Cold Brew Coffee
Global • Non-Vegetarian
How to Make Cold Brew Coffee (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Cold Brew Coffee has become a beloved beverage in urban India, especially in the sweltering summer months. Its roots in slow brewing and mellow extraction make it a refreshing twist on the strong, hot South Indian filter coffee, offering a less acidic and smoother taste. Cold brew is often enjoyed as a cooling snack or mid-day refresher, perfect for those who wish to savour coffee without the heaviness of milk or sugar. In India, Cold Brew Coffee is increasingly served at cafes and homes during festivals like Holi and Diwali, when families and friends gather for cool beverages and light snacks. This healthy Cold Brew Coffee recipe focuses on using pure Arabica coffee beans (or your favourite filter coffee, locally known as 'kaapi'), chilled water, and optional natural sweeteners for a guilt-free treat. Its easy preparation and adaptability to vegan diets make it a favourite among health-conscious Indians. The cold brew method is gentle on the stomach, ideal for people who may find hot coffee too acidic. Enjoy it with a dash of elaichi (cardamom) or jaggery for a regional twist, and serve it in a tall glass with ice for the perfect Indian summer experience.
Ingredients(for 1 tall glass (approx. 200ml))
- 1/3 cup Coarsely ground coffee (Arabica or filter kaapi) (Use South Indian filter coffee or good quality beans)
- 2 cups Chilled filtered water (Thanda paani)
- as needed Ice cubes (Baraf)
- 1-2 tsp Jaggery powder (Gur (for natural sweetness)) - optional
- 1/4 tsp Cardamom powder (Elaichi (optional, for aroma)) - optional
- 1/2 cup Low-fat milk or almond milk (Doodh/Badam doodh (optional)) - optional
- 1 small Cinnamon stick (Dalchini (optional, for infusion)) - optional
- 1/4 tsp Vanilla extract (for enhanced flavour) - optional
Instructions
- 1
Add coarsely ground coffee to a large glass jar or matka. Pour chilled filtered water over the grounds, ensuring all the coffee is wetted.
2 minutes
Use good quality, freshly ground coffee for best flavour.
- 2
Stir gently with a spoon or wooden stick. Cover the jar with a lid or muslin cloth.
1 minute
A muslin cloth allows the coffee to breathe and prevents any odours from seeping in.
- 3
Let the mixture steep in the refrigerator for 12-16 hours or overnight. This slow extraction yields a smooth, low-acid coffee concentrate.
12 hours
Longer steeping = stronger flavour, adjust as per your taste.
- 4
Strain the coffee through a fine sieve or filter paper to remove all grounds. You can repeat this for clarity.
2 minutes
Use a clean cotton cloth (malmal) for a traditional touch.
Why This Dish is Healthy
This Cold Brew Coffee recipe is health-conscious because it avoids high-fat creamers and excessive sugar. The slow extraction process produces a less acidic drink, gentler on the stomach and teeth. Using jaggery as a sweetener lowers the glycemic load compared to refined sugar. The option of plant-based milk makes the drink suitable for vegan diets and those with lactose intolerance. It's a hydrating, low-calorie beverage perfect for Indian summers.
Cold Brew Coffee is naturally low in calories—especially when made without added sugar or cream. It provides a mild caffeine boost that can enhance alertness and metabolism. Using jaggery instead of refined sugar adds trace minerals like iron and potassium. Almond milk or low-fat milk increases calcium and protein content while keeping fat in check. Cardamom and cinnamon have antioxidant properties, supporting digestion and heart health. Overall, this beverage hydrates and energizes, making it a smart choice for calorie-conscious individuals.
Pro Tips
- 💡Tip 1: Use freshly ground coffee beans for the best aroma and flavour.
- 💡Tip 2: Adjust steeping time to control strength—longer steep for a stronger brew.
- 💡Tip 3: Add a pinch of cardamom or cinnamon during steeping for festive Indian notes.
Storage & Serving
Store the cold brew concentrate in a covered glass bottle in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Always use a clean spoon to serve. Discard if aroma or taste changes.
Best served: Breakfast or Lunch
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per 100g |
|---|---|
| Energy | 3.0 kcal |
