How to Brew Coffee Concentrate using the Toddy® Cold Brew System

Equipment Setup

Setting up the Toddy® Cold Brew System is a simple and straightforward process that can be done in just a few minutes. By following these step-by-step instructions, you'll have everything in place and ready to brew a delicious coffee concentrate.

Here's how to set up the Toddy® Cold Brew System:

• Start by assembling the components of the Toddy® Cold Brew System. This includes the brewing container, the brewing handle, the rubber stopper, and the filter.
• Place the rubber stopper into the small hole at the bottom of the brewing container. Make sure it fits securely.
• Next, take the brewing handle and insert it into the rubber stopper. Push it in firmly so that it is secure and won't move during the brewing process.
• Now, it's time to attach the filter to the brewing container. Take the filter and place it on top of the brewing container, making sure it covers the entire opening.
• Once the filter is in place, press down gently to ensure a tight seal. The filter should fit snugly against the brewing container, preventing any grounds from escaping during brewing.
• Before you start brewing, make sure all the components are in place and properly assembled. Check that the rubber stopper is secured, the brewing handle is inserted correctly, and the filter is tightly sealed.

With the Toddy® Cold Brew System set up and ready to go, you're now one step closer to brewing your own delicious coffee concentrate. The equipment setup ensures that all the components are properly assembled, allowing for a smooth and hassle-free brewing process.

• Proper equipment setup ensures a secure and leak-free brewing container.
• The tight seal created by the filter prevents any grounds from escaping into the coffee concentrate.

Coffee Grinding

The coffee grinding process plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect coffee concentrate using the Toddy® Cold Brew System. The ideal grind consistency ultimately impacts the final result, determining the flavor, strength, and extraction of the coffee. So, let's delve into the details of finding the ideal grind size and how it can enhance your cold brew experience.

When it comes to grinding coffee beans for the Toddy® Cold Brew System, a coarse grind is recommended. The coarser grind size allows for optimal extraction without the risk of over-extracting the coffee grounds, which could result in a bitter or overly strong coffee concentrate. Here's why the ideal grind consistency is important for the Toddy® Cold Brew System:

• A coarser grind size provides the right surface area for water to penetrate the coffee particles during the steeping process, promoting a balanced extraction.
• The coarser grind allows the water to flow more freely through the coffee, preventing clogging of the Toddy® Cold Brew System's filter.
• It helps achieve the desired smoothness and low acidity of the cold brew concentrate by minimizing the release of unwanted substances that can result from fine grinding.
• A coarser grind also aids in reducing the sediment in the final cold brew, resulting in a cleaner and more refined taste.
• By using a coarse grind, you can easily control the strength of your coffee concentrate by adjusting the steeping time to your preference.

Remember, achieving the ideal grind consistency is fundamental to obtaining the best results with the Toddy® Cold Brew System. So, ensure you invest in a good quality burr grinder to get a consistent and coarse grind size for your coffee beans. This will unlock the full potential of your cold brew experience, delivering a rich and flavorful coffee concentrate that is perfect for enjoying over ice, with milk, or diluted with water.

Coffee Measurement

When using the Toddy® Cold Brew System to brew coffee concentrate, it is important to follow the recommended coffee-to-water ratio to achieve the desired strength and flavor. The correct measurements will ensure that you extract the optimal amount of flavor from your coffee grounds, resulting in a rich and smooth coffee concentrate. Here is a detailed guide on the coffee measurement for brewing coffee concentrate using the Toddy® Cold Brew System:

