle and enjoyed at your leisure (kilner jars are perfect for this.)