TAPPING INTO COLD BREW.
Five approaches for cafes to consider
Cold Brew: Capitalising on a growing trend.
In the January edition of the Coffee Extract we shared our 2021 drinks menu predictions, one of which was the rise in popularity of cold brew. With winter now behind us, it's the perfect time to delve a bit deeper and share some cold brew inspiration.
After all, cold brew offers an opportunity to strike a balance between delivering on taste and being 'better for you'. It's a great way to serve the 29% of consumers looking for vegan options. And Millennials in particular are looking to expand their coffee drinking habits.
Here are five different approaches to cold brew that cafes may wish to consider.
1. PRE-MADE COLD BREW
RTD
As the popularity of cold brew soars, you'll find an ever-increasing choice of RTD products in an array of flavours and styles. Though the margins won't be as compelling as home-brewing, this is your simplest and quickest way to get cold brew on the menu - both sit-in and takeaway.
What we love about the Minor Figures range in particular (besides the uber-cool packaging) are the mocha and latte options with non-dairy milk.
Bag-in-Box
If you expect a good volume of cold brew sales, a pre-made bag-in-box option will help you serve multiple drinks quickly, with minimum fuss and with less wastage than individual cans. Just turn on the tap and go.
Our Top Tip
- Premiumise the serve for sit-in customers by decanting a can of black nitro cold brew coffee into a glass of ice and serving on a tray with garnishes such as lemon wedges, herbs and/or edible flowers.
2. HOME-MADE COLD BREW FOR THE WIN
There's no denying this will take a bit more effort and organisation, but the beauty of brewing your own is that you can have a hell of a lot of fun with the experimentation. Throw in some spices, herbs or fresh fruit and create something unique to you. The margins will be far better too!
Selected to suit the coffee beans we are using, we have enjoyed all manner of cold brew concoctions at HQ: blueberries, orange peelings, sprigs of rosemary, sticks of cinnamon - even fresh chillies. We can't get enough!
Using the Toddy Cold Brew Coffee Maker (1.65L)
FILL:
1. Insert the stopper into the outside bottom of the brewing container; dampen the disc-shaped felt filter and insert it into the inside bottom of the brewing container.
2. Open the top of the paper filter bag and place it into the brewing container. Pour 340 g of coarse-ground coffee into the bag, followed by 1.65 L of water. Stir coffee grounds gently, to ensure grounds’’ saturation. Tightly twist the top of the bag to close it.
BREW:
Steep the coffee grounds at room temperature for 12 - 24 h.
FILTER:
Remove the stopper and let coffee concentrate flow into the glass decanter. Remove and discard the paper filter and coffee grounds. Coffee concentrate will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks in the fridge and can lie flat.
SERVE:
Recommendation: start with a ratio of 1:3 (coffee concentrate: water/milk/soya. Mix to taste, adjusting strength to taste.
N.B. For a bigger batch try the Commercial Toddy Brewer at 8L.
3. NOT SWEET ENOUGH?
There's nothing stopping you from adding syrups, milks, and milk alternatives to broaden your appeal and up your instagrammmability.
Top Tip from Absolute Roasters
- Co-owner Megan's favourite morning pick me up is Absolute's maple cold brew latte, the perfect caffeine and sugar combination. A winner every time.
(image courtesy of Absolute Roasters)
4. TAKE IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL WITH NITRO
For a slightly effervescent cold brew with a creamy head, add nitrogen!
We love the Nitro DP because it takes nitrogen from the air, no canisters required. It immediately chills the coffee too. Simply pipe in your cold brew, pull the lever and serve.
Nitro DP Offer
To help you invest in the Nitro DP we have an amazing introductory offer. Ask your account manager for more information.
- Easy Purchase: own the machine outright from day one but pay in monthly installments over 2 or 3 years. T&Cs apply
- FREE Starter Kit worth almost £100: Choose between a FREE Commercial Toddy OR 20L of Minor Figures Bag-in-Box together with 100 clear cups, lids, and paper straws. T&Cs apply.
5. DON'T FORGET THE TEA
Loose-leaf teas and infusions offer up no end of cold brew flavours. In the Suki range alone there are 7 teas & (naturally caffeine free) infusions that work incredibly well as cold brews
- White Tea Elderflower
- Iced Summer Punch
- Apple Loves Mint
- Iced Raspberry Vanilla
- Mango Tango
- Red Berry
- Gojiberry & Pomegranate
Three of our teas and infusions work particularly well with a nitro twist:
- Earl Grey Blue Flower (garnish with orange and lavender)
- Goji Berry & Pomegranate (garnish with mint, strawberries and pomegranate seeds)
- Iced Raspberry & Vanilla (garnish with raspberries)
Top Tips cold brewing tea
- Simply follow the Toddy method as per coffee - selecting between the small brewer (1.65L) or the Commercial Brewer (8L), adjusting the amount of tea depending on the type and taste preference. Store the brewed tea in Toddy decanters in the fridge, perfectly designed to lie flat on the shelf.
- Or invest in a few Espresso Warehouse (1.4L) cold brewers (pictured), which will allow you to brew a broader range of flavours in smaller batches ready to serve straight into the cup.