• Start by measuring out the desired amount of coffee grounds. For a standard batch using the Toddy® Cold Brew System, it is recommended to use 12 ounces (340 grams) of coffee to 56 ounces (1.6 liters) of water. This ratio will yield approximately 48 ounces (1.4 liters) of coffee concentrate.
• Grind the coffee beans to a coarse grind size, similar to that used for a French press. A consistent grind size will ensure even extraction and a well-balanced flavor profile.
• Measure out the water. It is important to use cold, filtered water for the best results. Make sure to measure accurately to maintain the recommended coffee-to-water ratio.
• Place the coffee grounds in the Toddy® brewing container and slowly pour the measured water over the grounds, making sure to saturate them evenly. Use a wooden spoon or paddle to gently stir the mixture, ensuring that all the grounds are fully soaked.
• Once the coffee grounds have been fully saturated, cover the brewing container with the Toddy® brewing lid or a plastic wrap and let it steep at room temperature for 12 to 24 hours. The longer steeping time will result in a stronger concentrate.
• After the steeping period, carefully remove the stopper from the Toddy® brewing container, allowing the coffee concentrate to flow into the glass decanter. The Toddy® Cold Brew System uses a unique filtration system that separates the coffee concentrate from the grounds, producing a smooth and sediment-free concentrate. Ensure that the filtration process is complete before removing the brewing container.
• Store the coffee concentrate in the refrigerator, where it can be kept for up to two weeks. To enjoy, dilute the coffee concentrate with water or milk, adding ice if desired, according to your personal taste preferences.

Brewing Process

The Toddy® Cold Brew System is a simple and efficient way to brew coffee concentrate, allowing you to enjoy smooth and flavorful cold brew coffee at home. Here is a step-by-step guide to brewing coffee concentrate using the Toddy® Cold Brew System:

1. Prepare the coffee grounds: Start by grinding your favorite coffee beans into a coarse grind. For the Toddy® Cold Brew System, it is recommended to use about 12 ounces (340 grams) of coffee grounds, which is roughly 1.5 cups.

2. Mix the coffee grounds with water: Place the Toddy® brewing container on a flat surface and insert the stopper into the outlet at the bottom. Add the ground coffee to the container and slowly pour 7 cups (1.56 liters) of cold, filtered water over the coffee. Make sure all the grounds are saturated with water. Use a utensil to gently stir the mixture to ensure proper extraction.

3. Allow the coffee to steep: Once the coffee and water are well combined, let the mixture steep for 12 to 24 hours at room temperature. This extended steeping time allows the coffee to extract all the desired flavors and aromas, resulting in a rich and concentrated brew.

4. Filter the coffee concentrate: After the steeping period, carefully remove the stopper from the outlet at the bottom of the brewing container, allowing the brewed coffee concentrate to flow into the glass decanter. The Toddy® Cold Brew System uses a unique filtration process that separates the coffee concentrate from the coffee grounds, resulting in a smooth and sediment-free brew.

• The Toddy® Cold Brew System is designed to produce coffee concentrate, which can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. To enjoy a cup of cold brew coffee, dilute the concentrate with water, milk, or your preferred liquid.
• Cold brew coffee made with the Toddy® Cold Brew System is known for its low acidity and smooth flavor profile. The extended steeping process and efficient filtration method remove most of the acids found in traditional hot-brewed coffee, resulting in a less bitter and more balanced taste.
• The Toddy® Cold Brew System is versatile and can also be used to make tea, nut milk, and other cold-infused beverages. Simply follow the same brewing process, but replace the coffee grounds with your desired ingredients.

Filtration

Once you have brewed your coffee concentrate using the Toddy® Cold Brew System, the next step is to properly filter it to achieve a smooth and clean end product. The Toddy® Cold Brew System's filtration method is designed to remove any unwanted particles, oils, and acids, resulting in a delicious and balanced cup of cold brew coffee. Here are the steps to help you filter your coffee concentrate:

• Start by setting up the Toddy® Cold Brew System with the filtration container placed securely on top of the glass decanter.
• Take the Toddy® reusable felt filter, which is specifically designed for the cold brew system, and wet it thoroughly with cold water. This step helps to minimize any unwanted flavors from the filter.
• Fold the wet filter in half and place it inside the filtration container, ensuring that it sits evenly at the bottom.
• Gently pour the brewed coffee concentrate into the filtration container. Make sure you pour slowly and avoid any splashing, as this might disrupt the filtration process.
• Once the coffee concentrate has been poured, place the lid on top of the filtration container to cover it completely.

Now that you have set up the Toddy® Cold Brew System for filtration, it's time to let the magic happen. Leave the system undisturbed for a minimum of 12-24 hours, allowing gravity to do its work in filtering the coffee concentrate. The slow filtration process ensures that the coffee passes through the filter slowly, extracting any remaining sediment and leaving you with a smooth and clean final product.

