The cold brew concentrate ratio I learned from a coffee cart guy in Portland

Last month I watched a guy at a cart on 12th Avenue use a 4:1 ratio of water to coffee for his cold brew and after trying it myself I realized I had been using way too much water for the last 3 years, has anyone else found a weird ratio that just works better?

3 comments

3 Comments

shanef3414d ago

Gotta disagree with you there. I tried the 4:1 ratio from a shop in Seattle and it came out way too strong and bitter for my taste, almost like I was drinking straight espresso. 6:1 is my sweet spot, it gives you a smooth concentrate that still has plenty of kick without needing to water it down with a ton of milk later.

the_anthony14d ago

That 4:1 ratio sounds rough. I've noticed that same thing happens with a lot of things we try to perfect - people chase the "correct" way and forget that smoother and more balanced is usually better for everyday use. 6:1 is what I'd go with too, especially if you want something you can actually enjoy without it tasting like a science experiment.

jasonf3514d ago

Man I feel you on that "tasting like a science experiment" line. It's so easy to get caught up in ratios and rules that you forget coffee should actually be enjoyable. 6:1 just makes sense for a daily driver that you can actually drink without thinking too hard.