Did you just make a batch of Cold Brew and are wondering if you could reuse the coffee grounds to brew another batch of coffee? We have had multiple trials and errors to understand what would be the right approach to go with this.
Like any other question, the answer to this question isn’t limited to a simple yes or no. There are lots of factors to take into account. So, a more appropriate way of figuring out if you could reuse the cold brew coffee grounds is to ask can you and should you? If yes then how and how many times?
The straightforward answer to the question can cold brew coffee grounds be reused is – Yes, you can reuse the cold brew coffee grounds to brew one more batch of coffee. But, not more than that as the coffee grounds will lose their flavors and oils after which your coffee will not taste the same.
In this article, we will guide you towards this very simple question and also easy techniques on how to reuse the coffee grounds. We will also try to answer some of the basic questions related to Cold Brew that you might have.
How To Re-use Cold Brew Coffee Grounds
There are two simple ways you can approach reusing the coffee grounds.
First Method
The first method is obvious, reusing the brewed coffee grounds to brew another batch of cold brew.
The first step in this process is to strain the coffee grounds from the first batch of cold brew and dilute it with another batch of water to brew it for the second time. Simple right? But, the question is would your cold brew taste the same even after brewing it for the second time?
The answer is no, it would definitely not taste the same. This is because the most important aspects of brewing a good cup of coffee are its coffee grounds-to-water ratio, water temperature, extraction duration, etc.
Once you have used the correct ratio, temperature, and extraction duration to brew your first cup of cold brew, the coffee grounds will have already lost some of their flavor.
Another thing is that any coffee enthusiast would understand that over-extraction of coffee grounds would only lead to a bitter cup of tasteless coffee. So how exactly are we supposed to brew cold brew the second time to get if not the same, a similar taste and flavor?
This can be done by making a few changes to your coffee grounds to water ratio and extraction process. We have tried working with this and even though the flavor profile for the second batch of coffee was quite lighter, we could say that it was a good cup of cold brew.
So the first step is to simply add half the quantity of water to what you would normally add to the coffee grounds. So for example, if you were to add 2 cups of water, you should add 1 cup of water.
Next, make sure to brew the cold brew for at least 8 to 12 hours. Brewing the second batch would definitely take longer than the first batch as the extraction process would have really slowed down by this time.
Second Method
The second method for reusing the same coffee grounds is also quite simple, follow these steps to know how-
1. The first step is to take a dark roast ground coarse. This step is extremely important if you want your coffee to have a strong flavor the second time around as well as go with dark roast only.
2. Step two is to make a cold brew concentrate instead of a single-serve cold brew. To make cold brew concentrate dilute your coffee grounds with half the quantity of water that you would normally use.
So, if you take 1 part coffee and 8 part water. To make a concentrate take 1 part coffee and 4 part water.
3. The third step is to let the coffee grounds do their magic and let it brew a beautiful cold brew concentrate. For this step, it is essential that you let the cold brew sit in your refrigerator for at least 8 to 12 hours.
4. Finally, after 12 hours take out the cold brew concentrate and divide it into 2 parts. Take 1 part into a glass and dilute it with water in a glass. Enjoy this cup of cold brew now.
5. Take the other part filter out the coffee grounds and store it in an air-tight container. This would prevent over-extraction and also give you another batch of coffee.
This method can be a complex one but is definitely ideal if you want to use a single batch of coffee grounds to brew double coffee and re-use it for later. Making the concentrate and storing it in an airtight container ensures it doesn’t lose its flavor.
How To Make Cold Brew In A French Press?
What Happens If You Brew Coffee More Than Twice?
By now you have probably grasped the concept that Cold Brew can be brewed twice. In fact, we have personally seen a lot of people doing this with their coffee because they feel that there is still juice left to be squeezed from the coffee grounds.
From our analysis, we could only figure that if you brew your cold brew twice the taste would definitely not be the same. The coffee flavor would be lighter, it could also lead to being more bitter due to over-extraction.
In short, the taste and effect that coffee has on you may not be the same in the second batch of brew. Considering the caffeine content also reduces.
Now you’ve brewed your cold brew twice, but you still smell a strong coffee flavor in the grounds. And you ask yourself is it okay to brew the coffee once more? It’s not.
Brewing your coffee grounds more than twice would only lead to a tasteless, bitter liquid. Chances are by this time the coffee grounds have lost all their nutrition and flavor. It is best to throw away the coffee grounds at this point.
How long does cold brew last unrefrigerated – answered!
What Do You Do With Coffee Grounds After Brewing?
You know when you brew coffee, you just do not want to throw away the coffee grounds. Well, you cannot use them in your coffee so here are a few ways you can put these coffee grounds to great use-
1. Defend your plants- This is an old technique and many gardeners follow it to keep insects, snails, and other pests away. Using coarse coffee grounds on your plants over the soil prevents these insects from ruining your plant.
Some believe it’s the texture of the coarse coffee grounds that keep them away and some believe it’s the caffeine. Whatever it may be, this method works pretty well!
2. Use it for beauty purposes- Coffee is said to be a great exfoliator. This is another perfect method of reusing the coffee grounds- turn them into a body scrub.
Simply mix some coffee grounds, some sugar, and coconut oil. Mix it up and store it in a nice air-tight container.
3. Coffee-scented candles- Another awesome method of reusing coffee is to use coffee grounds in your homemade candles. Not only will this be helpful in reusing the coffee grounds, but this is even better as your home is going to smell like a cafe!
[Also Read: 6 Best Ways To Drink Cold Brew Coffee]
Related Questions
What Is Cold Brew To Water Ratio?
We have found the best results with a 1:5 ratio, that is if you need to take 200gm of coffee grounds for every 1 liter of water.
This works best if you want to brew coffee in a way that you take it out of the jug and pour and enjoy it without diluting it with more water.
But, if you’re brewing a batch of cold brews and looking to make a cold brew concentrate then follow the ratio of 1:2, for every 1 part of coffee use 2 parts brew.
Most people prefer experimenting with coffee to water ratio to find out how strong they like their brew and we would recommend doing the same.
If you’re a beginner start with the given ratio and then adjust according to your taste and preferences. You can dilute the cold brew concentrate with milk, water, soda, etc.
How To Make Cold Brew Coffee?
Cold Brew is by far one of the easiest ways of making coffee that we have come across. Sure, it takes longer than regular coffee. But the refreshing taste after the coffee has brewed properly is worth the wait.
What You’ll Need
- 1½ cup of coarsely ground coffee
- 3 cups water
- Mesh sieve
- Cheesecloth or Napkin
The Process
1. Add the coffee grounds to a mason jar or any other container. Add water and give it a good stir.
2. Cover and let it sit at room temperature for 12 to 14 hours. If you want to keep the Cold Brew in the Refrigerator, it may take more time, around 16 to 18 hours or so.
3. When you are ready to strain your brew, take a large bowl and a cheesecloth or a thin cloth. Place the mesh sieve over the bowl and spread the cheesecloth on it.
4. Pour the brew on the cheesecloth. Make sure the coffee grounds are separated from the water completely.
5. Refrigerate immediately after. When serving, fill a glass with ice, add the Cold brew, and enjoy!
[Related Read: The Ultimate Guide on Cold Brew Coffee]
Final Thoughts
This was the guide on whether cold brew coffee grounds can be reused. If yes then how and how many times?
If you have already re-used your coffee grounds twice and want to put it to better use then do try using the coffee grounds from one of the above methods!
