History of Cold Brew Coffee

Origin cold brew coffee Source: Cosmin Georgian at Unsplash.com

Cold brew has become increasingly popular in recent years and many people are curious about the origins and history of this refreshing coffee drink. In this article, we'll dive into the history of cold brew coffee and find out how this drink originated and evolved into what it is today.

The very first time cold brew coffee was spoken of was in Japan in the 1600s, where it was known as "Kyoto". But how did this Japanese method of brewing coffee come to the West and how did it develop into one of the most popular drinks today? In this article I will give you answers to all these questions

But before we get started, I'd like to refer to another interesting blog that you can read if you want to learn more about brewing cold brew coffee . In this blog you will find a detailed guide on how to easily make cold brew coffee at home. With this guide and the history lesson I am going to give about cold brew coffee, you will soon be a real expert in the field of this delicious coffee drink!

Who invented cold brew?

Although the origins of cold brew coffee date back to the 1600s in Japan, it's not entirely clear who invented the drink. There are several stories and legends about the origin of cold brew coffee, but it's hard to separate the fact from the fiction.

A common legend is that the idea for cold brew coffee originated during the American Civil War, when soldiers had to drink their coffee cold because there was no fire to heat it. While this story is compelling, there is no evidence to support it and cold brew coffee is more likely to have originated in Japan.

Another legend suggests that the Dutch invented cold brew coffee during their colonization of Indonesia in the 17th century. The Dutch would have used coffee beans that grew in the region and mixed them with cold water to make a refreshing drink. Although it is unclear whether this story is true, it is known that the Dutch played an important role in the spread of coffee around the world.

So, while we don't know exactly who invented cold brew coffee, it's clear that it's been enjoyed for centuries and has evolved and refined over the years to become what it is today: a refreshing, caffeinated beverage loved by coffee aficionados. all over the world.

What's special about cold brew coffee?

There are several reasons why cold brew coffee has become so popular in recent years. First, cold brew coffee has a unique taste and texture compared to traditionally brewed coffee. Because the coffee is slowly brewed in cold water, it has less acidity and bitterness, giving it a softer and less intense taste. This makes it a perfect alternative for people who normally don't like coffee because of the bitter taste.

In addition, cold brew coffee has a higher caffeine content than traditionally brewed coffee. Because the coffee is slowly brewed in cold water, more caffeine and other substances are extracted from the coffee than with a traditional brewing method. This may be an advantage for some people, but it is important to remember that too much caffeine can have unwanted side effects.

Another advantage of cold brew coffee is that it has a longer shelf life than traditionally brewed coffee. Because the coffee is brewed slowly in cold water and does not come into contact with heat, it stays fresh longer and can be stored in the refrigerator for longer. This makes cold brew coffee a handy option for people who like to always have a ready-to-go coffee at hand.

Why is cold brew called cold brew?

The name "cold brew" is actually a pretty simple and obvious description of the process used to make the coffee. As the name suggests, cold brew coffee is brewed by soaking the coffee beans in cold water for an extended period of time. This process is essentially the opposite of brewing hot coffee, where hot water is poured through the ground coffee to extract the flavor and aromas.

So while the name "cold brew" is fairly obvious, there are some variations of this name that are sometimes used to describe the same process. One of these variants is "cold press", which also refers to the process of brewing coffee by running cold water through ground coffee.

Nitro Cold BrewNitro Cold Brew. Source: Daniel Lee via Unsplash.com

Another variant of cold brew coffee is nitro cold brew, where cold brew coffee is mixed with nitrogen gas to create a creamy and frothy texture. Nitro cold brew has become popular in coffee shops around the world because of its unique texture and taste.

So, all in all, the name "cold brew" is simply a descriptive term for the process of brewing coffee with cold water. While the process may be different from traditional brewing methods, cold brew coffee has its own unique flavor and benefits that make it a great option for anyone looking for a new way to enjoy coffee.

What is the difference between cold brew and iced coffee?

Video: All iced coffee drinks explained.

Although both drinks are popular as a refreshing summer drink, there are some important differences between cold brew coffee and iced coffee.

The main difference between the two drinks is the way they are brewed. Cold brew coffee is made by soaking coffee beans in cold water for a period of 12-24 hours. Iced coffee, on the other hand, is brewed by cooling hot coffee and serving it over ice.

Another difference between the two is the taste. Cold brew coffee generally has a sweeter, smoother flavor because the coffee beans are slowly extracted in cold water. Iced coffee, on the other hand, can have a more bitter taste because it is brewed with hot water and then cooled quickly.

Read also: All coffee types; the 17 best known explained.

Basically, the main difference between cold brew coffee and iced coffee is the way they are brewed and the flavor they deliver. Whichever drink you choose, both are great options for a refreshing summer coffee.

"It's now easier than ever to enjoy Cold Brew Coffee"

Cold Brew Coffee Today

Cold brew coffee can be found everywhere these days, from hip coffee shops to supermarkets and even fast food chains. It has become a popular drink for both coffee lovers and those just looking for a refreshing drink on a hot day.

Many coffee companies now also offer ready-to-drink cold brew coffee, making it even easier to enjoy this beverage. In addition, some companies have developed their own variations on the classic cold brew coffee, such as cold brew with nut milk, fruity flavors or even carbonated varieties.

In addition to its popularity with consumers, cold brew coffee has also become a favorite among baristas. More and more coffee shops are now offering cold brew coffee as part of their menu, and many baristas have developed their own unique way of brewing and serving this drink.

In short, cold brew coffee is no longer just for coffee experts. It's now easier than ever to enjoy this refreshing and delicious drink, and it's only likely to grow in popularity as more people discover how delicious it is.

Have you become enthusiastic and do you want to try it? We recently started offering this super fine Hario Cold Brew Coffee Filter-In Bottle in our webshop!

Conclusion

In conclusion, cold brew coffee is a drink with a long history and growing popularity. It's a refreshing and flavorful option for coffee lovers and those looking for a cold drink on a hot day. Whether you make it at home or order it from your favorite coffee shop, cold brew coffee remains a delicious and unique alternative to traditional coffee.

So, if you've never tried cold brew coffee, what are you waiting for? It is definitely worth giving it a try!