• After the filtration process is complete, carefully remove the filtration container from the Toddy® Cold Brew System and discard the used filter and any leftover sediments.
• Your freshly filtered coffee concentrate is now ready to be enjoyed! Store it in a covered container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to two weeks.

Storing the Concentrate

After brewing your delicious coffee concentrate using the Toddy® Cold Brew System, it is essential to store it properly to maintain its quality and freshness. Here are some best practices for storing your coffee concentrate:

• Choose suitable containers: Use glass or plastic containers with airtight lids to store your coffee concentrate. It is important to use containers that are specifically designed for storing food and beverages to ensure that no unwanted odors or flavors seep into the concentrate.
• Refrigerate promptly: Once your coffee concentrate has finished brewing and has been strained, transfer it to the suitable containers immediately and seal them tightly. Place the containers in the refrigerator to maintain a consistent and cold temperature. Cold storage is crucial to preserve the quality and flavor of the concentrate.
• Optimal shelf life: When stored correctly in the refrigerator, your coffee concentrate can stay fresh for up to two weeks. However, it is important to note that the flavor of the concentrate may start to deteriorate after the first week. For the best taste, it is recommended to consume the concentrate within the first week after brewing.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your coffee concentrate brewed with the Toddy® Cold Brew System stays fresh and delicious for an extended period. Enjoy the convenience of having a ready-to-drink concentrate whenever you crave a refreshing cup of cold brew coffee!

Dilution and Serving

Once you have successfully brewed your coffee concentrate using the Toddy® Cold Brew System, it's time to dilute it to create a delicious cup of cold brew. Dilution is an essential step to balance the flavors and ensure a smooth, refreshing taste. By following the right coffee-to-water ratio and serving suggestions, you can enjoy a perfect cold brew every time.

To dilute your coffee concentrate to serve a desired cup of cold brew, you can follow these simple steps:

• Start by pouring the desired amount of coffee concentrate into a glass or pitcher.
• Add cold, filtered water to the concentrate using a 1:2 or 1:3 coffee-to-water ratio. Experiment with different ratios to find your preferred strength.
• Mix the concentrate and water thoroughly to ensure even dilution.
• Let the diluted cold brew sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Now that you have your perfectly diluted cold brew, the serving suggestions can enhance your coffee-drinking experience. Here are some ideas to enjoy your cold brew:

• Serve your cold brew over ice for a refreshing and chilled drink.
• Add milk or cream to create a creamy and smooth texture.
• Sprinkle a dash of cocoa powder or cinnamon on top for a hint of flavor.
• Sweeten your cold brew with your favorite sweetener such as sugar, honey, or flavored syrups.

Flavor Variations

One of the fantastic aspects of using the Toddy® Cold Brew System is the opportunity to create a variety of flavor variations and customizations. Here are some suggestions to enhance your cold brew experience:

• Add a hint of sweetness with flavored syrups or simple syrup. Whether you prefer classics like vanilla or caramel or more adventurous flavors like hazelnut or lavender, syrups are an easy way to add a touch of sweetness and enhance the overall flavor profile of your cold brew.
• Experiment with different types of milk or cream. From almond milk to oat milk to coconut milk, the options are endless. Each milk or cream alternative adds its own unique flavor and texture to the cold brew, allowing you to tailor your beverage to your preferences.
• Spice it up with spices and herbs. Try adding a cinnamon stick, a few cardamom pods, or a sprig of fresh mint to the Toddy® Cold Brew System while brewing. These natural flavors infuse the cold brew, creating a delightful aromatic twist.
• Explore the world of extracts. Vanilla, almond, peppermint, and coconut extracts can all be added to your brewed cold concentrate to enhance the flavor. Start with just a few drops, taste, and adjust as needed until you achieve your desired flavor intensity.
• Incorporate fruits and flavors through mix-ins. Fresh fruit slices, such as orange, lemon, or berries, can be steeped alongside the coffee grounds during the brewing process. The result is a refreshing and fruity cold brew that is perfect for hot summer days.

