Iced Black Coffee
Last night, as I was trying to work up the energy to brush my teeth and go to bed, I was looking at the pictures I’ve posted recently on flickr. As it turns out, most of them are of iced coffee. I decided I might have a problem.
In addition to mango smoothies I am drinking a copious amount of iced coffee these days. Homebrewed, black, very strong iced coffee with coffee ice cubes. I’m addicted. It might be the only thing getting me through the day lately. Between practicing for the water ballet, my attempt to be a runner (again), and a crazy work schedule, I’m beat.
And this stuff? It’s liquid gold.
Iced Black Coffee
The thing about iced coffee is that you can’t just brew coffee and then chill it. Coffee that has been heated and then chilled gets bitter, which ruins the delicious coffee flavor. So for iced coffee you need to steep the coffee at room temperature.
3 cups coffee grinds
6-7 cups of water
1 cup of water, to be added later
Cheesecloth
In a large bowl (I like to use my 8 cup pyrex measuring cup that has a lid) combine water and grinds. Stir and cover. Let sit overnight.
Strain coffee mixture through a fine mesh strainer that has been lined with cheesecloth. Add another cup or two of water to dilute to your taste. Chill.
Coffee Ice Cubes
Combine 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup coffee. Free in ice cube tray. Use to chill your coffee without diluting.