I have searched far and wide for that perfect cold brew recipe. The quest came to a delightful halt when I discovered the vibrant, velvety tones of La Colombe’s signature cold brew. Why do I swear by this La Colombe Cold Brew recipe? Simple. It embodies balance, complexity, and the kind of bold flavor that lingers wistfully on your palate.
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How to make La Colombe Cold Brew
La Colombe Cold Brew is a ready-to-drink, cold-brew coffee made by La Colombe Coffee Roasters, a well-known coffee company based in the United States. The company is recognized for producing high-quality, ethically sourced coffee beans. Their cold brew is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in cold water for an extended period (usually 12 to 24 hours), resulting in a smoother, less acidic coffee with a richer flavor than traditional hot-brewed coffee.
Ingredients
- Good Quality Coffee Beans: Opt for La Colombe coffee beans for an authentic taste. A dark roast will lend a rich and bold flavor, but feel free to experiment with different roasts according to your preference.
- Filtered Water: The quality of water significantly affects the final taste. Use cold, filtered water to ensure a clean and crisp brew.
- Optional Add-Ins: Although not required, feel free to customize your cold brew with vanilla extract, cinnamon, or even a splash of your favorite milk or dairy alternative for added richness.
Equipment:
- Coffee Grinder: Freshly ground beans are key to a flavorful cold brew. A burr grinder is ideal for achieving a consistent, coarse grind.
- Large Jar or Pitcher: You’ll need a sizable container for brewing and storing your cold brew.
- Fine Mesh Strainer or Cheesecloth: This filters out the coffee grounds after brewing.
Instructions:
- Grind the Beans: Measure out about 1 cup of coffee beans. Grind them to a coarse consistency akin to breadcrumbs. This texture is crucial to avoid over-extraction and bitterness in your cold brew.
- Combine and Soak: Transfer your ground coffee to the jar or pitcher and add 4 cups of cold, filtered water. Stir gently to ensure all the grounds are fully saturated.
- Steep Overnight: Cover the container and let it sit at room temperature or in your refrigerator for 12 to 24 hours. The longer it steeps, the stronger and more developed the flavor will be.
- Strain Carefully: After steeping, strain the coffee mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove the grounds. If desired, strain twice for an even smoother brew.
- Serve & Enjoy: Serve your cold brew over ice. For a less intense drink, you can dilute it with water or enhance it with milk and sweeteners.
Tips for Success:
- Quality Matters: The quality of your beans will directly influence the taste of your cold brew. Opt for high-quality, freshly roasted beans from La Colombe or your favorite roaster.
- Grind Size is Key: A coarse grind is essential to prevent bitterness and ensure a smooth and flavorful cold brew.
- Patience Pays Off: The steeping process cannot be rushed. Allowing your cold brew to steep for at least 12 hours will result in a rich, complex flavor profile.
- Storage: Your freshly made cold brew can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, making it a convenient option for those on the go.
What to serve with
A deliciously crafted La Colombe Cold Brew offers a delightful canvas to create a perfect coffee experience, whether for a quiet morning at home or impressing guests at a brunch. The rich, smooth flavors of cold brew coffee pair well with various foods and treats, from savory breakfast items to sweet afternoon delights.
For Breakfast or Brunch:
- Classic Pastries: Croissants, danishes, or scones complement the rich notes of the La Colombe Cold Brew. Opt for buttery pastries that melt in your mouth, contrasting beautifully against the crisp, refreshing notes of the coffee.
- Avocado Toast: The creaminess of avocado on toasted artisan bread, topped with poached eggs, red pepper flakes, and a sprinkle of sea salt, pairs wonderfully with the smooth, velvety texture of the La Colombe Cold Brew.
- Fruit Parfaits: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and fresh berries for a healthy, refreshing side dish that balances the depth of the cold-brew coffee.
For a Light Lunch:
- Caprese Salad: The fresh flavors of ripe tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and balsamic glaze offer a refreshing counterpoint to the boldness of the cold brew.
- Gourmet Sandwiches: Consider sandwiches with aged cheeses, high-quality deli meats, or roasted vegetables. A hearty rye or sourdough bread adds perfect texture alongside the cold brew.
- Quiche or Frittatas: For something more substantial, serve slices of a savory quiche or frittata. The egg and cheese flavors marry well with the coffee, especially if you include herbs or roasted tomatoes for a splash of freshness.
