Making cold brew coffee at home is one of those kitchen projects that feels almost too simple to be real.
With just two ingredients, a little patience, and no fancy equipment, you can have a smooth, rich, low-acid coffee concentrate that blows anything from a coffee shop right out of the water.
If you’ve ever wondered how to make cold brew coffee at home, this guide walks you through every single step.
From the coffee-to-water ratio to the steeping time and straining method, you’ll have everything you need to nail it on your very first try.
The best part? Once you understand the basics, the possibilities are endless. You can customize the strength, flavor, and serving style to suit your exact taste.
If you’re a fan of homemade drinks, you’ll also love exploring these summer drinks for more refreshing ideas to keep in your rotation.
| Quick Recipe Summary | |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Steep Time | 12–24 hours |
| Total Time | 12–24 hours 10 minutes |
| Servings | 4–6 servings (makes about 4 cups concentrate) |
| Difficulty Level | Easy |
Why You’ll Love This Cold Brew Coffee
Once you try homemade cold brew, it’s really hard to go back to buying it.
Store-bought versions are expensive, often loaded with preservatives, and just don’t have that same fresh, clean taste you get when you make it yourself.
Here’s why this recipe is worth keeping in your regular rotation:
- Incredibly smooth and low-acid — Cold brew is steeped in cold water, which means the hot-extraction bitterness you get with regular coffee is almost completely absent.
- Super concentrated — This recipe makes a concentrate that you dilute to taste, so it’s incredibly versatile and efficient.
- Two ingredients only — Coarsely ground coffee and cold water. That’s it.
- Lasts up to two weeks — Keep a jar in the fridge and you have coffee ready to go every single morning.
- Customizable strength — Adjust the coffee-to-water ratio to make it stronger or milder depending on your preference.
- Cheaper than the coffee shop — A single batch costs a fraction of what you’d spend on ready-made cold brew.
- No special equipment required — A large jar, a fine mesh strainer, and a coffee filter are all you need.
You might also enjoy: Gingerbread Frappe for another coffee-inspired drink you can make at home.
Ingredients
You only need two base ingredients to make cold brew coffee. The quality of your coffee beans will make the biggest difference in flavor, so it’s worth choosing something you genuinely enjoy drinking.
- 1 cup (100g) coarsely ground coffee — Use a medium or dark roast for the best results. The coarser the grind, the easier it is to strain and the cleaner the final cup.
- 4 cups (950ml) cold filtered water — Filtered water gives you a cleaner, better-tasting brew. Tap water works too, but the difference is noticeable.
That’s truly all you need for the base recipe. From there, you can customize with optional add-ins like a cinnamon stick, vanilla bean, or a pinch of salt during the steep.
Read Also: Spiced Apple Cider Recipe
Kitchen Equipment Needed
You don’t need anything fancy to make cold brew at home. Most of these items are probably already in your kitchen.
- Large glass jar or pitcher (at least 32 oz / 1 liter capacity) — A mason jar works perfectly.
- Fine mesh strainer — For the first pass of straining out the grounds.
- Cheesecloth or paper coffee filters — For a second, cleaner strain to remove fine sediment.
- Coffee grinder — A burr grinder is ideal if you’re grinding your own beans.
- Measuring cup — For the water.
- Kitchen scale (optional but recommended) — For precise coffee measurements.
- Cold brew coffee maker (optional) — If you’d like a dedicated vessel with a built-in filter, these make the process even easier.
The smoothie bowl recipe on this site pairs beautifully with cold brew for a refreshing, energizing start to the morning.
Recommended Products for This Recipe
These are the products I personally use and recommend when making cold brew at home. They’re not required, but they genuinely make the process easier and the results better.
1. OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker
This brewer has a built-in rainmaker lid that distributes water evenly over the grounds for a more consistent steep, and the perforated filter basket means straining is completely hands-free.
It holds over 32 oz, which is perfect for a standard batch. Cleanup is also surprisingly easy compared to straining through cheesecloth.
2. Baratza Encore Burr Coffee Grinder
The grind size is arguably the most important variable in cold brew coffee, and a burr grinder gives you a much more consistent coarse grind than a blade grinder.
The Baratza Encore is reliable, beginner-friendly, and produces the kind of uniform grind that makes straining easy and the flavor clean. It’s a long-term investment that improves every coffee you make.
