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How to Make Cold Brew Coffee at Home

5 min read2024-02-01
How to Make Cold Brew Coffee at Home

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

  • Large jar or pitcher
  • Coarse-ground coffee (or whole beans and a grinder)
  • Cold water
  • Cheesecloth, coffee filter, or fine mesh strainer
  • The Recipe

    Ratio: 1:4 for concentrate (dilute 1:1 to serve), or 1:8 for ready-to-drink

  • 100g coffee : 400ml water for concentrate
  • 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

  • Over ice, diluted 1:1 with water or milk
  • With a splash of oat milk and simple syrup
  • As iced coffee with cream and vanilla
  • In coffee cocktails
  • 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.

    cold brew iced coffee brewing

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