Grinding and Measuring the Coffee: For the best results, use freshly roasted coffee beans and grind them to a coarse consistency. This allows for optimal extraction of flavour without the bitterness that comes from over-extraction. Measure out the appropriate coffee-to-water ratio, typically using a 1:4 coffee-to-water ratio (adjust to taste), and add the coffee grounds to a filter bag inside an appropriate vessel for brewing
Adding Cold Water and Brewing: After adding the coffee grounds, fill the brewing vessel with cold, filtered water. Ensure that the water fully saturates the coffee grounds. Gently stir the mixture to ensure even extraction. Then, seal the vessel and place it in the refrigerator or a cool, dark place to brew for 12 to 24 hours. This extended steeping time allows for a smooth and flavourful cold brew extraction.
Transfer cold brew to the iKegger mini keg: Pour your cold brew coffee into the sanitized iKegger mini keg using a strainer and cheese cloth to avoid transferring any coffee grounds and leaving a minimum of 800ml of air space at the top for Nitrogen infusion. Close and seal the keg tightly to maintain freshness and prevent any leakage.
Obtain a nitrogen source: To infuse nitrogen into your cold brew, you'll need a Nitrogen source. Using 1x 2g Nitrogen gas canister per 2L of cold brew as a general rule. You can then shake the mini keg to fully absorb the Nitrogen into the liquid. The gas will bubble up through the cold brew, creating a cascading effect and infusing the coffee with tiny Nitrogen bubbles.
Serve and enjoy: After allowing the Nitrogen-infused cold brew to chill for a few more hours or overnight, it's ready to be served. Dispense the cold brew from the keg using the tap system on the iKegger mini keg, and watch as the smooth, creamy nitro cold brew cascades into your glass. Savour the unique flavour and velvety texture of your Nitrogen-infused cold brew coffee.
Experimenting with Flavours and Enhancements: One of the joys of cold brew coffee is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different flavours and enhancements to suit your taste preferences. Add a splash of milk, a drizzle of flavoured syrup, or experiment with spices like cinnamon or vanilla. The small keg system allows you to create custom blends and infusions, giving you endless possibilities for cold brew creations.
With a small keg system, brewing the perfect cup of cold brew coffee has never been easier. Follow the steps outlined in this article, using the iKegger small keg system as your brewing companion, and unlock a world of rich, smooth, and flavourful cold brew coffee. Whether you're a coffee aficionado or just starting your cold brew journey, this brewing method will impress your taste buds and elevate your coffee experience. Start brewing with a small keg system today and enjoy the delightful and refreshing flavours of cold brew coffee at home.
