National Cold Brew Day

Young woman enjoying a refreshing glass of cold brew coffee, wearing a trendy summer outfit, sitting in a sunny café with a captivating cityscape in the background.. — National cold brew day illustration

Folks, pour yourselves a steaming... just kidding... rather, a cool, delightful cup of joe, because we're celebrating National Cold Brew Day! Ever wondered why the internet went bonkers over this chilled caffeinated beverage on the 20th of April, 2016? Well, fasten your coffee filters, because we're diving straight into the bean-tastic history of this invigorating day.

When is Cold Brew Day?

It's national cold brew day on the 20th April.

A Brew-tiful Beginning

What could be more refreshing than kicking things off with a robust and velvety smooth cold brew coffee? Our digital journey begins in 2016, when the internet was buzzing, quite appropriately, like a well-caffeinated beehive. Our trusty advanced mention detection system recorded a whopping 435 mentions of National Cold Brew Day, making 20th April 2016 the most widely celebrated Cold Brew Day in history. It was a virtual coffee carnival!

The Beans Behind the Buzz

Why all the hype, you ask? Cold brew coffee is not just an ordinary cup of joe. It's carefully brewed without heat, resulting in a less acidic, supremely smooth and subtly sweet profile. As coffee connoisseurs began to appreciate this gentler approach to their favorite roast, National Cold Brew Day emerged as a way to share and celebrate this innovative brew method.

The Aroma on the Internet

The first significant mention and celebration of the day on the internet were a thrilling tribute to these mellow coffee trends. Posts, pictures, and even pun-filled memes flooded the virtual world, with people all over the globe sharing their favorite cold brew recipes, their preferred blends, and, of course, the best time of day to drink it. (Hint: Anytime!)

History behind the term 'Cold Brew'

1960s

The birth of iced coffee

During the 1960s, iced coffee became popular as a refreshing and cold alternative to regular hot coffee. It was typically made by chilling hot brewed coffee and serving it over ice. However, this method sometimes resulted in a diluted and less flavorful beverage.

1964

The Early Origins

The term 'cold brew' originated in the 1960s when it first appeared in a promotional booklet published by the Japanese coffee company, Nihon Dabo, in 1964. At this time, 'cold brew' referred to a method of making iced coffee by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for an extended period of time, usually overnight. This process gradually extracts the flavors from the coffee beans, resulting in a smoother and less acidic brew.

17th century

The Origin of Coffee

Coffee, derived from the Arabic word 'qahwah,' meaning 'wine of the bean,' has been consumed for centuries. Legend has it that around the 9th century, an Ethiopian goat herder named Kaldi discovered coffee when he noticed his goats becoming energized after eating the red berries of a certain shrub. Eventually, coffee cultivation spread to the Arabian Peninsula and became popular throughout the Islamic world.

1964

Toddy Coffee and the beginnings of cold brew

In 1964, a chemical engineering graduate named Todd Simpson developed a new method to brew coffee with lower acidity and reduced bitterness. He created a cold brewing system that used time instead of heat to extract the desired flavors from the beans. Simpson's creation, called the 'Toddy Coffee Maker,' sparked the early days of what is now known as cold brew.

2003

An American Revolution

The term 'cold brew' became widely known in the United States around 2003 when a specialty coffee shop called 'Bricklane Coffee' in London introduced cold brewed coffee to the American market. Their innovative method involved steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in cold water for 24 hours, which produced a unique flavor profile that was distinct from traditional hot brewed coffee. This groundbreaking technique gained popularity and sparked a cold brew revolution in the American coffee scene.

1600s

The Rise of Cold Brew

During the 17th century in Japan, cold brew coffee, known as 'Kyoto-style' or 'Dutch coffee,' was developed. It involved brewing coffee with room temperature or cold water over an extended period, often overnight. This slow extraction process resulted in a smooth, less acidic coffee concentrate.

1960s

Japanese Iced Coffee Innovations

In the 1960s, Japanese companies such as Tetsu Kasuya and Hario started experimenting with brewing methods using ice to rapidly chill the hot coffee during the brewing process. This technique, called 'Japanese iced coffee,' offered a convenient and quick way to enjoy a refreshing iced coffee with vibrant flavors.

1970s

Growing popularity among coffee enthusiasts

Throughout the 1970s, cold brew gained popularity among coffee enthusiasts and home brewers who appreciated its smoother, less acidic taste. The slow extraction process allowed for a more concentrated coffee concentrate that could be diluted with water or milk according to personal preference.

2010

Mainstream Adoption

By 2010, cold brew had firmly established itself as a mainstream beverage. Major coffee chains began offering cold brew alongside their regular menu items, and bottled cold brew became readily available in grocery stores. The term 'cold brew' became synonymous with a refreshing and smooth coffee experience that appealed to both coffee connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike. Its popularity continued to soar as more people discovered the distinct taste and lower acidity of this brewing method.

2010s

Mainstream recognition and specialty coffee chains

In the 2010s, cold brew experienced a surge in popularity, with specialty coffee chains and artisanal coffee shops adding it to their menus. It became a trend and was widely embraced for its refreshing and bold flavor profile. Cold brew was now recognized as a separate brewing method, distinct from iced coffee.

Present

Diverse Variations

In the present day, the term 'cold brew' has expanded to encompass a wide range of variations and adaptations. Coffee enthusiasts have experimented with different beans, ratios, and brewing times to create unique flavor profiles. Nitro cold brew, which involves infusing cold brew coffee with nitrogen gas to create a velvety texture and foamy head, has also gained significant popularity. Today, 'cold brew' has become a beloved beverage, celebrated for its smoothness, versatility, and the ability to be enjoyed year-round.

2000s

Global Popularization

In the early 2000s, cold brew coffee gained popularity globally. The slow extraction method became trendy, appealing to coffee enthusiasts who sought a less acidic, smoother coffee experience. Commercial cold brew brands emerged, catering to the growing demand for ready-to-drink cold brew beverages, and the concept of 'cold brew' became a common term in coffee culture.

Present day

Cold brew's place in coffee culture

Today, cold brew has become a beloved part of coffee culture worldwide. Its popularity has led to the emergence of dedicated cold brew brands, packaged cold brew ready-to-drink bottles, and innovative brewing techniques. People appreciate the smoothness, lower acidity, and unique flavor profile that cold brew offers, making it a staple in the ever-evolving world of coffee.

Did you know?

Did you know that unlike hot coffee, cold brew coffee can stay fresh for up to two weeks in the fridge? So, you can brew it once and enjoy it every morning, saving time and definitely making your mornings cooler!