Trying to make more iced coffee/cold brew at home--what are your top recs to make this a really elevated, ritual-like part of my day? (Both the production and consumption)

Question

Geren · Answer

For the Grady's. Hario Cold Brew Bottle: This is specific to the Grady's world - I use the tea cold brew instead of the coffee ones since you have a packet you don't need the precious real estate taken up by the filter.

I will admit to traveling with these too - always when by car - sometimes when by train or plane.

Geren · Answer

Grady's Cold Brew Packets @ home: You can make the fantastic Grady's Cold Brew at HOME (or anywhere)

I have been on this train for a decade. I travel with them ALL over the world. Life is better and I dread the day I don't have them. Go go go.

Laura Messersmith · Answer

Tovolo Sphere Ice Molds: Why should fancy bartenders have all the fun? These molds make giant ice spheres that melt really slowly while keeping your drinks super cold. Cocktails, sure. But also iced coffee, tea, anything fizzy.

Also a fun treat for the dog on a hot day :)

Katherine · Answer

Glass Straws: If you like a straw, it’s fun to use pretty glass/silicone ones at home. It preserves that coffee shop feeling and makes it even nicer!

Haley · Answer

Ceramic Oil Pour Bottle Green - Figmint: Love these for syrups to flavor lattes! It gives the perfect pour to add a little sweetness but not over power and looks so cute as part of a little coffee bar.

Haley · Answer

Ninja Luxe Café Premier Espresso Machine: We’ve had this espresso machine for almost 1.5 years and both my husband and I love it! Easy to learn to use, brews hot coffee but also espresso, iced coffee, can steam milk, and make cold foam. I use the cold espresso feature to make delicious iced lattes! We use this nearly every day and it has saved us so much money from not getting coffees out. I also love that there is very little plastic, it’s easy to clean, and we can use local whole coffee beans. I seriously look forward to this little part of my routine each morning!

Hallie · Answer

Make your own simple syrup: It’s a fast and easy way to elevate your coffee experience. If you’re feeling frisky, try different sugars (coconut sugar is fun) or tossing in an aromatic or two.

Hallie · Answer

Add spices to your coffee grounds: Create depth, flavor, and your own signature brew when you add spices to your coffee grounds. My Holy Trinity is cinnamon + cardamom + vanilla extract, but feel free to get creative! Experiment with different combos and volumes and see what happens! Don’t worry: you will not end up with 90s style overly flavored coffee. Instead, you’ll have the gentlest whisper of whichever aromatics you added.

If I’m using a Toddy, I add the spices in the second round of coffee grounds. If you find something you love, you can even try freshly grinding, cinnamon sticks, cardamom, pods, etc. in a spice grinder when you grind your beans, and throw ‘em together so everything is extra fresh.

Dylan · Answer

4 Large Gobelets | Amber: i'm officially a GROWN UP now that i own this set of glasses (i am 40 years old). finally invested in some fancy water vessels after smashing the last of my vintage set. low key afraid to handle these because they're so nice but life is for living etc!!! use the fancy shit to do the mundane shit like staying hydrated and i promise it'll make it more fun!!!

Dylan · Answer

Hario Cold Brew Pot 1L: Endless coffee, cold brewed according to your personal preference. Can also be used to make your own tea concoctions or an array of other fun drinks.

The insert is made of a super fine & strong mesh & comes apart easily for cleaning. Stores perfectly in the fridge door. A real winner!

Mary · Answer

Bodum Columbia French Press Coffee Maker (0.5L): After breaking too many glass French presses, I finally got this stainless one that’s lasted for nearly 10 years! I use it for hot coffee, cold brew, and hot loose leaf tea. I love how easy it is to clean and dump used grounds in the compost pile!

My cold brew recipe for it is very simple: before you got to bed, measure out double the amount of coffee beans you would use for brewing a cup of hot coffee. Coarsely grind the beans and then add them and filtered water to your French press. Leave the plunger up. Allow it to brew overnight to enjoy the next day.

Steven Weill · Answer

Brew @ Room Temp: My cold brew went from good to great when I started doing 18hrs on the counter before storing in the fridge. I tried everything — higher quality beans, a better grinder, better equipment, 72 hour brews etc. Nothing came close to making as big of a difference in taste/strength/quality as switching to the room temp overnight brew.

Haley Jo · Answer

Trader Joes cold foam: If you crave sweet coffee in the afternoons like me—this has been my secret lately. It’s insanely good. I like to take it up a notch with a little flaky salt and some olive oil. Divine.

Julia · Answer

A great coffee playlist: This album was my first instinct of a good coffee album.

Nikki F. · Answer

Rumble Jar cold brew maker: Easy peasy at home cold brew concentrate contraption. Basically a metal coffee ground holder that floats in a large mason jar and is ready in less than a day. I am sure I could dial in my formula more, but even as is with my medium amount of effort, it’s delicious. I like my cold brew with lots of ice, whole milk, and real maple syrup (easier and more flavorful than making simple syrup).

Allie McRae · Answer

Toddy Home Cold Brew System: Fantastic cold brew maker! Although maybe not as ritualistic as you're looking for. I appreciate it for its convenience and having a big batch made that I can use 1:1 with milk for a little latte-esque situation.

P.S. I like the Kirkland Signature medium roast ground coffee from Costco.

Rob · Answer

Hario Mizudashi Cold Brew Maker: I received this for Father’s Day (8 yrs ago?) and is one of the best things I’ve ever been given. Use it weekly. We use the Fellow burr grinder and then subscribe to Trade coffee and get surprised with beans every 5 weeks or so.

Gloria · Answer

Bialetti stove top espresso: I have the red version of this lil moka pot and it’s fun to watch it, plus it’s so cute! When I do iced, I like to add some homemade lavender or vanilla syrup, or a little honey with vanilla extract and a splash of milk…making my own version of the $7 coffee to create cafe vibes at my home (sometimes I make a batch of scones or some pastry as well to really commit but depends on my morning—either way i recommend curating a whole coffee shop thing)

Sam Childress · Answer

Duralex tumbler set: They’re affordable and super durable, and they come in tons of sizes/colors to suit your mood. Perfect for serving iced coffee on a balcony or sunny patio!