Water quality is essential for making an excellent cup of cold brew coffee. Since coffee is 98% water, the type of water used can significantly impact the flavor. Experts recommend using good tap water or filtered water to extract more flavor during the cold brewing process, as opposed to distilled water, which lacks beneficial minerals. To make cold brew, combine room temperature water with coarse-ground coffee beans and steep for 12 to 24 hours. Starting with room temperature water is better than cold water for flavor extraction, and hot water should be avoided as it can make the brew acidic. Once the cold brew is ready, it can be customized with milk, cream, or flavored syrups.
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