Remember, the Toddy® Cold Brew System allows for endless experimentation. Don't be afraid to get creative and try new flavor combinations. The best part is that you can adjust the amount of flavoring and mix-ins to suit your taste preferences. Have fun and enjoy the journey of discovering your favorite flavor variations with the Toddy® Cold Brew System!

Cleaning and Maintenance

The Toddy® Cold Brew System is a versatile and convenient way to brew coffee concentrate, and proper cleaning and maintenance is essential to ensure optimal performance and longevity of the equipment. Here are some detailed instructions on how to clean and maintain the Toddy® Cold Brew System after each use:

1. Disassemble the Toddy® Cold Brew System:

• Remove the rubber stopper from the bottom of the brewing container
• Gently slide out the white rubber cap from the bottom of the brewing container
• Remove the filter and discard the coffee grounds
• Remove the handle from the brewing container by rotating it counterclockwise
• Separate the brewing container from the glass decanter

2. Rinse and wash the components:

• Rinse the brewing container, decanter, and rubber stopper with warm water to remove any remaining coffee residue
• Wash all the components with mild dish soap and a non-abrasive sponge or cloth
• Thoroughly rinse the components to remove any soap residue

3. Clean the Toddy® filter:

• Fill a container with water and add a small amount of mild dish soap
• Place the filter in the soapy water and gently agitate it to remove any oils or residue
• Rinse the filter with clean water to remove any soap residue
• Let the filter air dry completely before reassembling it with the Toddy® Cold Brew System

4. Reassemble the Toddy® Cold Brew System:

• Place the filter back into the brewing container, making sure it fits snugly
• Insert the handle into the brewing container and rotate it clockwise until it is securely in place
• Attach the brewing container to the glass decanter
• Insert the white rubber cap into the bottom of the brewing container and push it down firmly
• Insert the rubber stopper into the bottom of the brewing container

By following these cleaning and maintenance instructions, you can keep your Toddy® Cold Brew System in top condition, ensuring delicious coffee concentrate for years to come. Remember to clean the system after each use to prevent any buildup of coffee oils or residue that can affect the taste of your brew.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter any issues or have questions when brewing with the Toddy® Cold Brew System, refer to the following troubleshooting section for solutions and helpful tips:

• Sediment in the Coffee: If you notice a significant amount of sediment in your coffee concentrate, try grinding your coffee beans coarser. Finer grounds can result in more sediment in the final product.
• Weak Coffee: If your coffee concentrate is coming out weak and lacking flavor, it may be due to a few reasons:
  • Ensure that you are using the recommended coffee-to-water ratio. For the Toddy® Cold Brew System, a 1:4 coffee-to-water ratio is recommended.
  • Check the freshness of your coffee beans. Stale beans can result in a weaker brew. It is best to use freshly roasted beans for optimal flavor.
  • Adjust the steeping time. Experiment with longer steeping times to extract more flavor from the coffee grounds.
• Bitter Coffee: If your coffee concentrate tastes bitter, consider the following factors:
  • Check the steeping time. If the coffee is steeped for too long, it can lead to bitterness. Try reducing the steeping time slightly and taste the difference.
  • Ensure you are using the correct water temperature. Using water that is too hot can extract undesirable flavors from the coffee grounds. Aim for a water temperature between 35-40°C (95-104°F).
  • Experiment with different coffee beans. Some beans naturally have a more bitter taste profile, so try a different variety to see if it makes a difference.
• Leaks or Drips: If you notice any leaks or drips during the brewing process, try the following:
  • Check that the rubber stopper is securely in place and not damaged. A loose or damaged stopper can result in leaks.
  • Ensure that the filter and rubber stopper are properly aligned and fitted within the brewing container. Misalignment can cause leaks.
  • Inspect the rubber gasket on the glass decanter. If it is worn or damaged, it may be causing the drips. Replace the gasket if necessary.
• Difficulty Pressing the Stopper: If you have difficulty pressing down the rubber stopper to release the coffee concentrate, try the following:
  • Make sure you are pressing straight down and not at an angle. Pressing at an angle can cause resistance.
  • Slightly lift the stopper and press down again. This can help release any air trapped underneath the stopper, making it easier to press down.
  • Ensure that the rubber stopper is clean and free from any debris. Any particles or residue can hinder smooth operation.