Cold brew isn’t just iced coffee—it’s a smooth, low-acid, full-flavored beverage that has taken the coffee world by storm. Perfect for hot days or when you crave a mellow, refreshing drink, cold brew is surprisingly easy to make at home with minimal equipment and maximum reward.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to brew cold brew the right way, how to adjust it to your taste, and how to enjoy it in multiple delicious ways.
What Is Cold Brew?
Cold brew is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee in cold water for an extended period—usually 12 to 24 hours. The result is a concentrated, low-acid, naturally sweet coffee that can be served over ice, diluted with water or milk, or used in creative recipes.
Unlike iced coffee, which is brewed hot and then chilled, cold brew is never exposed to heat during the brewing process.
Key Benefits:
- Smooth, mellow flavor
- Lower acidity (gentler on the stomach)
- Naturally sweet and chocolatey notes
- Easy to make in large batches
- Can be stored in the fridge for up to 10–14 days
What You’ll Need
Cold brew is flexible and beginner-friendly. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Coarsely ground coffee (like raw sugar or breadcrumbs)
- Cold or room-temperature filtered water
- A jar, pitcher, French press, or cold brew maker
- A fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or coffee filter
- A scale (optional, but helps with consistency)
- Storage container with a lid
Recommended Ratio
A common starting point:
- 1:8 ratio — 1 part coffee to 8 parts water
- For a stronger concentrate: 1:4 to 1:5
- For ready-to-drink brew: 1:10 to 1:12
Example for concentrate:
- 100g coffee : 800ml water
You can always dilute to taste after brewing.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Cold Brew Coffee
Step 1: Grind Your Coffee
Use a coarse grind—finer grinds can result in over-extraction and make filtering difficult. Use a burr grinder for best results.
Step 2: Combine Coffee and Water
Place coffee grounds in your chosen container. Add cold or room-temperature water, saturating all grounds. Stir gently to ensure even contact.
Step 3: Steep
Cover and let the coffee steep for 12 to 18 hours at room temperature or in the fridge.
- 12 hours for a lighter brew
- 16–18 hours for full strength
- Avoid going over 24 hours to prevent bitterness
Step 4: Strain
Filter out the grounds using:
- Fine mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth
- Paper coffee filter
- Cold brew system with built-in filter
- French press plunger (push slowly and pour carefully)
Repeat filtering if you notice excess sediment.
Step 5: Store and Serve
Transfer the cold brew to a clean, airtight container and store in the refrigerator.
- Keeps fresh for 10–14 days
- Flavor may mellow over time, but it shouldn’t taste sour or off
Serve over ice, straight or diluted with water, milk, or plant-based alternatives.
How to Customize Your Cold Brew
- Add spices like cinnamon sticks, vanilla beans, or cardamom pods during steeping
- Infuse with citrus peels or herbs like mint for a unique twist
- Use different beans or roast levels—light roasts for fruitiness, dark for richness
- Add a dash of salt to enhance sweetness
Cold brew is extremely versatile—play with it to find your perfect mix.
Creative Cold Brew Recipes
1. Cold Brew Latte
- 1 part cold brew concentrate
- 1 part milk or milk alternative
- Ice + optional syrup (vanilla, caramel)
2. Cold Brew Tonic
- 1 part cold brew
- 2 parts tonic water
- Serve over ice with citrus garnish
3. Sweet Cream Cold Brew
- Cold brew concentrate
- Ice
- Top with homemade sweet cream (milk + vanilla + condensed milk)
4. Cold Brew Popsicles
- Mix cold brew with cream and sweetener
- Pour into molds and freeze
Best Coffee Beans for Cold Brew
Cold brew highlights body and sweetness, so go for:
- Medium to dark roasts for chocolate and nutty notes
- Natural processed beans for fruit-forward sweetness
- Blends for smooth consistency
Avoid light roasts if you prefer less acidity and more roundness.
Final Thoughts: Chill, Brew, Enjoy
Cold brew is the ultimate low-effort, high-reward coffee method. It’s smooth, forgiving, and endlessly customizable—perfect for busy mornings, warm afternoons, or relaxed weekends.
Once you’ve got your favorite ratio dialed in, you’ll always have something refreshing in the fridge. So grind coarse, steep slow, and sip easy—your cold brew journey starts now.