Cold brew coffee is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in cold or room-temperature water for an extended period (usually 12–24 hours). Unlike iced coffee (which is brewed hot and then cooled), cold brew is never heated, which gives it a smoother, less acidic taste with naturally sweet notes.
What You’ll Need
* **Coffee beans** – medium to dark roast works best for bold flavor.
* **Grinder** – burr grinder preferred (set to coarse).
* **Water** – filtered water is ideal.
* **Container** – large jar, pitcher, or French press.
* **Strainer** – fine mesh sieve, cheesecloth, or coffee filter.
Step 1: Measure Coffee and Water
* A common ratio is **1 cup of coarsely ground coffee to 4 cups of water**.
* If you prefer stronger concentrate, use a 1:3 ratio.
Step 2: Grind the Coffee
* Grind beans to a **coarse texture**, similar to raw sugar or sea salt.
* Too fine = cloudy brew and bitter taste.
Step 3: Combine Coffee and Water
* Place grounds in your container.
* Slowly pour water over them, stirring gently to make sure all grounds are wet.
Step 4: Steep
* Cover and let sit at **room temperature or in the fridge**.
* Steep for **12–24 hours**, depending on how strong you like it.
* Longer steep = stronger, bolder flavor.
Step 5: Strain
* Use a fine mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth or a coffee filter.
* Strain twice for a cleaner, smoother result.
* Discard the grounds (or compost them).
Step 6: Serve and Store
* Cold brew is usually a **concentrate**. Dilute it with water, milk, or ice before drinking.
* Start with a **1:1 ratio** of concentrate to water or milk and adjust to taste.
* Store in the fridge in a sealed container. It will stay fresh for up to **1 week**.
Tips for Better Cold Brew
* **Experiment with beans** – lighter roasts give fruity notes; darker roasts are chocolatey and bold.
* **Add flavors** – steep with cinnamon sticks, vanilla pods, or orange peel for a twist.
* **Make coffee ice cubes** – freeze some cold brew in an ice tray to chill your drink without watering it down.
* **Use a French press** – it makes steeping and straining easy.
