The Best Answer:
Yes! You can heat up cold brew coffee in many different ways. Of course, you will want to make sure that the temperature is not too hot or the flavor will be off. Some of the best methods are using a microwave, a stovetop, or an urn.
Most people wouldn’t imagine that there is a chance of drinking cold coffee in the morning coffee, on a winter day.
That’s what makes it so great — you can learn how to make a piping hot cup of coffee even when it’s freezing outside! To make sure that you don’t hurt your fingers and don’t drop this delicious beverage on the ground, you can use plain kraft sleeves.
Here are some of the most popular methods for warming up your cold brew coffee safely without messing up the flavor.
What Is Cold Brew Coffee?
Cold brew coffee is a form of iced coffee that is brewed using cold water, in comparison to hot water. Cold-brewed coffee has milder and sweeter flavors in comparison to regular iced coffee.
One of the most popular examples of cold brew coffee is Coffee Time, which is served at truck stops across America. To prepare it, one uses 15 ounces (425 mL) of ground coffee combined with 6 cups (1.4 L) of water, then let it sit for 10 hours at room temperature, resulting in an extraction ratio of 1:5 or 20%.
They then strain the liquid through a coarse filter before serving it over ice cubes.
This creates a smooth, less acidic, and less bitter coffee than traditionally brewed iced coffees.
Ways To Heat Up Your Cold Brew Coffee
| Microwave |
| Stovetop |
| Urn |
| Beverage Warmer |
| Double Boiler |
| French Press |
| Vacuum Flask |
| Thermos |
| Vacuum Insulated Mug |
| Jar |
Get this free cheat sheet to step up your coffee game and learn about the different grind sizes!
1. Use The Microwave
When heating a cup of regular hot coffee, using a microwave is not recommended. This is because the flavor of the coffee will be affected by the temperature and the heat source.
With cold brew, there is no need to worry about heat affecting flavor since it’s already cooled down. Instead, focus on keeping it warm with minimal change in flavor. In just a few seconds, you should be able to heat up your cold brew coffee using this method.
2. A Stovetop
This is another great method for heating up your cold brew. The stovetop is a safer alternative to the microwave and shouldn’t have a strong effect on the flavor.
To use this method, fill a small pot with about one cup of water. Make sure that there is enough room between the water and the rim of the pot for your coffee mug to fit in securely. After this, place your coffee mug in the pot of water and let it heat up on medium or high heat (depending on how hot you like your coffee).
3. An Urn
Although this method may not be modern, an urn is a classic way to heat up a cup of coffee. You can easily find an urn online or in a local store.
Just make sure to follow the instructions regarding temperature and how long you will need to leave it on. Because it’s using water as a heat source, no microwave is required.
4. The Beverage Warmer
If you want to keep your cold brew coffee warm for a while, you can use a beverage warmer.
This way, you have the convenience of taking it with you if you’re out on the go and in need of an afternoon pick-me-up. However, make sure that the mug is metal so it will be compatible with most beverage warmers.
5. A Double Boiler
A double boiler is another popular way to reheat your cold brew coffee.
This method involves a small kettle (or saucepan) on the stovetop and a container of coffee within the saucepan. Place the container of coffee in the kettle so that it is close enough to be in contact with hot water but not too close or it will be burned. Then place the lid on top and turn on the burner as hot as you like, depending on how strong you want your coffee to taste.
6. The French Press
A French press is another great way to heat up your cold brew. Simply fill your French press up with hot water, place the lid on, and let it sit for a few minutes. After this, brew as you would normally do with hot water and you’ll have a warm cup of cold brew left by the time you’re finished.
7. A Vacuum Flask
A vacuum flask is yet another great way to keep your cold brew warm for a few hours. Fill up the flask with hot water before adding the coffee concentrate. This will ensure that your cold brew stays warm for longer periods of time.
8. A Thermos
A thermos can be a great way to keep your cold brew hot without it getting too hot.
They are great for taking with you on the go, as you can store your cold brew in the thermos and bring it with you to work or school. For even better results, use a stainless steel thermos so that it doesn’t get too warm from all of the heat and you won’t have any spills. Use a medium-grade coffee if you plan on using this method.
Check Out Also: Best Coffee for Cold Brew.
9. A Vacuum Insulated Mug
A vacuum insulated mug is another great way to keep your cold brew hot for long periods of time. To make the most out of this, fill up your mug with the hottest water you can stand and then pour in your cold brew to the top before sealing it up. Then, place the mug in a freezer or refrigerator until it’s completely cooled.
10. A Jar
If you’re looking for a quicker method, using a jar is another great way to reheat your cold brew. Simply take the lid off of your jar and place it in the microwave for 30-second intervals until it’s warm to your liking.
This method is great for those who want to stay at home because you don’t have to work around an electric kettle or stovetop. However, make sure that there are no metal parts in your jar or it won’t fit in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it weird to heat up cold brew?
Ideally, it’s best not to heat up cold brew, because if the cold brew is heated, the flavor can get ruined and you won’t be able to enjoy its full advantage. However, many people like to reheat their coffee especially while out and about so they can take their coffee with them or drink it later.
Does heating up cold brew coffee make it acidic?
Only if heat is applied for a certain amount of time will the acidity become higher, but if this happens you’ll also get a nasty burnt aftertaste from your coffee.
You can check also how to make cold brew coffee more sweet here!
Can you heat up Nitro cold brew?
Nitro cold brew is not recommended for reheating as it can become bitter from heating.
Does cold brew coffee taste good hot?
If made with fresh cold brew or cold brewed coffee and then overbrewed in the right amount of time, it can taste delicious hot. However, if coffee is reheated after being brewed with a french press or immersion blender, it will become bitter and not as enjoyable as before.
Can you order a hot version of a cold brew in a coffee shop?
We’ve all been there: it’s a beautiful day and you’re craving an iced coffee. But the problem is, it’s also about 90 degrees outside. Can you order a hot cold brew at a coffee shop?
The answer is complicated. According to the National Post, some cafes are willing to serve their hot coffees on ice or with extra ice in them if that’s what customers want–it’s just not immediately intuitive for many of us because, well, most of us assume that iced drinks are supposed to be served cold.
The barista might give you a weird look but just because a cold brew is cold doesn’t mean it can’t be prepared to become hot on the spot. I guess it all depends on the barista and how nicely you ask!
Last Thoughts
Thank you for taking the time to read this article on how to heat up the cold brew. Don’t forget that the best and safest way to make sure that your cold brew is at its best, is to follow a method that lets you control the temperature.
It’s also best to use methods like a double boiler and a microwave for a quick and easy way of heating up the coffee.
Lastly, make sure that your container of coffee is made of metal, or if you are using a beverage warmer like thermos, because it will heat up faster this way and not affect the flavor of your coffee at all. It will keep your cup of coffee steaming hot all day naturally without altering the texture or flavor.
It might be hard to imagine that cold brew coffee can be heated up, but it’s still possible! From a vacuum flask to your personal thermos, there are probably many ways that you can reheat a cup of cold brew without burning the flavor!
Enjoy coffee Lovers!
Evelina
Evelina’s passion for coffee could never been hidden. Having worked as a barista, she learned the true value of the coffee bean and its secrets. As she continued to evolve as a barista, so did her knowledge, techniques on making different coffee blends and most importantly how to operate every kind of gear when it comes to coffee. Having a degree in biomedicine and being a barista, allows her to provide our community with in-depth knowledge surrounding the topics of coffee.
Get this free cheat sheet to step up your coffee game and learn about the different grind sizes!