Cold brew is no longer a secret: What was considered a trendy drink from the USA a few years ago has now become established in Germany as well. Especially in summer, cold-extracted coffee is a refreshing and easy-to-digest alternative to hot espresso or cappuccino. But cold brew is much more than just "cold coffee"—it's a unique preparation method that brings out the character of the beans in a special way.
Cold brew becomes especially exciting when you think of it regionally. So why not create a drink made with local water – for example, water from the Neckar River ? Of course, not directly from the river, but after careful filtration and treatment. In this guide, you'll learn what cold brew actually is, how to make it, and what you need to pay attention to when making it yourself.
Introducing Cold Brew – what exactly is Cold Brew?
Cold brew, literally meaning "brewed cold," describes a special method of coffee preparation. Unlike classic filter coffee or espresso, where hot water extracts aromas and ingredients in a short time, cold brew uses only cold water – and a lot of patience.
preparation
- Freshly ground, coarsely ground coffee powder is soaked in cold water.
- Over several hours – usually between 12 and 24 – the water slowly extracts the soluble substances from the coffee.
- The drink is then filtered to create a clear, aromatic cold brew.
Taste and aroma
Due to the cold extraction process, cold brew differs significantly from hot brewed coffee:
- It tastes milder and rounder.
- Acids and bitter substances only partially dissolve, which is why cold brew is less acidic and less bitter .
- Instead , sweet, chocolatey and nutty notes become more prominent.
- Particularly fruity Arabica beans develop a surprisingly soft, almost tea-like aroma.
Caffeine content
Cold brew is often described as high in caffeine – and that's true to some extent:
- The long extraction time ensures that more caffeine is extracted from the coffee powder.
- Since cold brew is usually prepared in larger quantities and often drunk undiluted, it can actually have a higher caffeine content per serving.
- Nevertheless, it doesn't seem as "harsh" as an espresso, as the taste is smoother and more balanced.
Cold Brew vs. Iced Coffee
A common misconception is that cold brew and iced coffee are the same thing. However, the two drinks are quite different:
-
Iced coffee : Classic hot-brewed coffee served with ice cubes or ice cream. Often strong in flavor, but diluted by the melting ice.
-
Cold Brew : Extracted cold from the start, resulting in a much milder, more aromatic, and more stable flavor. Even when diluted with ice or water, the aroma remains clear and full.
Origin and distribution
The idea of cold brewing coffee isn't new. A form of "Dutch coffee," where cold water dripped through coffee grounds over several hours, is said to have existed in Japan as early as the 17th century. However, cold brew only gained worldwide popularity in the last decade, particularly due to the specialty coffee movement in the USA. Today, it's readily available in cafes and even supermarkets.
Digestibility
Many coffee drinkers report that cold brew is easier on the stomach. This is because lower temperatures result in fewer acids and irritating bitter compounds being extracted. Therefore, cold brew is also suitable for people who often find hot coffee too "sour" or "strong".
What methods can be used to make cold brew?
Cold brew can be prepared in various ways. All are based on the same principle – cold extraction – but differ in the effort required, the result, and the clarity of the flavor.
1. Immersion method
- Coffee is coarsely ground and soaked in cold water.
- The mixture is left to steep for 12 to 24 hours, after which it is filtered.
- Very straightforward, ideal for beginners.
- Tip: Use a large carafe or French press – this makes straining easier.
2. Cold Drip (Dutch Coffee)
- Cold water drips for hours, drop by drop, over freshly ground coffee.
- The result is very clear and aromatically differentiated.
- This method requires special equipment (“Cold Brew Tower”) and is therefore more suitable for enthusiasts.
3. French Press Cold Brew
- Coarsely ground coffee is prepared in a French press, just like in the immersion method.
- After 12–16 hours, simply press down the stamp.
- Convenient, since many people already have a French press at home.
Cold brew with Neckar water – thinking regionally
Why always rely on bottled mineral water when you can use local sources? The idea of making cold brew with Neckar River water sounds unusual, but it's appealing. Of course, you shouldn't use water directly from the river – however, the waterworks in Heidelberg and Mannheim treat drinking water that comes from groundwater or bank filtrate.
The catch: This water is relatively hard and rich in minerals. That's not ideal for cold brew, as hard carbonates strongly buffer acids and make the flavor taste flat.
The solution:
-
Use a filter jug with activated carbon or ion exchangers to reduce hardness and chlorine.
- This results in an optimized "Neckar water" that is perfectly suited for cold brew production.
- The result: a cold brew that not only impresses with its taste, but also tells a regional story.
This makes cold brew with Neckar water a truly regional drink with identity – an exciting approach for coffee lovers from Heidelberg, Mannheim and the surrounding area.
What do you need to pay attention to when making your own cold brew, and how long does it keep?
Cold brew is easy to make, but a few details determine whether it turns out perfectly.
Preparation tips
-
Coffee quality : Use high-quality beans, ideally freshly roasted. Light roasts emphasize fruity aromas, while dark roasts bring more sweetness and chocolate notes.
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Grind size : Grind very coarsely, similar to a French press. Fine coffee grounds can make the cold brew bitter.