3. Specialty Single-Origin Cold Brew Coffee Beans
For the smoothest, most flavorful cold brew, a quality single origin coffee bean with chocolatey or nutty tasting notes works beautifully.
Medium-dark roasts from regions like Colombia or Ethiopia tend to shine in cold brew because their flavor complexity comes through without bitterness.
4. Ball Wide Mouth Mason Jars (Set of 4)
If you prefer the DIY approach over a dedicated brewer, wide mouth mason jars are your best friend.
They’re easy to fill, easy to strain into, and easy to store in the fridge. A set of four means you can always have a fresh batch steeping while you’re drinking the last one.
For another light, beautiful drink to keep in rotation, this matcha lemonade is one I make on repeat all summer long.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Cold Brew Coffee
1. Choose and Grind Your Coffee
- Start with whole beans if possible and grind them fresh right before brewing. Freshly ground coffee produces a noticeably more flavorful cold brew.
- Use a burr grinder set to a coarse grind setting, roughly the texture of raw sugar or coarse sea salt. This coarse grind is essential because it allows for slow cold-water extraction and makes straining much easier.
- If you don’t have a grinder, ask your local coffee shop to grind it coarse for you, or purchase pre-ground coffee labeled specifically for cold brew.
- Measure out 1 cup (100g) of coarsely ground coffee. This 1:4 ratio produces a strong concentrate that you’ll dilute when serving.
2. Combine Coffee and Water
- Add the ground coffee to your large glass jar or cold brew maker.
- Pour 4 cups (950ml) of cold, filtered water slowly over the grounds, making sure all the coffee is saturated.
- Stir gently with a long spoon to ensure every bit of ground coffee is fully submerged and in contact with the water. Dry pockets of coffee won’t extract properly.
- Don’t add any sweetener or flavorings at this stage unless you want them to steep in (like a cinnamon stick or vanilla bean). If you’re adding them, drop them in now and stir once more.
3. Cover and Steep in the Refrigerator
- Cover the jar or container tightly with a lid or plastic wrap.
- Place it in the refrigerator and let it steep for 12 to 24 hours. Most people find the sweet spot is around 18–20 hours for a rich, balanced concentrate.
- If you steep for less than 12 hours, the cold brew will be under-extracted and taste weak or watery.
- If you steep for more than 24 hours, it can become slightly over-extracted — though this is much less of an issue with cold brew than with hot methods.
- Avoid steeping at room temperature unless you plan to drink it within 12 hours, as this can increase the risk of bacterial growth.
4. Strain the Concentrate
- Once steeping is complete, set a fine mesh strainer over a clean bowl or large measuring cup.
- Pour the coffee and grounds through the strainer slowly, letting gravity do the work. Don’t press or squeeze the grounds, as this can make the concentrate cloudy and slightly bitter.
- For a second, cleaner strain, line the same strainer with a piece of cheesecloth or place a paper coffee filter inside it, then pour the concentrate through again. This step removes fine sediment and gives you a crystal-clear, clean cold brew concentrate.
- Discard the used grounds (they can be composted).
5. Transfer and Store
- Pour the finished cold brew concentrate into a clean glass jar or pitcher with a tight-fitting lid.
- Store it in the refrigerator. Your concentrate is now ready to serve.
- Label it with the date so you always know when it was made.
6. Serve Over Ice
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Pour cold brew concentrate over the ice, using a 1:1 ratio of concentrate to water (or milk) for a standard-strength drink. For a stronger cup, increase the concentrate and reduce the water.
- Stir briefly to combine and add any sweetener, cream, or milk of your choice.
- Enjoy immediately.
Read Also: Easy Breakfast Recipes
Tips for The Best Cold Brew Coffee
A few small adjustments make a big difference when it comes to getting cold brew just right. Here are the most important ones to keep in mind.
- Grind coarsely. This is the most critical tip. A fine grind will make straining nearly impossible and result in a gritty, over-extracted brew.
- Use good water. Filtered or bottled water produces a cleaner, brighter-tasting cold brew than tap water.
- Don’t skip the second strain. Running your concentrate through cheesecloth or a paper filter takes an extra few minutes but results in a much cleaner final product.
- Steep in the fridge, not on the counter. Room-temperature steeping is faster but increases the risk of bacterial growth and can lead to off flavors.
- Experiment with ratios. The 1:4 ratio in this recipe is a strong concentrate. If you prefer a lighter brew, try 1:5 or 1:6.
