how to make dunkin donuts cold brew coffee

Daniel Parker

3 min read

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17-01-2025

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Dunkin's Cold Brew is a popular choice for coffee lovers. Its smooth, rich flavor is a refreshing alternative to hot coffee. This article will guide you through making a delicious Dunkin'-inspired cold brew at home. You'll be enjoying your own café-quality beverage in no time!

What You'll Need:

• Coarsely Ground Coffee: Use a coarse grind specifically for cold brew. This prevents over-extraction and bitterness. A burr grinder is ideal for consistency, but a blade grinder will work in a pinch. Aim for a grind similar to coarse sea salt.
• Cold, Filtered Water: Use filtered water for the best taste. Avoid using tap water which can affect the flavor.
• Coffee-to-Water Ratio: A common ratio is 1:8 (1 part coffee to 8 parts water), but you can adjust it to your preference. A slightly stronger brew might be closer to 1:7.
• Large Jar or Container: A mason jar or a dedicated cold brew pitcher works well. Make sure it's large enough to accommodate the coffee grounds and water without overflowing.
• Fine-Mesh Sieve or Cheesecloth: This is crucial for separating the coffee grounds from the concentrate after steeping. A French press can also be used.
• Storage Container: Once brewed, store your cold brew in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Dunkin'-Style Cold Brew:

1. Grind Your Coffee Beans: Grind your coffee beans coarsely. The coarser grind is essential for cold brew, preventing over-extraction and a bitter taste.

2. Combine Coffee and Water: In your large jar, add your coarsely ground coffee. Slowly pour in your cold, filtered water, stirring gently to ensure all the grounds are saturated.

3. Steep the Coffee: Cover the jar and let it steep in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours. Longer steeping times will result in a stronger, more concentrated brew. Experiment to find your ideal steeping time.

4. Filter the Coffee: Once steeped, it's time to filter out the coffee grounds. This can be done using a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth, or you can use a French press. Slowly pour the coffee mixture through the filter, pressing gently on the grounds if using a French press.

5. Dilute and Serve: Your cold brew concentrate is now ready. For a Dunkin'-like experience, dilute it with water, milk, or cream to your preferred strength. Start with a 1:1 ratio of concentrate to milk or water, adjusting to your taste.

6. Sweeten (Optional): Dunkin' often adds sweeteners. Sweeten your cold brew with simple syrup, flavored syrups, or sugar to taste.

Tips for the Perfect Dunkin' Cold Brew:

• Experiment with Coffee Beans: Different beans will give you different flavor profiles. Try experimenting with different roasts and origins to find your favorite.
• Adjust the Ratio: The 1:8 ratio is a starting point. You might prefer a stronger or weaker brew.
• Use Fresh Beans: Using fresh, high-quality coffee beans will drastically improve the taste of your cold brew.
• Proper Storage: Store your cold brew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How long does cold brew coffee last?

A: Properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, cold brew coffee concentrate can last for up to two weeks. Once diluted, it's best consumed within a few days.

Q: Can I use pre-ground coffee for cold brew?

A: You can, but freshly ground coffee will always yield a superior result. Pre-ground coffee tends to lose its flavor and aroma faster.

Q: What kind of milk is best for cold brew?

A: Any type of milk will work, but many prefer milk that complements the coffee's flavor profile, such as whole milk, oat milk, or almond milk.

Q: Can I make cold brew in a French press?

A: Yes, you can use a French press to steep and filter your cold brew. Steep for the recommended time, then press down to separate the grounds.

By following these steps and tips, you can easily create a delicious Dunkin'-inspired cold brew at home. Enjoy your refreshing and flavorful coffee creation! Remember to experiment and find the perfect recipe that suits your taste.