Looking for a caffeinated beverage but not in the mood for piping-hot coffee? Delicious cold brew coffee is the perfect answer. While it takes a lot longer to make, cold brew is often more flavorful and gives a slightly bigger boost of energy. However, these aren’t the only benefits of the cold brew method.
In most cases, hot drip and cold brew coffees share many of the same perks. Both boost your energy and are low-calorie drinks (unless you take lots of cream or sugar). The beans are roasted in the same ways and to the same temperature levels. The biggest difference is the method of brewing. Columbia Distributing looks at how cold brew coffee is made and the benefits of drinking this type of beverage.
How to Make Cold Brew Coffee
In order for coffee to be cold brewed, the coffee beans must be steeped in cold or room temperature water for at least eight hours. Ground beans are best and should be in a filter within the pitcher – or whatever you are steeping them in – so that residue does not transfer to your drink. If you like your coffee strong, 12 hours is the optimal amount of time to steep the beans.
Although it’s delicious without additives, cold brew is still a great base for lattes and coffee-based cocktails since these types of beverages aren’t bitter and have bolder and smoother flavors. You can also steep ingredients like coconut shavings or cinnamon with the ground beans to infuse your coffee with different flavors. It’s easy to get creative with recipes to find some awesome flavor pairings with cold brew coffee.
The necessary time to brew coffee this way can be a drawback for some people. Iced coffees can be a good alternative in a pinch. Additionally, caffeine lovers who are not the best at time management can enjoy a pre-made cold brew.
Advantages of Drinking Cold Brew
While hot drip coffee may still be king in most cases, there are many advantages to the cold brew method, including how this type of coffee affects your physical and mental health as well as the characteristics of the coffee itself.
Less Acidity Than Drip Coffee
Since there is no heat in the cold brewing method, less acidity is formed in the coffee. This in turn makes the flavor of the coffee smoother and less bitter. Drinkers will require little to no additives like milk, creamers, or sugars, which lowers the calorie count of the beverage, too. Coffee that is cold brewed is great for those who love bold flavors as well as those looking to eat and drink healthier.
Furthermore, cold brews are good for those who tend to get an upset stomach or acid reflux from hot or drip coffee. It contains more crude polysaccharides, which boost digestive immunity, and the lower levels of acids decrease gut irritation and inflammation.
Cold Brews Stay Fresher Longer
Drip or hot coffees tend to go stale faster. Once it cools off, it’s no longer fresh, and reheating it only diminishes the flavor. Because of the way it’s made, cold brew coffee can stay fresh for over a day, especially if you refrigerate it.
Cold Brews Boost Mental and Physical Health
Aside from promoting healthier consumption of your actual cup of coffee, cold brew coffee has higher levels of antioxidants, crude saccharides, and chlorogenic acid. These are known for boosting immunity, digestive health, and mental health.
The caffeine heightens your body’s dopamine absorption, which puts you in a better mood. It’s also an antioxidant, which helps your body to rid itself of free radicals that can cause cancer. Caffeine also promotes a faster metabolism, which can help you to lose or maintain weight by helping you burn more calories at rest.
Explore Cold Brew Coffee with Columbia Distributing
Cold brew coffee is easy to make. If you have busy mornings, steep your coffee overnight so your perfect cup is ready by the time you leave the house. Pre-made cold brew coffees make for perfect midday treats that will give you the boost you need to get through the rest of the workday. Contact us at Columbia Distributing today to find a great cold brew or other beverage option that meets your needs and preferences.