Introduction:The demand for iced coffee has surged in the summer, prompting Luckin Coffee to launch low-priced cold brew in some cities, attracting a large number of consumers eager to try something new. However, many customers reported that the cold brew appeared light in color and weak in flavor, even resembling "diluted Americano." Staff explained that the brewing process only takes 15 minutes, far shorter than Starbucks’ 14 hours and Tims’ 16 hours. This article delves into the controversy surrounding Luckin’s cold brew, analyzing factors affecting extraction time and flavor, and offers practical advice on selection and brewing.
With the arrival of summer, chilled coffee has become the go-to choice for many consumers seeking to beat the heat, and various brands have successively launched a range of cold beverages. Among them, Luckin Coffee introduced affordably priced cold brew in cities such as Beijing and Wuhan, with each cup generally priced under 20 yuan, and even dropping to 9.9 yuan with coupons, attracting many customers to be among the first to try it.
However, this value-for-money cold brew product has sparked considerable controversy. Some consumers noted that the cold brew they received had a pale color and an overly light taste, almost like "Americano with added water," lacking the richness and depth expected. Such feedback is frequently seen on social platforms like Xiaohongshu, sparking widespread discussion.
In response to public skepticism, staff at some Luckin outlets stated that they followed the standard procedure for making cold brew and did not cut corners. According to information provided by employees, Luckin’s cold brew process involves: placing pre-ground coffee powder in a filter bag, mixing it with room temperature or cold water in the correct ratio, and thensteeping for 15 minutesbefore removing the filter bag and immediately refrigerating it. This approach stands in stark contrast to the typical cold brew method, which often involves several hours or even over ten hours of extraction.
It is worth noting that the traditional method of making cold brew involves combining coarsely ground coffee with cold water in a container, placing it in the refrigerator for slow extraction, with a generally recommended time of8 to 24 hours, allowing the coffee flavors to gradually release in a low-temperature environment while avoiding the bitterness caused by over-extraction. Starbucks and Tims require14 hours and 16 hoursrespectively, which are considered more standard processing times.
In comparison, Luckin’s use of only15 minutesof steeping time has been jokingly referred to by some coffee enthusiasts as "instant cold brew," raising doubts about whether it can truly extract sufficient flavor compounds. One netizen commented: "Fifteen minutes is barely enough to slightly discolor the coffee grounds," "I thought they were just giving the coffee powder a bath," and "I wouldn’t be surprised if the taste was just Americano with water added."
Nevertheless, some consumers believe that if the correct ratio is used, the mixture is stirred thoroughly, and the steeping time is fully observed, Luckin’s cold brew might not be as insipid as rumored. They speculate that some outlets may have issues such as incorrect proportions, uneven stirring, or insufficient steeping, leading to subpar flavor. Additionally, enjoying cold brew at less than the price of a pour over is still considered a decent value-for-money option by many users.
From a professional perspective, the flavor of cold brew is influenced by multiple factors, including coffee bean variety, roast level, grind size, coffee-to-water ratio, steeping time, and temperature. Generally speaking, to achieve a balanced and layered cold brew, it is recommended to use a medium-coarse grind, a coffee-to-water ratio of approximately 1:8 to 1:12, and to let it sit in the refrigerator for at least12 hours or moreto allow the flavors to fully develop while maintaining a smooth taste.
In summary, Luckin’s cold brew has sparked market discussion due to its extremely short brewing time. Whether due to cost or efficiency considerations, or as part of a standardized operation procedure, it is understandable that the resulting flavor may fall short of consumer expectations. For those who enjoy cold brew, if you’re seeking a richer and more complex flavor, you might consider trying the traditional long-steep method or opting for other brands and shops that specialize in cold brew craftsmanship.
The above content is compiled by CoffeeHunters, a coffee news website.