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Amount of coffee : Approximately 60–70 g of coffee per 1 liter of water is a good starting point. You can vary this according to your taste.
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Brewing time : Let it steep in the refrigerator for 12 to 24 hours. Longer brewing times result in a stronger, more intense cold brew.
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Filtering : After the brewing time, be sure to filter thoroughly – using a coffee filter, cotton cloth or a fine French press filter.
Shelf life of cold brew
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Enjoy fresh : Cold Brew tastes best within the first 2-3 days.
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Storage : Always keep refrigerated, preferably in clean glass bottles or carafes.
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Maximum shelf life : Up to 7 days possible, however the aroma diminishes significantly after that.
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Tip : Cold brew is also suitable as a base for drinks – e.g. mixed with tonic water, milk or even in cocktails.
Conclusion: Making cold brew with Neckar water
Cold brew is a simple yet fascinating way to rediscover coffee. The cold extraction process brings out completely different aromas compared to hot-brewed coffee: less acidity, less bitterness, more sweetness, and an unparalleled smoothness.
Those living in Heidelberg or Mannheim can even give the drink a regional twist: Using Neckar River water , which is filtered and treated beforehand, you create a cold brew with a local character. This combines modern coffee culture with a regional connection.
In summary:
- Cold brew is mild, refreshing, and versatile.
- Preparation can be done at home using simple methods.
- Water quality is crucial – filtered Neckar water offers an exciting regional touch.
- Freshly prepared and well chilled, cold brew can be kept for several days.
- This way, your cold brew becomes not only the perfect summer drink, but also a very personal statement: regional, conscious and full of flavor.
Image source: Olena Bohovyk via Unsplash
Your cold brew guide with Neckar water - we'll show you how it's done.
Cold brew is no longer a secret: What was considered a trendy drink from the USA a few years ago has now become established in Germany as well. Especially in summer, cold-extracted coffee is a refreshing and easy-to-digest alternative to hot espresso or cappuccino. But cold brew is much more than just "cold coffee"—it's a unique preparation method that brings out the character of the beans in a special way.
Cold brew becomes especially exciting when you think of it regionally. So why not create a drink made with local water – for example, water from the Neckar River ? Of course, not directly from the river, but after careful filtration and treatment. In this guide, you'll learn what cold brew actually is, how to make it, and what you need to pay attention to when making it yourself.
Introducing Cold Brew – what exactly is Cold Brew?
Cold brew, literally meaning "brewed cold," describes a special method of coffee preparation. Unlike classic filter coffee or espresso, where hot water extracts aromas and ingredients in a short time, cold brew uses only cold water – and a lot of patience.
preparation
Taste and aroma
Due to the cold extraction process, cold brew differs significantly from hot brewed coffee:
Caffeine content
Cold brew is often described as high in caffeine – and that's true to some extent:
Cold Brew vs. Iced Coffee
A common misconception is that cold brew and iced coffee are the same thing. However, the two drinks are quite different:
Origin and distribution
The idea of cold brewing coffee isn't new. A form of "Dutch coffee," where cold water dripped through coffee grounds over several hours, is said to have existed in Japan as early as the 17th century. However, cold brew only gained worldwide popularity in the last decade, particularly due to the specialty coffee movement in the USA. Today, it's readily available in cafes and even supermarkets.
Digestibility
Many coffee drinkers report that cold brew is easier on the stomach. This is because lower temperatures result in fewer acids and irritating bitter compounds being extracted. Therefore, cold brew is also suitable for people who often find hot coffee too "sour" or "strong".
What methods can be used to make cold brew?
Cold brew can be prepared in various ways. All are based on the same principle – cold extraction – but differ in the effort required, the result, and the clarity of the flavor.
1. Immersion method
2. Cold Drip (Dutch Coffee)
3. French Press Cold Brew
Cold brew with Neckar water – thinking regionally
Why always rely on bottled mineral water when you can use local sources? The idea of making cold brew with Neckar River water sounds unusual, but it's appealing. Of course, you shouldn't use water directly from the river – however, the waterworks in Heidelberg and Mannheim treat drinking water that comes from groundwater or bank filtrate.
The catch: This water is relatively hard and rich in minerals. That's not ideal for cold brew, as hard carbonates strongly buffer acids and make the flavor taste flat.
The solution:
This makes cold brew with Neckar water a truly regional drink with identity – an exciting approach for coffee lovers from Heidelberg, Mannheim and the surrounding area.
What do you need to pay attention to when making your own cold brew, and how long does it keep?
Cold brew is easy to make, but a few details determine whether it turns out perfectly.
Preparation tips
Shelf life of cold brew
Conclusion: Making cold brew with Neckar water
Cold brew is a simple yet fascinating way to rediscover coffee. The cold extraction process brings out completely different aromas compared to hot-brewed coffee: less acidity, less bitterness, more sweetness, and an unparalleled smoothness.
Those living in Heidelberg or Mannheim can even give the drink a regional twist: Using Neckar River water , which is filtered and treated beforehand, you create a cold brew with a local character. This combines modern coffee culture with a regional connection.
In summary:
Image source: Olena Bohovyk via Unsplash