I love coffee, but I'd never tried cold-brew coffee before making this drink. So when our Restaurants Team sent this recipe, a small, dubious part of me thought, 'Really? 12 hours to steep the grounds at room temperature? Couldn't you just make hot coffee and chill it down? It can't be that much better'. Well, I tried it at home, and it is. Now I'm a cold-brew believer-the smooth-tasting result is worth the hours-long wait.

Unlike a more conventional hot brew, the cold-brew method yields a complex concentrate with much less acidity and bitterness. Augmented with the bright, citrusy orange-an unexpectedly great combination-and a hint of sweetness from the agave nectar, this drink is simple, surprisingly flavorful and refreshing. It makes for an unique addition to a summertime brunch or cold pick me up on a hot afternoon.

Our Ebars, where you can find our cold brew, use a 5-1/2-gallon commercial setup. Thankfully the same company makes a more friendly home-sized version-the Toddy Cold Brew Coffee System. For optimal results, use freshly ground whole beans, like our Nordstrom House Blend Dark Roast Coffee Beans.

Orange Twist Cold-Brew Iced Coffee Drink
From Nordstrom Ebar

Ingredients (Per beverage):
9 ounces cold-brew coffee
1 1/2 teaspoons light agave nectar
Orange slices, 1/4-inch thick
Ice

1. Prepare cold-brew coffee concentrate according to manufacturer's instructions. Dilute with water for a 50/50 ratio concentrate to water.

2. Fill a 16-ounce glass with ice 1/2 inch from the top. (Nestle a halved orange slice or two amongst the ice for garnish, if desired.)

3. Fill a martini shaker with a scoop of ice. Pour in coffee, agave nectar and two sliced orange halves.

4. Cover martini shaker and shake vigorously for 10 seconds, until well mixed and frothy. Strain into ice-filled glass. Garnish rim with an orange slice.

SHOP: Nordstrom Coffee

-Jeff Powell