- Try different roasts. Medium-dark and dark roasts tend to produce the most chocolatey, smooth cold brew. Light roasts can be interesting too, but their brighter acidity can come through more noticeably.
- Add flavors during the steep. A cinnamon stick, vanilla bean, or even a cardamom pod steeped alongside the grounds adds a lovely subtle flavor with no extra work.
You might also enjoy: Hot Chocolate Recipes for when the weather calls for something warm and cozy instead.
Serving Suggestions
Cold brew concentrate is wonderfully versatile and can be dressed up or kept simple depending on your mood and the occasion.
It’s delicious served in the most classic way possible: over ice with a splash of cream and a spoonful of simple syrup. But it’s also a fantastic base for all kinds of coffee drinks.
Here are some of the best ways to enjoy it:
- Classic iced coffee — Dilute 1:1 with cold water or milk over ice. Add sweetener to taste.
- Cold brew latte — Use oat milk, almond milk, or whole milk instead of water for a creamy, café-style drink.
- Vietnamese-style iced coffee — Stir in a generous spoonful of sweetened condensed milk for a rich, indulgent treat.
- Cold brew tonic — Combine cold brew concentrate with sparkling tonic water and a slice of orange for a refreshing, slightly bitter sip.
- Cold brew martini — Mix cold brew concentrate with vodka, coffee liqueur, and a splash of simple syrup for an impressive cocktail.
- Blended frappé — Blend cold brew concentrate with ice, milk, and a sweetener for a homemade blended coffee drink.
- Cold brew overnight oats — Use a splash of cold brew concentrate in your overnight oats for a subtle coffee flavor that makes breakfast feel extra special.
Read Also: Chai Latte Overnight Oats
Variations of Cold Brew Coffee
The basic recipe is just the starting point. Once you’ve mastered it, these variations are worth exploring.
- Vanilla cold brew — Add half a vanilla bean or 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the grounds before steeping. It gives the concentrate a warm, slightly sweet undertone.
- Cinnamon cold brew — Toss a cinnamon stick into the jar with the grounds. The result is subtly spiced and particularly good with a splash of oat milk.
- Chocolate cold brew — Stir a tablespoon of cacao nibs or unsweetened cocoa powder into the grounds before steeping for a mocha-like flavor.
- Salted caramel cold brew — Serve your concentrate with a drizzle of caramel sauce and a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top of your ice and cream.
- Coconut cold brew — Dilute the concentrate with coconut milk instead of water and serve over ice for a tropical, creamy variation.
- Nitro-style cold brew — Charge your cold brew with nitrogen using a whipped cream dispenser for a creamy, velvety texture with a foamy top.
- Cold brew with cardamom — A Middle Eastern-inspired variation that adds two or three crushed cardamom pods during steeping. It pairs beautifully with condensed milk.
I love pairing any of these variations with a fruit and yogurt parfait for a satisfying breakfast that feels like a real treat.
Storage and Reheating
Cold brew keeps incredibly well, which is part of what makes it so practical for everyday use. Follow these guidelines to get the most out of every batch.
- Cold brew concentrate keeps in a sealed jar or pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Always store it covered to prevent it from absorbing other fridge odors.
- Pre-diluted cold brew (already mixed with water or milk) should be consumed within 3–4 days for the best flavor.
- Do not freeze cold brew — while technically possible, freezing can mute the flavor and alter the texture once thawed. It’s better to just make smaller batches more frequently.
- No reheating needed for iced coffee, but if you’d like a warm version, simply dilute your cold brew concentrate with hot water instead of cold. Because it’s a concentrate, it holds up well to hot water without becoming watery.
- Glass storage is best — Mason jars or glass pitchers are preferable to plastic, which can absorb odors and affect the flavor over time.
For a make-ahead drink to keep on hand alongside your cold brew, try this watermelon lemonade, it stores just as well and is just as refreshing.
Nutritional Facts
The nutritional content of cold brew coffee varies depending on how you serve it. The concentrate itself, made with just coffee and water, is almost entirely calorie-free.
| Serving | Calories | Carbs | Fat | Protein | Caffeine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 oz concentrate (straight) | ~5 | 0g | 0g | 0g | ~35–40mg |
| 8 oz diluted 1:1 with water | ~10 | 0g | 0g | 0g | ~130–150mg |
| 8 oz diluted with whole milk | ~80 | 6g | 3g | 4g | ~130–150mg |
| 8 oz with oat milk | ~70 | 9g | 2g | 1g | ~130–150mg |
Note: Caffeine content varies significantly depending on the coffee beans, roast level, and grind used. Cold brew concentrate is generally higher in caffeine per ounce than standard brewed coffee.
