RecipeCold BrewCanadian CuisineBarista15 Min Prep

Caffeine's Signature Cold Brew

At Caffeine in Scarborough, we're obsessed with cold brew. It's not just a drink; it's an experience.

Forget those weak, watery excuses for cold brew you find elsewhere.

We're talking about a velvety smooth, intensely flavored elixir that'll redefine your coffee standards.

Our signature cold brew starts with ethically sourced, single-origin beans, roasted in-house to a precise medium-dark profile.

We aim for those rich chocolate and caramel notes, with a subtle hint of dark cherry that dances on your palate.

The magic, though, lies in our meticulous brewing process.

We use a slow, cold extraction to coax out the nuanced flavors without the harsh acidity that plagues so many other cold brews.

Think of it like steeping a fine tea, but with coffee. Patience is key, and trust us, it's worth the wait.

We serve our cold brew straight, over ice, or infused with our homemade vanilla bean syrup (recipe below!).

It's also the star of our cold brew cocktails, like the 'Scarborough Sunset,' a blend of cold brew, orange zest, and a splash of tonic.

Come visit us and taste the difference, or try our recipe and experience it yourself.

Making cold brew at home lets you experiment with different origins and roasts. Find what excites you.

This recipe walks you through our exact method, from grinding the beans to the final, soul-satisfying sip.

Ready to elevate your cold brew game? Let's get started.

SweetSaltySourBitterUmami

Taste Profile

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Ingredients

2 items
4Servings

Main Recipe

01

Grind the Coffee

Using a burr grinder, coarsely grind 200g of your chosen coffee beans. We're looking for a grind size similar to coarse sea salt. This prevents over-extractionextractionThe process of dissolving delicious flavors from coffee grounds into water. and ensures a clean, sediment-free brew.

02

Combine Coffee and Water

In your brewing container, gently combine the ground coffee with 1000ml of filtered water. Stir well to ensure all the grounds are saturated. We use a long-handled spoon to avoid disturbing the grounds too much.

03

Steep the Brew

Cover the container and let it steep at room temperature for 12-24 hours. We find 18 hours to be the sweet spot for our beans, but experiment to find your preference. Place the container in a cool, dark place to maintain a consistent temperature.

Pro Tip

"Don't agitate the mixture during steeping. Let the coffee do its thing undisturbed."

04

Filter the Cold Brew

After steeping, it's time to filter! If you're using a Toddy system, follow the manufacturer's instructions. Otherwise, line a strainer with a paper or cloth filter and slowly pour the cold brew through. Be patient; it takes time to fully filter.

Pro Tip

"A double filter can help remove any remaining sediment for an even cleaner cup."

05

Dilute (if needed) and Enjoy

Taste your cold brew! It will be concentrated, so you may want to dilute it with water or milk to your liking. We often serve it at a 1:1 ratio with water. Pour over ice and savor the smooth, rich flavor.

Try These Variations

Iced Vanilla Cold Brew

Add our homemade vanilla bean syrup and serve over ice for a sweet and refreshing treat.

  • Add 30 ml of Vanilla Bean Syrup
  • Serve over ice

Nitro Cold Brew

Infuse your cold brew with nitrogen for a creamy, Guinness-like texture.

  • Pour cold brew into a nitrogen infuser.
  • Charge with nitrogen according to the infuser's instructions.
  • Dispense into a glass and enjoy the cascading effect.
From the Kitchen

Chef's Notes

Wisdom

1Use filtered water for the best flavor. Tap water can introduce unwanted minerals and chlorine.

2Don't be afraid to experiment with different coffee bean origins and roasts. Each will impart a unique flavor profile.

3A coarser grind is crucial for cold brew. A finer grind will result in a muddy, over-extracted brew.

Pitfalls

1Using too little coffee. Cold brew needs a high coffee-to-water ratio to achieve its signature intensity.

2Not allowing enough time for brewing. Patience is key! The longer it brews, the smoother and more flavorful it will be.

Equipment Needed

Large brewing container (e.g., Toddy system or large mason jar)Coffee grinder (burr grinder preferred)Filters (paper or cloth)ScaleTimer

Origin Story

Cold brew has been around for centuries, but its popularity has exploded recently. We were inspired by the Kyoto-style drip method, adapting it for a larger-scale, immersion-based approach.

Did you know?

We once accidentally left a batch brewing for 48 hours! Surprisingly, it wasn't bitter, just incredibly concentrated and intense. We diluted it and it was a shop favorite for weeks.

Perfect Pairings

  • Chocolate chip cookies
  • Almond croissant
  • Blueberry muffin

Inspired by Agincourt

This recipe captures the essence of Caffeine in Scarborough. Authenticity isn't just about ingredients; it's about place.

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