For Snacking or a Sweet Tooth:
- Chocolate Croissants or Pain au Chocolat: There’s a classic reason why chocolate and coffee are often paired – they’re perfect together. Choose pastries with rich, gooey chocolate for an indulgent treat.
- Nutty Granola Bars or Energy Balls: Nut snacks, like almonds or pecans, bring out the cold brew’s nutty undertones while providing a satisfying crunch.
- Fruit Tarts or Lemon Bars: The fruit’s acidity complements the cold brew, especially if you enjoy your coffee black. The sweetness can also balance out any bitterness in the coffee.
Desserts:
- Tiramisu: This classic Italian dessert, with its layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone, is a dream pairing for cold brew enthusiasts.
- Dark Chocolate Mousse: The bold flavors of dark chocolate and the smooth, rich texture of the mousse make it a sophisticated dessert option that enhances the cold brew experience.
- Cheesecake: Choose from plain, raspberry, or chocolate cheesecake varieties. The creaminess of the cheesecake and its crust’s slight crunch complements the refreshing notes of the cold brew.
Ingredients Substitutes
Making a cold brew coffee akin to La Colombe’s renowned brew at home is an inviting task for any coffee enthusiast. While nothing quite replicates the blend and process used by La Colombe, you can get close by choosing the right beans and ingredients and by making informed substitutes where necessary.
Coffee Beans
Original: La Colombe typically uses a special blend of beans that contribute to the unique flavor profile of their cold brew.
Substitute: Opt for a high-quality medium to dark roast coffee bean with flavor notes that align with La Colombe’s profile, such as chocolate, caramel, and fruit undertones. Single-origin beans from Colombia, Guatemala, or Brazil are good substitutes. For the best flavor, look for sustainably sourced and freshly roasted beans.
Grinding the Beans
Original: The coffee grounds for cold brew should be coarse, akin to the texture of coarse sea salt, to ensure proper extraction and avoid over-extraction, which can lead to bitterness.
Substitute: If you don’t have a burr grinder, which provides a consistently coarse grind, you can use a standard blade grinder with caution. Pulse gently to avoid creating a grind that is too fine. Buying pre-ground coffee intended for French press can also work in a pinch, but ensure it’s fresh.
Water
Original: Filtered water is ideal for making cold brew, as it’s free from impurities that might affect the taste.
Substitute: If filtered water isn’t available, tap water can be used, especially in an area with high-quality tap water. The key is to ensure the water does not have a strong taste or smell of chlorine which can affect the coffee flavor.
Sweetener
Original: La Colombe’s cold brew is often enjoyed without sweeteners to fully appreciate its original flavor profile.
Substitute: If you prefer your cold brew with a bit of sweetness, consider using simple syrup, which will blend more smoothly than granular sugar. For a healthier alternative, honey or agave syrup can be used. If you avoid sugar, stevia or monk fruit sweetener are excellent choices that dissolve well.
Dairy or Non-Dairy Milk
Original: La Colombe offers different versions of their cold brew, some of which are pre-mixed with milk or dairy alternatives.
Substitute: If you like your cold brew with a bit of creaminess, you can use any milk or milk alternative at hand. Full-fat or 2% milk adds richness, while almond, oat, and soy milk are great plant-based alternatives that offer distinct flavors and creamy textures.
Final Thoughts
Creating La Colombe Cold Brew at home is a rewarding experience that enhances your coffee-making skills and allows you to enjoy a barista-level beverage in the comfort of your own space.
More Cold Brew Recipes:
Ingredients
- Good Quality Coffee Beans
- Filtered Water
- Optional Add-Ins
Instructions
- Grind the Beans: Measure out about 1 cup of coffee beans. Grind them to a coarse consistency akin to breadcrumbs. This texture is crucial to avoid over-extraction and bitterness in your cold brew.
- Combine and Soak: Transfer your ground coffee to the jar or pitcher and add 4 cups of cold, filtered water. Stir gently to ensure all the grounds are fully saturated.
- Steep Overnight: Cover the container and let it sit at room temperature or in your refrigerator for 12 to 24 hours. The longer it steeps, the stronger and more developed the flavor will be.
- Strain Carefully: After steeping, strain the coffee mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove the grounds. If desired, strain twice for an even smoother brew.
- Serve & Enjoy: Serve your cold brew over ice. For a less intense drink, you can dilute it with water or enhance it with milk and sweeteners.
