Toasted Coconut Cold Brew Coffee

Step 1

To make the toasted coconut coffee syrup: Preheat oven to 425° F and adjust the top rack to the second notch from the top of the oven. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat and spread the coconut out in an even layer. Toast the coconut for 7-10 minutes until nicely browned and toasted, tossing after 5 minutes. Watch the coconut carefully as it can burn easily.

Step 2

Stir the sugar and water together in a small saucepan and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat. Simmer for 5 minutes, remove from the heat, and stir in the warm toasted coconut. Cover and allow the coconut to steep in the syrup for 30 minutes. Pour the syrup through a fine mesh strainer into a mason jar or resealable glass bottle to cool. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before using. There may be some coconut residue in the syrup; if that bothers you, strain the syrup once more and if not, shake before adding to your coffee.

Step 3

To make the cold brew: Grind the coffee beans on the coarse or French press grind setting (typically setting 1 or 2 on a burr grinder) or have your favorite coffee shop grind your favorite beans. If using freshly ground coffee (that you're scooping from a bag of ground coffee), you'll need about 1¼ to 1½ cups of coarsely ground coffee.

Step 4

Fill up a large pitcher with 2 quarts of water and stir in the coffee with a wooden or plastic spoon. Cover and allow the coffee to sit at room temperature out of direct sunlight for 12-24 hours.

Step 5

Strain the coffee through a double layer of cheesecloth or a paper towel (my preferred method) in a fine mesh strainer set over another pitcher. If you notice coffee grounds floating in the strained coffee, strain it once more. I don't find this to be an issue with the paper towel method. Refrigerate until cold.

Step 6

To serve: Fill a glass with ice. Pour about 2 tablespoons of the syrup into the glass then pour the cold brew into the glass until the glass is about ¾ full. Add a good splash of water to the glass and stir until the syrup combines with the cold brew. Serve or drink immediately.