Starting Point for Perfecting Your Cold Brew Coffee

The Toddy is a popular and reliable cold brew system, but there are several other quality brewers like YAMA that can also deliver excellent results. Here’s a quick overview of how the Toddy method works, which can be adapted to other systems:

Toddy Cold Brew Method:

• Insert the stopper into the bottom of the brewing container, then dampen and place the felt filter inside.

• Add about 1 cup of water, then 6 ounces (170g) of coarse ground coffee. Slowly pour 3 more cups of water over the grounds, wait 5 minutes, then add another 6 ounces of coffee and the remaining 4 cups of water. Do not stir, but gently press down the top grounds to ensure saturation.

• Steep at room temperature for 8–24 hours to develop a smooth, rich concentrate.

• Remove the stopper and let the concentrate drain into the decanter. The coffee will keep fresh in the fridge for up to two weeks.

• To serve, dilute the concentrate with water, milk, or ice (typically 1 part concentrate to 2–3 parts liquid), and customize to taste.

Other Cold Brew Makers:

• Systems like YAMA or other cold brew drippers use similar principles but may have different filter styles or steeping techniques. The key elements remain: coarse grind, long steep, and cold water extraction.

No matter which system you use, the result is a smooth, low-acid, easy-to-drink cold brew that can be enjoyed straight, over ice, or with milk and flavorings.

1. https://toddycafe.com/downloads/toddy_retail_instructions.pdf

2. https://toddycafe.com/brewing

3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9TcZ8ggT_o

4. https://toddycafe.com/product/toddy-cold-brew-system

Key Tips

• If your cold brew isn’t turning out as expected, here are targeted solutions for the most common issues:

  1. Coffee is Too Weak

  • Use a finer grind or increase your steeping time.

  • Make sure you’re using enough coffee—cold brew typically requires more grounds than other methods (at least 250g for a standard batch).

  • Ensure the grounds are fully saturated and not packed too tightly, which can prevent proper extraction.

  2. Coffee is Too Strong or Bitter

  • Use a coarser grind or reduce the steeping time.

  • Remember that cold brew is usually a concentrate—dilute with water, milk, or a milk alternative to taste.

  • If bitterness persists, try using filtered water and ensure your coffee maker is thoroughly cleaned to remove any old oils or residue.

  3. Coffee Tastes Sour

  • This is often due to under-extraction, usually from grounds that are too coarse or too short a brew time.

  • Try a slightly finer grind or extend your steeping time for better extraction.

  4. Grounds or Sediment in Coffee

  • Use a coarser grind to prevent grounds from slipping through the filter.

  • Make sure your filter is properly installed and not damaged.

  • Consider filtering your brew through a fine mesh or cheesecloth after the initial steep.

  5. Watery or Thin Coffee

  • Increase your coffee-to-water ratio or use a finer grind.

  • Make sure the water can circulate freely around the grounds—avoid overpacking the filter or using a mesh that’s too tight.

  6. Off or Unpleasant Flavors

  • Clean your cold brew maker thoroughly after every use to remove oils and residue that can cause bad tastes.

  • Use fresh, high-quality beans and filtered water for the best flavor.

  7. General Troubleshooting

  • Always use coarse ground coffee for most cold brew systems to prevent clogging and over-extraction.

  • Adjust your brew ratio, grind size, and steeping time one variable at a time to pinpoint the source of the problem.

  • Replace your filter on a regular basis.

  By tweaking these variables, you can refine your cold brew to achieve the smooth, flavorful cup you’re after.