What does the term "cold brew" refer to?

The term "cold brew" specifically refers to coffee that is steeped in cold water over an extended period, typically 12 to 24 hours. This brewing method involves coarsely grinding the coffee beans and mixing them with cold water, allowing the flavors to extract slowly and gently. As a result, cold brew coffee tends to have a smoother, less acidic profile compared to traditional brewing methods that use hot water.

The other options don't capture the essence of cold brew accurately. For instance, brewing with warm water would produce a completely different flavor profile and extraction process. Serving coffee without milk does not define cold brew, as it can be prepared both with or without milk. Lastly, brewing coffee with ice cubes is a method often associated with iced coffee rather than cold brew; the key distinction lies in how the coffee is initially steeped or brewed.