What is "cold brew concentrate"?

Cold brew concentrate refers to a method of preparing coffee that results in a stronger and more concentrated flavor profile. This process involves steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in cold water over an extended period, typically 12 to 24 hours. The result is a rich and bold coffee extract, which is then usually diluted with water or milk before serving to achieve the desired strength and flavor balance.

When served without dilution, the concentrate can be much stronger than standard brewed coffee, which is why it is typically mixed with equal parts water or milk before consumption. This makes cold brew concentrate a versatile option, allowing customers to tailor the strength of their drink to their liking.

In contrast, other options focus on misinterpretations of what cold brew concentrate is. A light version of cold brew might imply lower caffeine or less intense flavor, which does not capture the essence of a concentrate. Serving cold brew with ice does not change its fundamental preparation method, while a warm-serve variant does not align with the typical cold brew process, which is defined by its cold steeping methodology. Thus, the correct choice accurately represents the essence and preparation of cold brew concentrate.