Read Also: Granola Bars Recipe
Health Benefits of Key Ingredients
Cold brew coffee isn’t just delicious, it also comes with some well-documented health benefits, thanks largely to its two key ingredients.
The most notable benefit is its lower acidity compared to hot-brewed coffee.
Because the grounds are never exposed to heat, fewer acidic compounds are extracted during the steeping process.
This makes cold brew significantly gentler on the stomach and tooth enamel.
Here’s a breakdown of the key health benefits:
- Rich in antioxidants — Coffee is one of the most antioxidant-rich foods in the Western diet. These antioxidants help fight oxidative stress and inflammation.
- May reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes — Multiple large studies have found a consistent association between regular coffee consumption and a lower risk of type 2 diabetes.
- Supports brain health — The caffeine in coffee is a proven cognitive enhancer that improves focus, alertness, and short-term memory.
- May protect the liver — Research suggests that regular coffee drinkers have a lower risk of liver diseases including cirrhosis and liver cancer.
- Lower in acid — Cold brew is typically 60–70% less acidic than hot coffee, making it a better option for people with sensitive stomachs or acid reflux.
- May improve mood — Moderate caffeine consumption has been linked to lower rates of depression and a generally improved sense of well-being.
- Calorie-free base — On its own, unsweetened cold brew is virtually calorie-free, making it a great option for those watching their intake.
Cold brew makes the perfect companion to a wholesome morning meal, I love pairing it with avocado toast for a breakfast that feels both satisfying and effortless.
FAQs About Cold Brew Coffee
1. What is the best coffee-to-water ratio for cold brew?
The standard ratio for cold brew concentrate is 1 cup of coarsely ground coffee to 4 cups of cold water (1:4). This produces a strong concentrate that you dilute when serving.
If you prefer a lighter drink, you can steep at a 1:5 or 1:6 ratio and drink it straight without diluting, which is sometimes called “ready-to-drink” cold brew.
2. Can I use regular ground coffee for cold brew?
You can, but it’s not recommended. Regular or fine ground coffee makes straining much more difficult and can result in a gritty, over-extracted concentrate.
For best results, always use a coarse grind. If you don’t have a grinder, ask your local coffee shop to grind your beans coarsely, or look for pre-ground coffee marketed specifically for cold brew.
3. How long should I steep cold brew?
Most cold brew recipes recommend steeping for 12 to 24 hours in the refrigerator.
The sweet spot for most people is between 18 and 20 hours, which produces a well-balanced, full-flavored concentrate.
Steeping for less than 12 hours often results in a weak, under-extracted brew.
Going beyond 24 hours is unlikely to cause major issues, but the flavor improvement levels off significantly after the first 18 hours.
4. Does cold brew have more caffeine than regular coffee?
Cold brew concentrate does contain more caffeine per ounce than standard drip coffee because it’s made with a higher coffee-to-water ratio.
However, when you dilute it to drinking strength (1:1 with water or milk), the total caffeine per serving ends up being roughly comparable to a standard cup of coffee.
The exact caffeine content depends on the beans, the roast, and the steep time, but a typical 8 oz serving of diluted cold brew contains approximately 100–150mg of caffeine.
5. Can I make cold brew without a special brewer?
Absolutely. A large mason jar, a fine mesh strainer, and a piece of cheesecloth or a paper coffee filter are all you need to make excellent cold brew at home.
The dedicated cold brew makers sold online and in kitchen stores are convenient and can make straining easier, but they’re completely optional.
Many coffee lovers prefer the simplicity of the mason jar method.
You might also enjoy: Pumpkin French Toast for a cozy weekend breakfast to pair with your homemade cold brew.
