Go Back
Four glass mugs filled with an iced amber drink, citrus wheels, and mint leaves

Calamansi Cold Brew with Citrus Kick

Overnight cold brew coffee brightened with fresh calamansi juice - tart, smooth, and ready when you wake up.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 12 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 4 glasses
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: Filipino-inspired
Calories: 25
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cold Brew Concentrate
  • 120 g coarse-ground light or medium roast coffee about 1 cup; grind to coarse sugar texture
  • 480 ml filtered cold water 2 cups for concentrate; plus more for diluting at serving
To Finish Each Glass
  • 2 tbsp fresh calamansi juice per glass; from about 4 to 5 calamansi per glass; squeeze fresh at serving
  • 120 ml cold filtered water or milk per glass; for diluting concentrate 1:1; use oat milk for a latte version
  • 1 simple syrup to 2 tsp per glass; optional; adjust to taste
  • 1 cup ice per glass; large cubes preferred

Method
 

Make the Cold Brew Concentrate
  1. Add 120 g of coarse-ground coffee to a 32 oz glass jar or pitcher.
  2. Pour 480 ml of cold filtered water over the grounds. Stir gently for 20 to 30 seconds until all grounds are wet.
  3. Cover the jar with a lid or plastic wrap. Place in the fridge and steep for 12 to 14 hours. Do not steep longer than 16 hours or the concentrate will taste flat.
  4. Set a fine-mesh sieve over a large bowl and pour the steeped coffee through it. Discard the grounds.
  5. Line the same sieve with a paper coffee filter and pass the liquid through a second time. The finished concentrate should be clear and deep brown with no visible sediment.
  6. Transfer the strained concentrate to a clean sealed jar. It keeps in the fridge for up to 7 days.
Build Each Glass
  1. Fill a tall glass with ice cubes.
  2. Pour 120 ml (about half a cup) of cold brew concentrate over the ice.
  3. Add 120 ml of cold water or cold milk to dilute the concentrate 1:1. For a stronger cup, reduce the water to 80 ml.
  4. Squeeze 2 tablespoons of fresh calamansi juice directly into the glass. Stir once.
  5. Taste. Add simple syrup 1 teaspoon at a time if you want to soften the tartness. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use a 1:4 coffee-to-water ratio for concentrate; dilute 1:1 at serving for a standard-strength drink.
  • Strain twice - once through a mesh sieve, once through a paper filter - for a completely clear brew.
  • Squeeze calamansi only at serving time; pre-mixed batches go flat and overly tart within 4 hours.
  • Light roast coffee produces the most noticeable citrus synergy with calamansi.
  • Taste concentrate before diluting - batch strength varies by grind size and steep time.