How to Make Cold Brew Coffee at Home (The Easy Way)
Cold brew is one of those things that sounds complicated but is actually one of the simplest ways to make coffee. No special equipment required, no precise temperatures to manage — just coffee, water, time, and a little patience. The result is a smooth, low-acid concentrate that's miles better than anything you'll find in a bottle at the grocery store.
Here's everything you need to know to make perfect cold brew at home.
What Is Cold Brew Coffee?
Cold brew is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee in cold or room-temperature water for an extended period — typically 12 to 24 hours. Unlike iced coffee (which is just hot-brewed coffee poured over ice), cold brew is never exposed to heat. This slow, cold extraction produces a concentrate that's naturally sweeter, significantly less acidic, and incredibly smooth.
It's also highly caffeinated — cold brew concentrate is typically 2x stronger than regular coffee, so you dilute it before drinking.
What You'll Need
- Coarsely ground coffee — about 1 cup (85g) for a standard batch
- Cold or room-temperature water — 4 cups (950ml)
- A large jar or pitcher
- A fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth for filtering
- 12–24 hours of patience
The Grind Matters
For cold brew, you want a coarse grind — similar to raw sugar or coarse sea salt. A fine grind will over-extract and turn your cold brew bitter and gritty. If you're buying pre-ground coffee, look for a cold brew or French press grind setting.
Our Cold Brew Coffee is specially crafted and ground for cold brewing — the right coarseness, the right roast level, and a flavor profile designed to shine through cold extraction. No guesswork required.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Cold Brew
Step 1: Combine coffee and water
Add 1 cup of coarsely ground coffee to a large jar or pitcher. Pour in 4 cups of cold or room-temperature water. Stir gently to make sure all the grounds are saturated.
Step 2: Steep
Cover the jar and place it in the refrigerator (or leave it on the counter if your kitchen is cool). Steep for 12–24 hours. The longer you steep, the stronger and more concentrated the flavor. We recommend starting at 16–18 hours for a balanced result.
Step 3: Strain
Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth (or a coffee filter) into a clean jar or pitcher. Take your time — don't press or squeeze the grounds, as this can introduce bitterness.
Step 4: Dilute and serve
Your cold brew is now a concentrate. Mix it 1:1 with water, milk, or your preferred alternative for a standard-strength drink. Pour over ice and enjoy.
How to Serve Cold Brew
Cold brew is incredibly versatile. A few ways to enjoy it:
- Classic: 1 part concentrate + 1 part water over ice
- Creamy: 1 part concentrate + 1 part oat milk or whole milk
- Sweet: Add a splash of simple syrup or vanilla syrup
- Straight: Sip the concentrate undiluted if you need a serious caffeine kick
How Long Does Cold Brew Last?
Stored in a sealed jar in the refrigerator, cold brew concentrate keeps well for up to 2 weeks. Make a big batch on Sunday and you're set for the week — no morning brewing required.
The Best Coffee for Cold Brew
Not all coffees are created equal for cold brewing. You want something with a naturally smooth, low-acid profile that holds up well through cold extraction. Medium to dark roasts tend to work best — they bring out chocolate, caramel, and nutty notes that shine in cold brew.
Our Cold Brew Coffee is specifically roasted and ground for this method — smooth, rich, and ready to brew. Skip the guesswork and start with coffee that's built for the job.
Ready to Brew?
Cold brew is one of the most rewarding things you can make at home — minimal effort, maximum payoff, and a cup that's genuinely better than most coffee shops. Once you start making your own, you won't go back.
Shop our Cold Brew Coffee → and start your first batch tonight.
