Wiseacre Cold Brew Recipe

Combine coffee and water

Measure 1 cup of coarsely ground coffee (prefer a medium-dark roast for balanced body) and place it into a clean large jar or pitcher. Pour 4 cups of cold filtered water over the grounds, making sure all grounds are fully saturated. Stir gently for about 10–15 seconds to ensure even contact between water and grounds.

Steep

Cover the jar or pitcher with a lid or plastic wrap. Let the mixture steep at room temperature or in the refrigerator for 16–20 hours. For a brighter, fruitier profile aim for ~16 hours; for a smoother, fuller-bodied concentrate aim for ~18–20 hours.

Initial strain

After steeping, set a fine mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth (or a very fine sieve) over a large bowl. Pour the steeped coffee slowly through the sieve to separate most of the grounds from the liquid. Allow the liquid to drain by gravity; do not press the grounds, which can add grit and bitterness.

Secondary filtration

Gather the cheesecloth and gently lift any remaining grounds away. If any sediment remains, filter the liquid a second time through a clean cheesecloth or a paper coffee filter placed in the sieve. Transfer the filtered cold brew concentrate to an airtight bottle or jar and refrigerate. Concentrate will keep chilled for up to 10 days; optimal freshness is within 5 days.

Build the drink: fill a serving glass with 1 cup of ice. Pour 1/2 cup (120 ml) of cold brew concentrate over the ice, then add 1/2 cup (120 ml) of cold water or milk to dilute to taste (adjust ratio — use more concentrate for stronger flavor or more water/milk for lighter).

Sweeten and finish: if desired, stir in 1 teaspoon simple syrup or other sweetener to taste. Stir gently to combine. Taste and adjust dilution or sweetness as needed.

Serve and store: serve immediately. Keep remaining concentrate refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 10 days. When serving later, stir gently before pouring as natural settling can occur.