Cold Press Coffee

[Gregg]

So we've occasionally bought 20 oz. bottles for $11 and that makes 5 or 6 good sized cups of coffee. At $2/cup its in line with the local coffee shop's prices, just as good a cup (SO silky smooth!) and I don't have to get out of my slippers to get it. That said, I hate paying $2/cup if I don't have to so I'm on a mission to make it at home.

First run was to put 2 cups of freshly roasted, freshly ground Sumatran coffee in a 1/2 gallon Mason jar and fill it up with filtered water. I let it set for 18 hours then strained it through cheese cloth then through a paper filter. It's really good, but only about 1/2 the strength of what we buy from the coffee shop. I'm thinking a little bit longer steep, like 24 hours, will help some, but probably still won't get the concentration to where I'd like it. Has anyone else made cold press coffee at home? How'd it work out? Any tricks?

Btw, I'm not sure why the name is cold press, or pressed. All the Youtube vids I found are basically making cold steeped coffee. Other than helping with sediment I'm not sure how a French press or similar machine would make much difference in the final product.

[kib]

I have made "sun coffee", basically the same thing as sun tea. Adding that bit of heat definitely releases more flavor but it's still weak. I don't see how pressing it at the end would make much difference either.

Without subjecting myself to the marketing hype of googling this, is there a reason this is better than plain old coffee? Do you eventually heat it up, or is this used for cold coffee drinks?

[Float On]

When I want cold coffee I usually put hot water in my french press and then sit it in the fridge for 24 hours. I think the initial hot stage helps with strengthening it a bit.

[awakenedsoul]

I'm just curious...why do you want to make it cold? I think the heat will give you more bang for your buck. I use a stovetop espresso maker. It's simple; what most people use it Italy. If I want cold coffee, I let it cool, then store it in the fridge. It also helps to grind the coffee very fine for an espresso maker.

I've used a french press, a drip maker, and a percolator. The espresso version is my favorite. I love cafe au lat, though.

[libby]

This methods is called cold brew coffee not cold pressed. It is basically making an espresso or coffee concentrate to which hot water is added to make a cup of coffee. I don't think you are using enough coffee grounds to get the desired strength. Do an internet search for proportions.