On sunny days, there’s no better way to beat the heat than with a refreshing, ice-cold cup of coffee. Enter cold brew: the smooth, chilled coffee experience that’s perfect for hot days. Whether you’re a seasoned coffee enthusiast or new to the cold brew trend, you’ll love how easy it is to make your own at home. And when you brew with Ripple Affect coffee, you’re not just treating yourself to a delicious drink—you’re supporting positive change with every sip.
In this guide, we’ll share simple, fuss-free cold brew recipes, as well as tips for brewing the perfect batch at home. Plus, we’ll highlight how Ripple Affect’s ethically sourced blends shine when brewed cold for a smooth, refreshing coffee experience.
What Is Cold Brew Coffee?
Cold brew coffee is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in cold water for an extended period—usually 12 to 24 hours. Unlike traditional brewed coffee, which uses hot water to extract flavours quickly, cold brew takes its time, resulting in a smoother, less acidic coffee with rich, naturally sweet flavours. It’s perfect for a chilled summer sip or a midday pick-me-up.
How to Make Cold Brew at Home: The Basics
Making cold brew at home is surprisingly simple. All you need are a few ingredients and a bit of patience. Here’s the basic method for crafting your own cold brew concentrate:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of coarsely ground Ripple Affect coffee (we recommend the Ripple Affect Legend Blend or Ripple Affect Marvel Blend for a rich, smooth flavour)
- 4 cups of cold or room temperature water
- A large jar or pitcher
- A fine mesh strainer or coffee filter (for straining)
Instructions:
- Combine the Coffee and Water: In a large jar or pitcher, add the coarsely ground coffee beans. Pour in the cold or room temperature water, ensuring all the coffee grounds are fully immersed.
- Let It Steep: Cover the jar or pitcher and leave it at room temperature for 12 to 24 hours. The longer it steeps, the stronger the coffee flavour will be. If you’re short on time, 12 hours is a good starting point.
- Strain the Cold Brew: After steeping, strain the coffee through a fine mesh strainer or coffee filter to remove the coffee grounds. You’ll be left with a smooth, concentrated cold brew coffee.
- Serve and Enjoy: Dilute your cold brew concentrate with water, milk, or a milk alternative to your preferred strength. Pour over ice, and you’ve got yourself a chilled, refreshing coffee that’s perfect for summer!
Cold Brew Recipe Variations: Get Creative with Your Brew
Once you’ve mastered the basic cold brew, it’s time to get creative! Here are some fun variations to take your cold brew to the next level:
1. Vanilla Cold Brew Latte:
Add a splash of vanilla syrup or a few drops of vanilla extract to your cold brew concentrate. Top it off with frothed milk or a milk alternative (like oat milk) for a creamy, sweet treat. It’s like your favourite iced latte, but even smoother.
2. Caramel Cold Brew:
For a sweet, indulgent twist, drizzle caramel syrup into your glass before adding your cold brew concentrate. Stir it in, then fill the rest of the glass with ice and cold brew. A drizzle of extra caramel on top makes this one truly special.
3. Coconut Cold Brew:
Add some coconut milk or coconut cream for a tropical twist. The nutty flavour of the coconut pairs beautifully with the smoothness of cold brew, making it a refreshing, creamy sip.
4. Cold Brew Coffee Tonic:
For a bright, effervescent twist, mix cold brew concentrate with sparkling water or tonic water. Add a slice of lemon or orange for a citrusy zing. This is the perfect drink for anyone who loves the combination of coffee and fizz!
5. Iced Coffee Float:
Treat yourself to an afternoon pick-me-up with an iced coffee float! Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to a glass of cold brew coffee, and top with whipped cream. It’s like the ultimate coffee dessert.
Why Ripple Affect Blends Shine in Cold Brew
One of the best things about cold brew is its ability to highlight the natural flavours of coffee in a smooth, balanced way. And when you use Ripple Affect coffee, you’re in for a treat! Our ethically sourced beans have rich, nuanced flavours that shine even when brewed cold.
- Ripple Affect Legend Blend: This blend offers a smooth, mellow flavour profile with notes of chocolate and caramel, making it ideal for a cold brew that’s naturally sweet and well-balanced.
- Ripple Affect Marvel Blend: For a more robust cold brew with a bold, deep flavour, the Espresso Blend gives you that extra kick. It’s perfect for those who love their coffee a bit stronger, even when chilled.
By brewing with Ripple Affect, you’re not just treating your taste buds—you’re also supporting fair wages, community development, and mental health research through your coffee purchases. Each cup you brew contributes to making the world a better place, one sip at a time.
Cold Brew Tips: Get the Most Out of Your Brew
Here are a few tips to ensure your cold brew comes out perfectly every time:
- Use Coarse Ground Coffee: For the best results, use coarsely ground coffee. Finer grounds can make your cold brew taste bitter and over-extracted.
- Experiment with Brew Time: The longer your cold brew steeps, the stronger and richer it will taste. Feel free to adjust the steeping time to suit your flavour preference.
- Serve Over Ice: Cold brew is best served over ice. This will help keep it chilled and give you that refreshing coffee experience.
- Dilute to Taste: Cold brew concentrate is strong! Don’t forget to dilute it with water or milk before sipping, unless you prefer it extra strong.
- Store in the Fridge: If you have leftovers, store your cold brew in the fridge for up to 7 days. The flavours will stay fresh, and you’ll always have a chilled coffee ready when you need it.
Wrap-Up: Refresh Your Summer with Cold Brew and Ripple Affect
Cold brew is the ultimate summer coffee drink, offering a smooth, rich coffee experience that’s perfect for hot days. With these simple recipes and tips, you can craft the perfect cold brew at home using Ripple Affect coffee. Plus, with every sip, you’re supporting a brand that’s making a difference in the world.
So, why not make this summer your best coffee season yet? Brew up a batch of cold brew, get creative with your flavours, and enjoy a refreshing cup of coffee that’s as cool as it is delicious.