Guide
How To Make Cold Brew Coffee
Learn how to make cold brew coffee at home with the right grind size, ratio, steep time and filtration method.
On This Page5 Sections
Quick Answer
To make cold brew coffee, combine coarse-ground coffee with cold or room-temperature water, steep for 12-18 hours, then filter carefully. Use 1:4 for concentrate or 1:8 to 1:10 for ready-to-drink cold brew. Keep it refrigerated after brewing and dilute concentrate with water or milk before serving.
Key Takeaways
- 1Cold brew uses time instead of heat, so it tastes smoother and less sharp than hot-brewed coffee.
- 2Use coarse grind to reduce sludge and bitterness.
- 3Choose 1:4 for concentrate and 1:8-1:10 for ready-to-drink cold brew.
Cold brew is not simply iced coffee. Iced coffee is usually hot coffee chilled or poured over ice. Cold brew is extracted slowly with cool water, which changes the flavor profile. It often tastes smoother, heavier and less acidic.
Starting Recipes
Concentrate is flexible because you can dilute it later. Ready-to-drink cold brew is simpler if you want to pour and serve.
Step-By-Step Method
- Grind coffee coarse.
- Combine coffee and water in a clean jar or brewer.
- Stir to wet all grounds.
- Cover and steep for 12-18 hours.
- Filter through a fine filter or paper filter.
- Refrigerate after brewing.
- Dilute concentrate before serving.
Troubleshooting
What To Read Next
Pair this with the Cold Brew Ratio Guide, Iced Coffee Guide, Coffee Storage Guide, and Cold Brew. For method details, continue with Cold Brew.