For those not yet acquainted, imagine a coffee so profoundly smooth and robust that each sip feels like a velvety caress against your palate—this, my fellow coffee enthusiasts, is the essence of Stok’s Cold Brew. Unlike its iced coffee cousins, which often bear the brunt of bitterness or acidity, STōK’s concoction is steeped gently in cool tranquility, emerging after hours as the epitome of caffeinated perfection.
Table of Contents
How to make Stok’s Cold Brew
Stok’s Cold Brew is a brand of ready-to-drink, cold-brewed coffee known for its smooth, strong, and bold flavor. The company markets its coffee as being made from high-quality, slow-steeped coffee beans brewed in cold water for an extended period of time—typically 12 to 24 hours. This brewing method is said to produce coffee that is less acidic and has a smoother taste compared to traditionally brewed coffee.
Ingredients:
- Coarsely Ground Coffee Beans: High-quality coffee beans are the foundation of any great cold brew. For STōK-like cold brew, opt for a medium to dark roast for that robust flavor profile. You’ll need 1 cup of coffee beans.
- Cold, Filtered Water: Use cold, filtered water to ensure the cleanest taste. You’ll need about 4 cups of water for brewing and more for diluting to taste.
- Optional Enhancers: After brewing, consider personalizing your cold brew with vanilla extract, a dash of cinnamon, or even a splash of almond or oat milk to create your unique blend.
Instructions:
- Grind the Coffee Beans: Start by grinding your coffee beans to a coarse consistency akin to breadcrumbs. This prevents over-extraction and ensures your cold brew is smooth, not bitter.
- Mix Coffee and Water: In a large jar or pitcher, combine the coarsely ground coffee with 4 cups of cold, filtered water. Stir gently to ensure all the coffee grounds are soaked.
- Steep Overnight: Cover the container and let it steep at room temperature or in your refrigerator for about 12 to 24 hours. The longer you steep, the stronger and more concentrated your cold brew will be.
- Strain Your Brew: Once steeping is complete, it’s time to separate the grounds from your newly crafted brew. Pour the mixture through a fine mesh sieve lined with a coffee filter or cheesecloth into another container. For an extra-smooth cold brew, consider straining it twice.
- Dilute and Serve: Cold brew concentrate is potent stuff. Dilute the concentrate with cold, filtered water to taste, starting with a 1:1 ratio. Serve over ice and customize with any added flavors or milk as desired.
Tips for the Perfect Stok’s Cold Brew:
- Bean Quality Matters: The better the beans, the better your brew. For the best taste, invest in freshly roasted beans from a trusted roaster.
- Ratio Adjustments: Do you like your cold brew stronger or milder? Adjust the coffee-to-water ratio for next time. Add more coffee for strength and more water for milder brews.
- Storage: Your homemade cold brew can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- Experiment: One joy of homebrewing is personalizing your batch. Experiment with different roasts, steep times, and additions to find your perfect cold brew signature.
What to serve with
Pairing the perfect accompaniment to your homemade Stok’s Cold Brew can transform your coffee experience into a delightful ritual.
For Breakfast or Brunch:
- Coffee-Infused Oatmeal: Elevate your morning oats by preparing them with a diluted Stok’s Cold Brew instead of water or milk. Top with sliced bananas, a drizzle of honey, and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a heartwarming start to your day.
- Avocado Toast: The creaminess of avocado on toasted artisan bread pairs excellently with the robust flavors of cold brew. Add a poached egg on top and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a meal that’s both nutritious and flavorful.
- Chocolate Chip Scones: The sweet, buttery flavor of scones dotted with chocolate chips makes a delightful pairing with the smooth, rich taste of your cold brew. The combination of chocolate and coffee is a classic for a reason—it’s simply irresistible.
For an Afternoon Snack:
- Cheese and Fruit Platter: A selection of cheeses (think Brie, sharp Cheddar, or Gouda) alongside fresh fruit like apples, grapes, and figs offers a refreshing contrast to the cold brew. Add a handful of nuts for a satisfying crunch.
- Mini Quiches or Savory Tarts: Bite-sized quiches or savory tarts filled with spinach, cheese, and mushrooms provide a delicious savory balance to the cold brew’s smooth texture and flavor notes.
- Chocolate-Covered Espresso Beans: For an energizing afternoon pick-me-up, chocolate-covered espresso beans are a fun and delicious snack that complements the coffee theme.
For a Dessert Pairing:
- Tiramisu: This classic Italian dessert with its layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone cheese, and cocoa powder, is the ultimate companion to a glass of cold brew. Both share coffee as a key ingredient, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
- Coffee-Flavored Ice Cream or Gelato: For a refreshing, cold treat, try coffee-flavored ice cream or gelato. Serve it affogato-style by pouring a shot of your cold brew concentrate over the top for an extra coffee kick.
- Dark Chocolate Cake: The deep, rich flavors of dark chocolate cake pair sublimely with the boldness of cold brew. For an indulgent treat, opt for a cake with a gooey center or a ganache topping.
Ingredients Substitutes
Creating a homemade cold brew similar to STōK Cold Brew is straightforward, but if you find you’re missing an ingredient or want to switch things up, there are several substitutes you can use.
Coffee
Primary Ingredient: The coffee is the most important part of a cold brew. Ideally, you would use coarsely ground coffee beans chosen for their flavor profile—typically, a medium to dark roast is used for cold brew.
Substitute: If you don’t have coffee beans, you can substitute with a strong instant coffee or espresso powder, though the taste might not be as rich and full as freshly ground coffee beans. The process would slightly differ since instant coffee dissolves in water without the need for filtration.
Water
Primary Ingredient: Filtered water is usually recommended for making cold brew to ensure there are no off-flavors that could affect the taste of the coffee.
Substitute: If you don’t have access to filtered water, tap water is generally fine, but the taste might vary depending on your local water supply. Bottled spring water is another alternative.
Final Thoughts
By thoughtfully selecting what to serve with your Stok’s Cold Brew, you can create memorable coffee moments that delight both the palate and the soul.
More Cold Brew Recipes:
Ingredients
- Coarsely Ground Coffee Beans: You’ll need 1 cup of coffee beans.
- Cold, Filtered Water: You’ll need about 4 cups of water
- Optional Enhancers:
Instructions
- Grind the Coffee Beans: Start by grinding your coffee beans to a coarse consistency akin to breadcrumbs. This prevents over-extraction and ensures your cold brew is smooth, not bitter.
- Mix Coffee and Water: In a large jar or pitcher, combine the coarsely ground coffee with 4 cups of cold, filtered water. Stir gently to ensure all the coffee grounds are soaked.
- Steep Overnight: Cover the container and let it steep at room temperature or in your refrigerator for about 12 to 24 hours. The longer you steep, the stronger and more concentrated your cold brew will be.
- Strain Your Brew: Once steeping is complete, it’s time to separate the grounds from your newly crafted brew. Pour the mixture through a fine mesh sieve lined with a coffee filter or cheesecloth into another container. For an extra-smooth cold brew, consider straining it twice.
- Dilute and Serve: Cold brew concentrate is potent stuff. Dilute the concentrate with cold, filtered water to taste, starting with a 1:1 ratio. Serve over ice and customize with any added flavors or milk as desired.
