How to Make Iced Coffee in Just 12 Short Hours

So you've joined the iced coffee craze that's sweeping America! Starbucks got many of us started, but now that McDonald's has launched it's own line of iced coffee drinks, the numbers of people joining this craze are skyrocketing. And with good reason!

With summer arriving, it's the perfect refreshing alternative to iced tea and to those who still need their coffee fix everyday. Anyway, who wants to sip on a hot cup of coffee in the face of the blazing sun. Ok, some still do... but they might change their mind soon enough!

Many people are trying to figure out the secret to making it at home. And it's not how you think! Sure, you can use your coffee pot, pour your hot java into a cup and add ice, but it's just not the same as those coffee houses you love. It's just not quite right.

What about an espresso machine? They are great for making lattes, cappuccino's... and yes, even iced mocha's. But it's still not iced coffee! No matter how weak or strong you make your drink, it will still have that burnt taste and somewhat bitterness espresso is notorious for. Of course many of us love this taste, including myself on occasion, but it's not for everyone.

Do you ever walk into a coffee house and just get a high off of the smell? There's nothing like it! As a kid even, I would open up the great big can of Folgers Coffee and just inhale the aroma. But I couldn't stand the taste. I have a couple friends that can't stand the taste of coffee, but love the smell. So why is it so hard to find a cup of coffee that tastes like it smells? No bitterness, no acidity, just that pure coffee flavor.

Premium iced coffee has been able to offer this experience to many, but it has been very difficult to replicate this at home. The secret is a process that most have never associated with making coffee. The secret is called cold-brewing. Total opposite of what most of us think is required to make coffee. But it's amazingly simple and almost too perfect!

Although there are many different systems for cold brewing, the most popular method is the Toddy Cold Brew System. It requires no electricity, heat or expensive equipment. Although it does require patience as the brewing process takes about 12 hours. But your patience is rewarded when you discover that you just created a delicious coffee concentrate that contains virtually no bitterness, and up to 67% less acid than traditional hot brewed coffee. For anyone who lives with acid reflux, this is an incredible bonus! If you can't drink coffee any more because you've developed a sensitive stomach, this may be your answer.

You start with a pound of your favorite beans, coarsely ground, add 9 cups of water and 12 hours later, it runs through a filter and you are left with about 48 oz of coffee concentrate. This can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks without losing any freshness or loss of flavor. To make hot coffee, just add one part concentrate to 3 parts boiling water for a delicious cup of coffee. Many who prefer hot coffee have found they love the taste of cold brewed and will never go back to a tradition coffee maker again.

As for iced coffee lovers, there is no better way to enjoy it! You can even turn cheap beans into an incredibly refreshing treat. For iced coffee, I prefer to add one part concentrate, one part water, and one part half & half cream. Add some chocolate or vanilla syrup, ice, and you'll never look back! It's cheaper than any shop and you can easily make it any time. The concentrate will make approximately 32 - 6 ounce cups of coffee. The best part, each person can customize their drink to make it as strong or weak as they like.

I absolutely love the Toddy and I highly recommend you check out their website for more information or to order your own. You can also find detailed instructions for cold brewing your own iced coffee here.