Making Cold Brew Is Way More Simple Than You'd Expect

There are few things more satisfying in the morning than a fresh cup of cold brew coffee expertly crafted by your favorite barista. The right cold brew, complete with your creamer and sweeteners of choice, can be enough to get the most dedicated caffeine consumers out of bed in the morning. According to Kaldi's Coffee, your average cold brew contains much more caffeine than a standard cup of joe, making it the perfect option for those who need a little extra kick.

The process of cold brewing takes a bit more than your standard drip coffee, which means it comes with a slightly higher price tag. Each cold brew coffee you consume can cost between $3 and $6, depending on where you go, making it an expensive indulgence for the regular coffee drinker (via Top Off My Coffee).

A batch of cold brew requires 12-18 hours of brewing time, as well as an assortment of tools, such as a coffee grinder, a container to store the brew, and a couple of strainers. The beans must be coarsely ground, and precision is key in yielding the perfect cup every time. These factors leave most coffee drinkers willing to shell out their hard-earned cash on a daily basis to enjoy their favorite caffeinated beverage. While the process may sound daunting to those who typically leave coffee preparation to the professionals, making cold brew at home is simpler than you might think.

If your wallet has been feeling the effects of your cold brew coffee addiction lately, you don't have to give up your cold caffeine fix to save your bank account. There are multiple ways you can brew it yourself at home, and you might find yourself surprised by how easy it can be to play barista in the comfort of your own kitchen. New York Times Cooking shared a recipe that requires only two steps. If you're grinding your own coffee, you'll have to add an extra step, but most grocery stores will allow you to select your desired coarseness for the beans you purchase right in the store.

Once you have your coarsely ground beans ready, all you have to do is stir the grounds into a mason jar filled with water. You can add more grounds or less, depending on how strong you'd like your coffee to be. Once you're done stirring, set the jar in your fridge and let it steep for around 12 hours. Ideally, you'll want to complete this first step overnight so you can have fresh cold brewed coffee waiting for you in your refrigerator the next day. When your cold brew has steeped for the appropriate amount of time, you'll want to strain it using a coffee filter, a sieve, or a cheesecloth. After that, you're done. You'll have a fresh and delicious homemade cold brew tailored to your taste. All that's left to do is add your creamer and sweeteners if desired.