Cold brew coffee has exploded in popularity — and for good reason. It's smooth, naturally sweet, and nearly acid-free. Best of all, it's incredibly easy to make at home.
What is Cold Brew?
Cold brew is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee in cold or room-temperature water for 12–24 hours. The slow extraction without heat produces a gentle, mellow concentrate with very low acidity.
What You Need
The Recipe
Ratio: 1:4 for concentrate (dilute 1:1 to serve), or 1:8 for ready-to-drink
Method
1. Combine coarsely ground coffee and cold water in your jar
2. Stir to ensure all grounds are saturated
3. Cover and refrigerate (or leave at room temperature)
4. Steep 14–18 hours in the fridge, or 12 hours at room temperature
5. Strain through a fine filter — twice if needed for clarity
6. Store concentrate in the fridge for up to 2 weeks
Serving Ideas
Best Beans for Cold Brew
Medium to dark roasts work best. Look for beans with chocolate, nutty, or caramel notes. Single-origin Colombians and Brazilians are excellent choices.
Cold brew is the easiest way to always have great iced coffee on hand.