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Citrus Cold Brew

Citrus Cold Brew

This yuzu citrus cold brew proves that a genuinely refreshing summer recipe requires nothing beyond coarse coffee grounds, a patient overnight steep, and a splash of bright citrus syrup. You follow the full steeping window, the gradual sweetness adjustment, and the ice-at-serving-only rule, and this citrus cold brew rivals anything sold at a twelve-dollar specialty cafe. Whether you drink it plain or dress it up with a splash of sparkling water, this recipe turns an aspirational pantry purchase into a genuine afternoon fix.
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Prep Time 8 minutes
12 hours
Total Time 12 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: Japanese
Calories: 35
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup coarsely ground coffee beans
  • 4 cups cold filtered water
  • 2 tablespoons yuzu syrup
  • 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
  • 2 cups ice cubes
  • 2 thin yuzu slices for garnish

Equipment

  • Fine mesh strainer
  • Large glass jar
  • Mixing spoon

Method
 

  1. Make the cold brew base
    You add the coarsely ground coffee and cold filtered water to a large glass jar and stir gently until all the grounds are wet. You cover the jar and let it sit in the refrigerator for twelve to eighteen hours, and a swamp-like appearance at this stage means the steeping process is working correctly.
  2. Strain the coffee
    You pour the steeped coffee through a fine mesh strainer into a clean pitcher, discarding the used grounds afterward. A few tiny specks that slip through the strainer stay between you and the pitcher.
  3. Add the yuzu flavor
    You stir the yuzu syrup and honey into the strained cold brew until fully combined.
  4. Fill the glasses
    You add ice cubes to each serving glass before pouring.
  5. Pour and garnish
    You pour the finished yuzu cold brew evenly over the ice in each glass, garnishing with a thin yuzu slice before serving immediately.

Recipe Notes

  • Coffee: I only use coarsely ground beans, never fine grounds.
  • Water: I use filtered water for the cleanest flavor.
  • Yuzu syrup: I find this at an Asian grocery store or online.
  • Sweetener: I use honey. Simple syrup substitutes at the same amount.
  • Storage: I keep the syrup and ice out of the main pitcher until serving.