Cold-Brew Keto Coffee: The Ultimate Guide

Cold brew coffee is a great option for those who are health-conscious and want to cut down on bitterness and acidity. It's also a more affordable alternative to Starbucks, and you can make it at home with just a few simple ingredients. All you need is coffee grounds, water, a jar, and a coffee filter or muslin cloth. The process is straightforward – combine the grounds and water in a jar, steep in the fridge for 12-24 hours, then strain and serve. You can also get creative with add-ins like heavy cream, sugar-free syrup, or even butter to make it bulletproof. So, if you're looking for a smooth, flavourful, and aromatic coffee experience, cold brew is the way to go!

How to make cold brew coffee

Cold brew coffee is a smooth, lightly sweet, and less bitter alternative to regular hot coffee. It is also healthier, with 65-70% less acidity, more antioxidants, and lower caffeine content.

Ingredients

• Coffee beans
• Water
• Optional: milk, heavy cream, sugar-free syrup, ice

Equipment

• Coffee grinder
• Coffee filter or muslin cloth
• Mason jar or pitcher
• Fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth (optional)

Method

First, grind the coffee beans using a food processor or coffee grinder. If you want a stronger brew, use a finer grind. Next, prepare your mason jar or pitcher by filling it with water. The amount of water you use will depend on how much coffee you are making and your preferred strength, but a ratio of 1:4 (water to coffee) is a good starting point.

Add the ground coffee beans to the water and stir or shake to combine. You can also simply leave the jar to brew without mixing, but you may need to leave it for longer. Seal the jar and leave it to brew in the fridge for 12-24 hours. Lighter roasts will need a longer brewing time.

Once brewed, strain the coffee through a muslin cloth or coffee filter to remove the grounds. You can then store your cold brew in the fridge for up to two weeks.

When you are ready to serve, fill a glass with ice and pour in the cold brew. If you like, you can add milk, heavy cream, or a sugar-free syrup to taste. Enjoy!

Adding keto-friendly ingredients

There are many keto-friendly ingredients that can be added to cold brew coffee to enhance its flavour and make it even more enjoyable. Here are some ideas:

• Heavy cream is a popular choice for those who like their coffee rich and creamy. It pairs well with the sweetness of the coffee.
• Sugar-free chocolate syrup can add a touch of sweetness and a hint of chocolate flavour to your coffee.
• Sugar-free caramel syrup will give your coffee a sweet, caramelly twist.
• Sugar-free maple syrup adds sweetness without any extra carbs or calories.
• Milk is a great option if you prefer a lighter coffee. Any type of milk can be used, such as almond, coconut, or nut milk.
• Vanilla extract will add a subtle, sweet flavour to your coffee. Try adding a 1/4 teaspoon to your drink.
• Liquid monkfruit sweetener is another keto-friendly option to sweeten your coffee.
• Lavender simple syrup can be used to add a floral note to your coffee.
• Keto-friendly sweeteners such as stevia or erythritol can be used to sweeten your coffee to taste.
• Coconut oil, ghee, or butter can be melted and added to your cold brew. Make sure to melt them at room temperature or on low heat to avoid hardening when they come into contact with the ice.
• Ice is essential for a refreshing iced coffee. Use crushed ice or ice cubes, and make sure to fill your glass with plenty of it!

Storing and freezing cold brew coffee

Choosing the Right Container

The container you use to store your cold brew coffee is important. Glass containers are ideal, as they are non-porous and can be sealed tightly. Plastic containers can be porous and may retain stains and flavours over time. Metal containers should be avoided as they can alter the flavour of the coffee and be affected by the acidity. Glass mason jars are a popular choice for storing cold brew.

Airtight Seal

Ensure that your container has an airtight seal. This will slow down the oxidation process by reducing the amount of air and oxygen that comes into contact with the coffee. Oxidation is what makes your cold brew go stale and lose its flavour and aroma.

Refrigeration

Storing your cold brew in the refrigerator will help to prolong its life. Aim to store it at 41°F (5°C) or lower. At these temperatures, your cold brew can last for up to a week. Storing it at room temperature will reduce its life to around 18 hours.

Dilution

If you have made a strong cold brew concentrate, it is best to store it without diluting it. Keep the milk, water, or other additives separate and only add them when you are ready to drink it. Diluted cold brew has a much shorter shelf life, even when stored in the refrigerator.

Freezing

If you want to store your cold brew for longer than a week, you can freeze it. Pour the coffee into ice cube trays or freezer-friendly containers. When you are ready to drink it, you can let the coffee cubes melt in a glass or blend them together in a high-speed blender.

In the refrigerator, cold brew coffee can last for about seven days before it starts to lose its fresh taste. After two weeks, it may no longer be safe to drink. In the freezer, your cold brew can last for up to two months.

By following these tips, you can keep your cold brew coffee fresh and enjoyable for longer!

Serving suggestions

Keto cold brew coffee is a refreshing drink that can be served in multiple ways. Here are some ideas to elevate your coffee-drinking experience:

• With ice: Fill your glass with ice cubes to keep your coffee chilled. This is an excellent option if you prefer your coffee cold and refreshing.
• With milk: For a creamier texture and a hint of sweetness, add some milk to your coffee. You can use regular milk or non-dairy alternatives like nut milk, almond milk, or coconut milk.
• With heavy cream: If you're feeling indulgent, top your coffee with heavy cream for an extra rich and creamy flavour. This is a great dairy option that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
• With sweeteners: If you like your coffee on the sweeter side, there are several keto-friendly sweeteners you can use. Try liquid monkfruit sweetener, sugar-free maple syrup, or keto maple syrup. Just add a few drops or a teaspoon to taste.
• With flavourings: Experiment with different flavourings to create unique coffee profiles. Try adding a splash of vanilla extract, sugar-free chocolate syrup, sugar-free caramel syrup, or even a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg.
• With a keto-friendly snack: Pair your coffee with a tasty keto snack like churro pork rinds, chocolate, or cookies. This will enhance your coffee break and keep those hunger pangs at bay.

Remember, keto cold brew coffee is versatile, so feel free to get creative and customise it to your taste preferences. Enjoy experimenting, and cheers to a delicious cup of coffee!

Customising your cold brew

• Milk alternatives: If you are dairy-free or prefer the taste of plant-based milk, you can use coconut milk, almond milk, or any other milk alternative in your cold brew.
• Sweeteners: To make your cold brew sweeter, you can add a keto-friendly sweetener such as liquid monk fruit sweetener, sugar-free maple syrup, or lavender simple syrup. If you like your coffee with a hint of vanilla, try adding vanilla extract or sugar-free vanilla syrup.
• Flavourings: For some extra flavour, try adding a splash of heavy cream, sugar-free chocolate syrup, sugar-free caramel syrup, or even peanut butter (whisk 2 tablespoons of sugar-free peanut butter with your chosen sweetener before adding to the coffee). For a French Vanilla twist, add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. If you like your coffee with a nutty flavour, add 1 tablespoon of sugar-free hazelnut syrup or hazelnut extract.
• Coffee type: Experiment with different types of coffee beans to find your favourite cold brew blend. Look for coffee beans with a low acidity level to avoid bitterness in your final brew. Medium to dark roast beans, such as Colombian, Brazilian, or Ethiopian coffee beans, tend to bring out the rich and smooth flavours desired in cold brew.
• Strength: Adjust the strength of your cold brew by changing the ratio of coffee grounds to water. For a stronger brew, use more coffee grounds. Remember that cold brew is always diluted, so you can always add more ice or water to adjust the strength to your taste.

Frequently asked questions