✦ Brew Cold Brew Like a Pro ✦
How To Make Cold Brew
BREW SMOOTH, LOW-ACID COFFEE AT HOME WITH A SIMPLE, STEP-BY-STEP METHOD
The Cold Brew Lowdown
Cold brew is incredibly easy to make—and even easier to love. With minimal equipment and a little patience, you’ll be rewarded with a naturally sweet, smooth, and refreshing brew that’s easy on the stomach and versatile in your cup. Whether you're new to brewing or just want a consistent batch every time, this guide has you covered.
Cold Brew Fundamentals
Equipment
- Large jar, pitcher, or cold brew maker
- Scale (for precision)
- Spoon or stirrer
- Fine mesh sieve or coffee filter
- Large bowl or second container
- Refrigerator-safe storage container
OPTIONAL:
- Burr grinder (if grinding whole beans)
Brew Ratio
- Mild: 1:12 coffee-to-water ratio
- Average: 1:10 coffee-to-water ratio
- Strong: 1:8 coffee-to-water ratio
- Concentrate: 1:4 coffee-to-water ratio
- Start strong—you can always dilute later!
NOTE: When it comes to water, 1 milliliter (mL) = 1 gram (g)—so measuring by volume or weight will give you the same result!
Grind Size
- Ideal Grind: Extra Coarse ground (similar to raw sugar or kosher salt)
- Too fine a grind can result in cloudy, over-extracted brew!
Water Temp
- Room temperature or cold water (filtered if possible)
- No need to heat—this is a no-heat brew method
Step #1
Measure & Grind
Cold brew thrives on coarsely ground beans and a solid brew ratio. Starting strong ensures flavor and flexibility.
Substeps:
- MEASURE YOUR COFFEE: Decide whether you're making a concentrate or a ready-to-drink brew. Use a scale to weigh your beans accordingly.
- GRIND BEANS (IF APPLICABLE): If you're grinding at home, use a burr grinder set to an extra-coarse setting. The texture should resemble raw sugar or kosher salt. If using pre-ground coffee, make sure it's labeled for cold brew or extra coarse.
- TRANSFER TO CONTAINER: Place the grounds into your cold brew maker, pitcher, or large jar.
Useful Tips:
- Always start with freshly ground beans for the best flavor.
- Use medium or dark roast for a richer, smoother result.
- Use a wide-mouth container for easier mixing and cleanup.
- Make a slightly larger batch than you need—cold brew stores well, so having extra on hand means less effort later in the week.
Relevant FAQs
Can I use regular pre-ground coffee?
It’s not ideal—most pre-ground coffee is too fine. If needed, brew for less time and strain carefully.
How coarse is too coarse?
You want a visibly chunky grind—similar to raw sugar. If it looks like sand, it’s too fine.
Can I make cold brew with light roast?
Yes, but the result will be brighter and less chocolatey. Cold brew is most forgiving with medium or dark roasts.
Step #2
Add Water & Stir
Even saturation is the key to full extraction. This step gets the flavors flowing.
Substeps:
- ADD WATER SLOWLY: Pour filtered room-temp or cold water evenly over the grounds.
- STIR TO SATURATE: Use a spoon or spatula to gently stir until all grounds are evenly saturated and submerged.
- COVER THE CONTAINER: Seal with a lid or cover with a clean towel to keep dust out.
Useful Tips:
- Use filtered water for a cleaner, crisper taste.
- Make sure no dry grounds remain floating on top.
- Don’t stir too aggressively—just enough to fully wet the coffee.
- Use a chopstick or long spoon for tall jars.
Relevant FAQs
Do I need to stir the coffee?
Yes—stirring ensures all grounds are saturated, which leads to better extraction.
Can I use hot water to speed things up?
Not for cold brew. Hot water creates a different flavor profile and can make the brew bitter.
What if my coffee floats?
Some float is normal. Just stir well to ensure most of the grounds are submerged.
Step #3
Steep & Extract
This is the easiest part—let time do the work.
Substeps:
- PLACE IN FRIDGE: Let the mixture sit undisturbed for 12 to 18 hours.
- SET A TIMER: Note your start time and plan ahead. Longer steeping gives a bolder brew.
- DON’T DISTURB: Avoid stirring or shaking during steeping.
Useful Tips:
- Always steep your cold brew in the fridge for the best flavor and food safety.
- Cold fridge steeping leads to a smoother, more balanced cup.
- Use a post-it or phone reminder to track steep time.
- If using a plastic container, ensure it doesn’t retain odors.
Relevant FAQs
What’s the ideal steep time?
14–16 hours is the sweet spot for most. Less than 12 hours may taste weak, and much longer than 18 hours can be over-extracted.
Should I brew it in the fridge or on the counter?
For food safety and the best flavor, we recommend brewing in the fridge. It produces a smoother extraction and reduces the risk of bacterial growth that can occur with room-temperature steeping.
Do I need to stir again during steeping?
Nope—just make sure all the grounds are fully saturated and submerged during your initial stir. After that, let it sit undisturbed so the coffee can extract evenly.
Step #4
Strain & Separate
Now you separate the liquid gold from the grounds.
Substeps:
- STRIP THE LID: Remove the cover gently to avoid stirring up sediment.
- STRAIN THROUGH A FILTER: Pour slowly through a fine mesh sieve, coffee filter, or cheesecloth into a clean container.
- LET IT DRAIN COMPLETELY: Be patient—don’t press or squeeze the grounds.
Useful Tips:
- Double strain for extra clarity if needed.
- Use a nut milk bag or cold brew-specific filter for best results.
- Don’t force the liquid through—it can add bitterness.
- Clean your strainer immediately to prevent clogging.
Relevant FAQs
What’s the best filter to use?
A mesh strainer plus paper filter combo gives the cleanest result, but cheesecloth or a nut milk bag works great too.
Can I use a French press to strain?
Yes—just press gently and pour out the liquid without disturbing the settled grounds.
Why does my cold brew look cloudy?
Your grind may be too fine or it wasn’t strained thoroughly. Try coarser grind or double filtering.
Step #5
Store & Serve
Cold brew concentrate is strong—how you enjoy it is up to you.
Substeps:
- TRANSFER TO A CLEAN CONTAINER: Pour your strained cold brew into a jar or bottle. Store it in the fridge.
- DILUTE TO TASTE: Mix concentrate 1:1 with water, milk, or your favorite alt milk. Adjust until it’s just right.
- SERVE OVER ICE: Enjoy as is or dress it up with syrups, citrus, or a splash of cream.
Useful Tips:
- Cold brew keeps for up to 7–10 days when refrigerated.
- For sweeter drinks, use a flavored simple syrup—it mixes better cold.
- Freeze in cubes to chill without watering down your next brew.
- For a nitro feel, shake with ice before serving.
Relevant FAQs
How long does cold brew last?
Up to 10 days in the fridge. Flavor starts fading after a week.
Can I drink it straight?
If you brewed it as concentrate, you’ll likely want to dilute it. But yes—you can sip it straight if you like it strong!
Can I heat up cold brew?
Yes! It’s a great low-acid alternative to hot coffee. Just warm very gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Handy Tools
Perfect Picks for Cold Brew
Still Have Questions?
Don’t worry—we’re here to help! If something’s not quite clicking or you’re just looking for extra brewing clarity, our Brew Crew is just a message away.
