Cold Brew Coffee Brewing

Cold brew coffee is delicious! I don't know what else I can say about it. The cold brew process gives you great flavor without heavy acidity taste. But getting it every day can be costly, just like buying hot coffee everyday. But hot brew coffee machines are much easier to come by than cold brew ones. Yet, it's not too hard to make your own simple one.

What you will need:

1 (or 2) Foldgers 27.8 oz plastic coffee can with lid (empty)
1 3/4 - 2 cups Ground Coffee to brew
25oz. COLD water
2.5 qt. pitcher
Coffee Filter
Stirring Stick
Scissors or Knife (use with care)



Here is the basic plan

1. Put the water and coffee grounds in the empty can
2. Let brew overnight
3. Cut a hole in the top of the lid of the coffee can and add the filter
4. Drain brewed coffee into the pitcher
5. Enjoy!

The brewing process does take a while. I prefer to mix everything in the evening and let it brew overnight. Then in the morning it is ready to go.

Step 1: Combine Water and Coffee Grounds

In the empty coffee can, combine the water and coffee grounds.

I use 2 cups of grounds for a little stronger flavor.
You'll need to experiment with how much to use for your personal tastes.

Then fill the can nearly full of water.
MAKE SURE YOU USE COLD WATER!!!
Something right out of the fridge would work best.
One time I used warm water and it tasted so wrong.

You can also make it a more concentrated version by using more coffee grounds or less water, then add additional water when you are pouring yourself a glass.

Stir up everything with your stirring stick so that all of the grounds are wet.

(optional) you can also put the lid back on and shake it around. 
I'll swirl it around on the counter-top so I don't have to lift it up and rick spilling everything.

Step 2: Let It Brew

Now just put it in the fridge.

I let it sit overnight: 8 hours or so. Then I'm ready to continue in the morning.

Step 3: Filtering

So now the coffee is ready, but it is stuck in the coffee can.

Luckily, the coffee filter covers the top of the can enough to be a good filter.
*Don't use paper towels, no matter what the commercials say, they are NOT strong enough*

Take the plastic lid and cut a whole in it. A good size, I'd say 50% of the top, but not to the edge.

Put the filter over the top of the can, this will take a little practice and bending. Just be sure not to rip the filter anywhere.

Use the lid so secure the filter between the lid and the can.
You should be able to see at least a little bit of the filter hanging over the edge.
Or at least know that the filter is in between the can in lid all the way around.

Then the trickiest part.
Take a deep breath, grab the can and be sure to hold the lid.

Now flip the whole can over and place on top of the pitcher.
You should now see delicious cold brew coffee draining into the pitcher.

Step 4: (optional) Air Hole

You may see that it is draining a little slowly. That is because it is having a bit of trouble balancing out the air pressure as it is draining.

Solution: Punch a hole in the bottom of the can with the scissors or knife.
Take care not to cut yourself, or tip everything over and spill coffee everywhere (it's happened).

It doesn't need to be a big hole, just pin size it fine. Just enough to get a little air in there from the top.

Saving this can for later use

You can use this can in the future as your brewing can.
Now I have an additional can that is unpunctured, I use that one for brewing coffee and then transfer the coffee to the can with the hole in it before adding the filter and flipping.
This is where the optional additional can comes in.

You could also use something to cover the hole while the coffee brews, I just haven't really found anything reliable enough to hold back liquid from the can. Electrical tape kind of worked, it's worth a try.

Just know if you use the can with the hole in the bottom to brew, there is a risk of coffee dripping all over the fridge.
So use your best judgement.

Step 5: Consume

Once the coffee is done dripping, you are good to go.
I'll just let it drip through the day (but sneak that first glass as it starts dripping)

When you are satisfied that you have all of the coffee out of the can, you should have enough cold brew coffee for a few days. I normally get just under a full pitcher worth.

You can also clean out the coffee can for another use.
After enough coffee you'll have a small army of cold brewing cans.
This would also be were having an optional extra can comes in handy, now that the lid has a big hole it in for filtering.

Enjoy!