When I first moved to Lincoln, it was a no-Starbucks town. As I explored the local coffee shops for my daily iced latte, one of them recommended an iced toddy. It was love at first sip.
If you’ve never had cold brewed coffee, let me tell you it’s the most amazing thing ever. It’s less acidic than the hot stuff and therefore easier on your stomach. It also has a subtle sweetness that’s just about perfect, and I say that as someone who cringes at the thought of adding sweetner to a cup of joe.
I immediately purchased a Toddy Coffee Maker so I could make decaf at home and drink it all day long. That’s only a slight exaggeration. My only frustration was the darn filter. They’re supposed to last a few months in the fridge, but mine were only making it through 2-3 brews. Then one day, the Pioneer Woman posted her recipe for The Perfect Iced Coffee and a lightbulb went off. I could make my own reusable filter!
Here’s how I did it:
- Grab a tea towel, the thinner the better.
- Fold in half and trace the top of the toddy maker as your pattern.
- Cut through both layers of the towel to get two circles.
- Sew circles together right sides facing, leaving a gap for turning.
- Turn right side out, tops titch around to close up the gap.
I’ve used this a few times and it works great. I just rinse off the grinds and throw it in the wash. If you cold brew at home, quit buying filters and make your own!
project details: I used the tea towels from my failed attempt at coffee grind dyeing, and yes, they’re still blue. I bought my toddy online, but a lot of local coffee shops carry them. Buy local if you can. Here is Ree’s recipe for the Perfect Iced Coffee. Note: I just use coffee and almond milk, but her concoctions sound sinfully delicious.
This is not a product endorsement or paid review. The Toddy folks have no idea who I am. I just love cold brewed coffee and dislike buying disposable filters.
