Why It Pays To Use Coffee Concentrate Instead Of Espresso

Not everyone has their own espresso machine at home — it is a luxury that few can afford. With café drinks costing upwards of $6 in some cases, getting your daily fix of caffeine can seem like quite the investment. One solution you might want to consider is coffee concentrate. This magical concoction is essentially a coffee extract, and you can dilute it as much as you'd like. You'll get the same amount of caffeine as you would from an espresso shot (or more if you want), and it won't cost you an arm and a leg.

This isn't just a way to cheaply substitute the delicious iced latte you buy at a coffee shop — this method is the real deal. In fact, some coffee shops even keep a stash of coffee concentrate on hand for their iced drinks. This is because it's more reliable to use concentrate than to try to pull the perfect espresso shot every time. Another major benefit is that you can add as much as you need for your iced coffee without worrying about melting the ice. The concentrate can be stored in the refrigerator, or at room temperature if you have to prepare coffee for a crowd. Furthermore, it works in any context — you can use it as a base for an iced mocha or splash some in a mug with hot water for an Americano.

The best part of a coffee concentrate is that the only thing you need to invest is time. There is no fancy equipment required — any large bowl will do. The first step is to add your ground coffee to the bowl and then pour cold water over it. Make sure that all of the grinds are thoroughly drenched as you pour. This cold water extraction method decreases the amount of acid pulled from the coffee grounds, making it easier on your stomach.

A good ratio to follow is one part coffee to four parts water. If you want a stronger coffee concentrate, just add less water, and your finished product will be more intense (although you'll end up with less of it). Cover the whole mixture and let it steep for around 24 hours, and then dump it through a fine mesh sieve or filter. It'll take around half an hour for all of the liquid to come through, leaving you with a perfectly bold coffee concentrate. Not only does this extract taste less bitter than hot brewed coffee or espresso shots, but it also is healthier for you in the long run. Filtering your coffee gets rid of diterpenes, which are substances that can increase your LDL cholesterol. Go the healthier, more cost-effective route and make some coffee concentrate. One batch can quench a crowd or make enough drinks for the whole week!