Cold Brew Coffee
Ingredients
- 1 cup coarsely ground coffee 100g; medium or dark roast recommended — grind should resemble the texture of raw sugar or coarse sea salt
- 4 cups cold filtered water 950ml; filtered water preferred for the cleanest flavor — tap water works but the difference is noticeable
- ice Fill glass generously
- 1 part cold brew concentrate From the prepared batch above
- 1 part cold water or milk Use water for a lighter drink; oat milk, almond milk, or whole milk for a latte-style drink
- sweetener Optional — simple syrup, honey, or sugar to taste
- cream or half-and-half Optional — for a richer, creamier finish
Equipment
- Large glass jar or pitcher At least 32 oz / 1 liter capacity — a wide mouth mason jar works perfectly
- Fine-mesh strainer For the first pass of straining out the coffee grounds
- Cheesecloth or paper coffee filters For a second, finer strain to remove sediment and achieve a clean concentrate
- Coffee grinder A burr grinder is strongly recommended for a consistent coarse grind
- Measuring cup For measuring the water
- Kitchen scale (optional) For precise coffee measurements
- Cold brew coffee maker (optional) A dedicated vessel with a built-in filter makes steeping and straining hands-free
- Long spoon For stirring the grounds and water to ensure full saturation
Method
- Grind your coffee beans to a coarse setting, roughly the texture of raw sugar or coarse sea salt. Measure out 1 cup (100g) of coarsely ground coffee.
- Add the ground coffee to your large glass jar or cold brew maker, then pour 4 cups (950ml) of cold filtered water slowly over the grounds. Stir gently to ensure all the coffee is fully saturated with no dry pockets.
- Cover the jar tightly with a lid or plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Steep for 12 to 24 hours — 18 to 20 hours is the sweet spot for the best balance of flavor and richness.
- Set a fine mesh strainer over a clean bowl or large measuring cup and pour the steeped coffee through it slowly. Do not press or squeeze the grounds — let gravity do the work.
- Line the strainer with cheesecloth or a paper coffee filter and pour the concentrate through a second time to remove fine sediment and produce a crystal-clear concentrate.
- Transfer the finished cold brew concentrate to a clean glass jar or pitcher with a tight-fitting lid, label it with the date, and refrigerate until ready to serve. The concentrate keeps for up to 2 weeks.
- Fill a glass with ice, then pour cold brew concentrate and an equal part of water or milk over the ice (1:1 ratio). Stir briefly, add sweetener or cream if desired, and enjoy immediately.
Nutrition
Notes
- Grind coarseness is critical: A fine grind makes straining nearly impossible and produces a gritty, over-extracted concentrate. Always use a coarse grind similar to the texture of raw sugar.
- Don’t skip the second strain: Running the concentrate through cheesecloth or a paper filter removes fine sediment and dramatically improves clarity and taste. It only takes a few extra minutes.
- Steep in the fridge, not on the counter: Room-temperature steeping speeds up extraction but increases the risk of bacterial growth and off flavors. Always refrigerate during steeping.
- Adjust the ratio to your taste: This recipe uses a 1:4 (coffee to water) ratio for a strong concentrate. For a lighter, ready-to-drink brew, use a 1:5 or 1:6 ratio and skip the dilution step at serving.
- Use filtered water: The quality of your water has a noticeable impact on flavor. Filtered or bottled water gives you a cleaner, brighter-tasting cold brew than tap water.
- Add flavors during the steep: A cinnamon stick, vanilla bean, or two or three crushed cardamom pods can be added to the grounds before steeping for subtle flavor with no extra effort.
- Storage — concentrate: Keep cold brew concentrate in a sealed glass jar or pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Glass is preferred over plastic to prevent flavor absorption.
- Storage — diluted cold brew: Once mixed with water or milk, cold brew is best consumed within 3 to 4 days.
- Warm cold brew: To enjoy cold brew hot, simply dilute the concentrate with hot water instead of cold. It holds up exceptionally well without becoming watery or bitter.
- No grinder? Ask your local coffee shop to grind your beans coarsely, or purchase pre-ground coffee specifically labeled for cold brew or French press.
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Conclusion
Making cold brew at home is one of those things that sounds more complicated than it actually is.
Once you try it, you’ll wonder why you ever spent so much money buying it at a coffee shop or from the refrigerated section of the grocery store.
This recipe gives you a smooth, rich, endlessly customizable concentrate that lasts up to two weeks in the fridge, which means great coffee is always just a glass of ice away.
Give it a try this week and see for yourself how easy and rewarding it is. If you make it, I’d love to hear how it went in the comments below.
And if you have your own cold brew tips or favorite add-ins, please share them, I’m always excited to hear from fellow coffee lovers.
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