If you’ve ever sipped on a can of La Colombe Cold Brew, you know it’s unlike any other—it’s velvety, full of flavor, and has just the right amount of caffeine kick to fuel your day. But here’s the secret: you don’t have to visit a café or crack open a store-bought can to enjoy that same premium experience.
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How to make La Colombe Cold Brew
La Colombe Cold Brew is a ready‑to‑drink, canned or bottled cold brew coffee made by La Colombe Coffee Roasters, a U.S.-based artisan coffee company founded in Philadelphia.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- High-Quality Coffee Beans: La Colombe is known for using premium, responsibly sourced coffee beans. Aim for medium to dark roast beans—they work best for a smooth cold brew. Single-origin beans (such as Ethiopian, Colombian, or Brazilian) will give you the nuanced flavors La Colombe is famous for.
- Filtered Water: Since cold brew is just ground coffee and water, using clean, filtered water ensures a pure and balanced flavor.
Equipment:
- A large jar or pitcher for steeping
- A coffee grinder (or pre-ground beans, though freshly ground is preferred)
- A fine-mesh sieve or coffee filter
- A large bowl or another pitcher for straining
Instructions:
1. Choose and Grind Your Coffee Beans: Select your favorite high-quality beans. For a La Colombe-inspired cold brew, try a blend with notes of chocolate, caramel, or fruit. Grind the beans to a coarse setting (similar to sea salt). A coarse grind prevents over-extraction, which can make your cold brew taste bitter.
2. Combine Coffee and Water: Add your ground coffee to a large jar or pitcher. Slowly pour in filtered water, stirring gently to ensure all the coffee is saturated.
3. Steep It Slow: Cover the jar or pitcher and let the coffee steep at room temperature for 12-16 hours. Alternatively, you can steep it in the refrigerator for a slightly longer time (18-24 hours) for an even smoother taste.
4. Strain the Coffee: Once steeping is complete, strain the mixture. Place a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth over a large bowl or another jar. Slowly pour the coffee through the sieve to separate the grounds. For an extra-clean brew, you can pass it through a coffee filter after the initial strain.
5. Dilute (Optional): The resulting cold brew concentrate can be quite strong. If you prefer milder coffee, dilute it with equal parts water or milk before serving.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Pour your cold brew over ice and enjoy it black, or customize it with milk, cream, or sweeteners. If you’re feeling fancy, make your own “Draft Latte” by frothing milk and lightly sweetening it before adding it to the cold brew.
Tips for the Perfect La Colombe Cold Brew:
- Use Freshly Ground Beans: Coffee is at its peak flavor after grinding, so grind your beans just before brewing for the best results.
- Experiment with Bean Origin: If you want that signature La Colombe flavor, look for beans with tasting notes of chocolate, caramel, citrus, or berries. Single-origin beans are often the best choice.
- Cold Press It (Optional): If you have access to a French press, it’s an excellent tool for filtering cold brew. After steeping, simply push the plunger down to separate the grounds.
- Store Correctly: Store your cold brew concentrate in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to a week. This helps maintain the full flavor.
- Batch Preparation: Cold brew is strong, so you can make a batch and dilute it when you’re ready to drink. This makes it perfect for prepping ahead of time.
What to serve with
La Colombe Cold Brew’s smooth, rich flavor opens the door to endless pairing possibilities.
Pastries and Baked Goods
- Croissants: A buttery, flaky croissant is perfect alongside cold brew, especially one with subtle chocolate notes. Try almond croissants for a nutty pairing.
- Muffins: Opt for flavors like blueberry, banana nut, or chocolate chip to complement the coffee’s natural sweetness.
- Breakfast Loaves: Enjoy a slice of banana bread or zucchini bread for a delightful contrast with cold brew’s bold flavor.
Savory Breakfast Options
- Avocado Toast: Topped with flaky sea salt, chili flakes, and maybe a fried egg, avocado toast balances the coffee’s richness with its creamy texture and fresh taste.
- Egg Sandwiches: A classic egg and cheese sandwich with bacon or sausage pairs beautifully with the smoothness of cold brew.
Final Thoughts
La Colombe Cold Brew is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of foods, whether you prefer sweet treats, savory dishes, or fresh snacks. No matter the occasion—breakfast, brunch, or dessert—you can find a pairing that turns your coffee ritual into a gourmet experience.
Ingredients
- High-Quality Coffee Beans
- Filtered Water
Instructions
1. Choose and Grind Your Coffee Beans: Select your favorite high-quality beans. For a La Colombe-inspired cold brew, try a blend with notes of chocolate, caramel, or fruit. Grind the beans to a coarse setting (similar to sea salt). A coarse grind prevents over-extraction, which can make your cold brew taste bitter.
2. Combine Coffee and Water: Add your ground coffee to a large jar or pitcher. Slowly pour in filtered water, stirring gently to ensure all the coffee is saturated.
3. Steep It Slow: Cover the jar or pitcher and let the coffee steep at room temperature for 12-16 hours. Alternatively, you can steep it in the refrigerator for a slightly longer time (18-24 hours) for an even smoother taste.
4. Strain the Coffee: Once steeping is complete, strain the mixture. Place a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth over a large bowl or another jar. Slowly pour the coffee through the sieve to separate the grounds. For an extra-clean brew, you can pass it through a coffee filter after the initial strain.
5. Dilute (Optional): The resulting cold brew concentrate can be quite strong. If you prefer milder coffee, dilute it with equal parts water or milk before serving.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Pour your cold brew over ice and enjoy it black, or customize it with milk, cream, or sweeteners. If you’re feeling fancy, make your own "Draft Latte" by frothing milk and lightly sweetening it before adding it to the cold brew.
