Want to learn how to make cold brew fast, right from the comfort of your own home? Flash cold brew is a quick and simple way to enjoy a refreshing, chilled cup of coffee with a bold, smooth flavor. Whether you're new to making coffee at home or a seasoned barista, we've got helpful tips to guide you in making the very best flash cold brew. Discover what makes this brewing process stand out and how you can achieve the perfect balance of boldness and convenience.
What is Flash Cold Brew Coffee?
Flash cold brew, also known as flash brewing or Japanese iced coffee, is a method of brewing coffee directly over ice. Unlike traditional cold brew, which is steeped in cold water for several hours, flash cold brew involves brewing hot coffee at a slightly stronger concentration and immediately cooling it by letting it drip over ice. This method preserves the coffee’s vibrant flavors, resulting in a bright, refreshing cup with a full-bodied taste—without the long wait time of cold brewing. It’s a quick and effective way to enjoy iced coffee with less acidity and a fresh, crisp flavor.
What You'll Need to Make Flash Cold Brew:
- Coffee filter
- V60 Coffee Brewer
- Gooseneck electric kettle
- Cold brew coffee maker
- Ice
- 20–25 grams of medium-finely ground coffee (about 3 tbsps)
- 360 grams of water
How to Make Flash Cold Brew Coffee
Step 1: Fold your filter and place it in your V60 Coffee Brewer.
Step 2: Rinse the filter with hot water (around 200–205°F).
Step 3: Remove any water from the inner chamber of your brewing vessel.
Step 4: Add ice to the inner chamber of your Cold Brew Coffee Maker.
Step 5: Add 20–25 grams of freshly ground coffee to your V60 Coffee Brewer.
Step 6: Saturate all the grounds and allow them to bloom for 20–25 seconds.
Step 7: Slowly pour water in a circular motion every 10–20 seconds until you reach 360 grams of water.
Step 8: Remove the inner vessel from the Cold Brew Coffee Maker.
Step 9: Pour into your favorite cup and enjoy!
Flash Cold Brew Tutorial: Watch the Video Guide!
What are the Best Coffee Beans for a Flash Cold Brew?
When making flash cold brew, selecting the right coffee beans is crucial to achieving the best flavor. Medium to dark roast beans are often best for this method because they bring out rich, bold flavors that hold up well during the quick brewing process. Beans from regions like Colombia, Brazil, or Sumatra, which typically offer chocolatey or nutty notes, can complement the smooth and low-acid nature of flash cold brew. Additionally, opting for single-origin beans allows you to highlight unique regional flavors in each brew, giving the coffee a deeper, more complex taste.
For those seeking a lighter, fruitier profile, a medium roast from Ethiopia or Kenya can introduce vibrant citrus or berry undertones to the flash cold brew. While flash cold brew retains much of the coffee's natural sweetness, experimenting with different beans can bring out subtle flavors that make each batch distinct. Whether you prefer a bold, dark blend or something light and fruity, choosing high-quality beans will ensure that your flash cold brew has a full-bodied, refreshing taste.
Storage Tips for Flash Cold Brew
To keep your flash cold brew fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay at its best for up to a week, though the flavor is most vibrant within the first 2-3 days. Avoid leaving it at room temperature for long periods, as this can affect the taste and quality. If you're making a larger batch, pour it into smaller, single-serve bottles to minimize exposure to air each time you grab a cup!
We recommend trying these roasts for your next Flash Cold Brew:
- Bizarre Coffee - Brazil Medium Roast
- Bizarre Coffee - Jude's Brew Dark Roast
- Bizarre Coffee - Ethiopian's Light Roast
What is the difference between Iced Coffee & Cold Brew Coffee?
Iced coffee and flash cold brew coffee differ in both their brewing processes and flavor profiles. Iced coffee is made by brewing hot coffee and then cooling it down, either by pouring it over ice or refrigerating it. This method is quick but can lead to diluted flavors due to the ice melting, often resulting in a sharper, more acidic taste. It's a go-to option for those looking for a traditional coffee flavor in a chilled format.
Flash cold brew, on the other hand, is brewed quickly by using cold water and a fine grind of coffee, often through a specialized method that involves steeping for a shorter time. This process preserves the coffee's more subtle flavors while still offering the smooth, low-acid characteristics of traditional cold brew. Flash cold brew delivers a fresh, crisp taste without the extended steeping time, making it a great option for those wanting a full-flavored, cold coffee experience in a fraction of the time.
Troubleshooting Tips for Flash Cold Brew Making:
Making flash cold brew coffee at home can take a little trial and error, but with these troubleshooting tips, you can easily fine-tune your brew:
-
If your flash cold brew tastes too weak: Try increasing the coffee-to-water ratio or using a darker roast, which tends to deliver bolder flavors. You can also experiment with using a finer grind to extract more flavor in the short brewing time.
-
If your flash cold brew is too strong or bitter: Decrease the amount of coffee grounds or opt for a lighter roast, which naturally produces a more delicate flavor. Additionally, pouring the water more slowly or adjusting the grind to be slightly coarser can help mellow out the intensity.
-
For a more balanced flavor: Experiment with different brew times and temperatures to find what works best for your taste. Remember, fresh, high-quality beans make all the difference, so don't be afraid to try different roasts or origins to see what you prefer!
With just a few simple steps, you can master the art of flash cold brew right from your kitchen. Whether you prefer it bold and black or enjoy adding a splash of creamer, this quick and easy brewing method offers endless possibilities for crafting your perfect iced coffee. Now that you’ve got the tools and tips, it’s time to experiment and enjoy a smooth, refreshing flash cold brew whenever the craving hits. Happy brewing!
Blogs You Might Also Like
- How to Brew Coffee with an AeroPress
- How to Brew Coffee with a French Press
- How to Brew a Pour Over with a Chemex