Cold brew coffee has never been more popular. Lots of Americans are discovering something New Orleanians have known for a long time: cold brew makes the best ice coffee. It's really simple (and just a little bit messy!) to make your own cold brewed coffee.

1 @ 13 oz package ground coffee, preferably with chickory
2 @ one-gallon pitchers or other containers of similar size
2 mesh strainers, one finer than the other
Ice, and milk or cream (if desired), for serving

Add coffee and cool water to fill pitcher. Stir to break up clumps and make sure no dry grounds float to the top. Cover. Let sit for 12-24 hours on the counter.

Strain coffee counds out with mesh strainer into a second one-gallon pitcher. Let stand on counter so that sediment settles to the bottom, another 12-24 hours. Gently pour the coffee through a second, fine strainer, taking care not to stir up sediment. Refridgerate until served.

When serving, dilute to taste with a bit more water. Add ice and milk or cream as desired.

A couple of notes. If you prefer, use half of a package of coffee to make cold brew that doesn't require dilution. You can also heat a cup of cold brew in a microwave for delicious hot coffee.