There’s something undeniably captivating about the rich aroma and invigorating taste of a perfectly brewed cup of coffee. But when the summer heat rolls in, the allure of a hot beverage diminishes, and a chilled alternative takes center stage: iced coffee. Combining the boldness of coffee with the crisp coolness of ice, this delightful concoction has become a staple for coffee enthusiasts, not traditionalists, worldwide. Yet when you make iced coffee, there are simple mistakes to avoid to ensure your iced coffee is the best.
Grind size. The brewing process is crucial whether you’re making hot or cold coffee. Using too little or not the right size of coffee grinds when brewing can throw everything off, resulting in weak, sour, or bitter coffee that destroys the flavor that is naturally there. Try brewing in smaller batches. You may have to do some trial and error, yet you can find the right grind size faster.
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Temperature. An excellent cup of brewed coffee happens when you use the right method at the right temperature. In most cases, boiling water may burn the beans and fail to extract the flavors, giving a bitter taste that no one wants. To make it easy, you’ll want to brew with water heated in the range of 195 to 205 degrees Fahrenheit (C), the Golden Cup Standard of coffee preparation established by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA).
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The water. Your cup of coffee is mostly water, meaning it is one of the most effective ingredients in determining the taste. If it is too hot or cold, it will not extract the coffee’s true flavors correctly, and you will end up with bitter or sour coffee. Additionally, having high-quality water is better. Ensuring your water is filtered and free of chemicals and other additives will help your iced coffee be more flavorful. This includes ice cubes too.
Photo by: Aleksandr Slobodianyk