Dru Hayes, owner, Crazy Mountain Coffee Roasters, has used all sorts of cold-brew methods and has found that making great cold-brew coffee comes down to using the right beans and the right roast level. Cold brew has a sweet, smooth body and can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
MASON JAR COLD BREW CONCENTRATE
3 cups filtered water
3 ounces coarse-ground Crazy Mountain Coffee Roasters Cold Brew Blend (1 heaping cup)
Add ground coffee to a 32-ounce mason jar, then add half of the filtered water and stir. Add remaining water and stir to make sure grounds are saturated. Cover and let brew at room temperature for 12–24 hours.
After brewing, line a fine-mesh strainer with a dampened cheesecloth or coffee filter and place over a bowl or large measuring cup. Gradually pour concentrate through the strainer and let drain. Gently press the grounds to extract as much liquid as possible, then discard the grounds.
Rinse out the jar and lid, then pour coffee concentrate back in.
To enjoy, start with a ratio of 1 part concentrate to 2 parts water or milk. Mix to taste. Enjoy hot, or as an iced cold brew (recipe below).
ON-THE-GO ICED COLD BREW
Ice
4 ounces cold brew concentrate
4 ounces filtered water
2 ounces (4 tablespoons) half and half, or coconut or oat milk
1 ounce (2 tablespoons) homemade vanilla syrup (recipe below)
Add ice to your favorite glass or travel mug.
Add remaining ingredients, stir, and enjoy!
For the vanilla syrup
3½ cups water
3 cups granulated sugar
½ cup light brown sugar
3 tablespoons vanilla extract
Gently stir water and sugars together in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat, cool, and stir in vanilla. Store at room temperature or, for longer storage, place in the refrigerator.
Optional
Divide syrup into 2 mason jars. Leave one as vanilla syrup and to the second jar add zest from a lemon or orange. Let the zest infuse for 24–48 hours, then strain into another jar for storage. When you’re ready to add syrup to your drink, you have two flavors to choose from. You can also use this syrup to make cream sodas. Just combine with carbonated water.
