How do you make cold brew coffee?

Coarsely grind coffee, immerse in cold filtered water, steep 12–18 hours (chilled), then strain through a fine mesh and paper filter. Dilute to taste and serve over ice.

What is cold brew coffee?

Coffee brewed with cold water over long hours. The result is smooth, low-acid, and naturally sweet—refined enough for black, versatile enough for milk.

How long can you keep cold brew?

Ready-to-drink lasts 3–5 days in the fridge; concentrate keeps 7–10 days in a sealed, chilled bottle. Always store cold and airtight.

How long do you let coffee sit in water for cold brew?

12–18 hours in the fridge for a clean profile. At room temperature, 8–12 hours is enough—then strain and chill immediately.

How much coffee is needed for cold brew?

For ready-to-drink, start at 1:8 (125 g coffee to 1 L water). For concentrate, 1:5 (200 g to 1 L), then dilute 1:1 before serving.

What’s the best grind size for cold brew?

Coarse—think raw sugar/sea salt. Too fine causes bitterness and sludge; too coarse tastes thin. Aim for even, chunky particles.

What’s the ideal coffee-to-water ratio for cold brew?

1:8 for ready-to-drink (balanced, silky). 1:5 for concentrate to store and dilute. Adjust ±1 part water to suit your taste.

Cold brew vs. iced coffee—what’s the difference?

Iced coffee is hot-brewed then chilled—brighter and more aromatic. Cold brew is never heated—lower acidity, fuller body, naturally sweet.

Does cold brew have more caffeine than hot coffee?

Concentrate is caffeine-dense, but once diluted, a serving is comparable to hot coffee. Strength depends on your ratio and dose.

Should I brew cold brew in the fridge or at room temperature?

Fridge brewing (12–18 h) tastes cleaner and keeps better. Room-temp (8–12 h) works in a pinch—strain, then chill right away.

What beans work best for cold brew?

Chocolatey, nutty single origins or elegant blends shine. Light, fruit-forward lots make a bright, tea-like cold brew—choose your mood.

Why is my cold brew bitter or sludgy—how do I fix it?

Grind coarser, shorten the steep to 12–16 h, and double-filter (mesh then paper). Use fresh beans and filtered water.

How do I filter cold brew cleanly at home?

First pass through a fine mesh or cloth, then polish with a paper filter. Don’t squeeze the grounds—let it drip for clarity.

Can I reuse the grounds for a second batch?

We don’t recommend it. Reused grounds extract flat and papery. Repurpose them for compost or deodorizing instead.

Can I heat up cold brew without ruining it?

Yes—dilute concentrate with hot water (about 60–65°C). Avoid boiling; gentle heat preserves the smooth, low-acid profile.

How do I make nitro cold brew at home?

Chill a 1:5 concentrate, dilute to serve strength, charge with food-grade nitrogen (whipper or mini-keg), then pour hard for a cascading head.

How can I make cold brew without a grinder or special gear?

Use pre-ground coarse coffee or crush beans in a sealed bag with a rolling pin. Steep in a jar or French press; strain through a paper filter.

Does water quality matter for cold brew?

Absolutely—use clean, filtered water (~75–150 ppm total hardness). Better water equals cleaner sweetness and a silkier finish.

How Do I Make A Cold Brew Concentrate- Everyday Coffee Roasters

Q: How do I make a cold brew concentrate?

Use 1:5 ratio, steep 12–18 hours chilled, filter twice (mesh then paper), bottle, and refrigerate. Dilute 1:1 with water or milk to serve.

How Do I Make A Cold Brew Concentrate?

3 min read.

Cold brew concentrate (barista-style)

Use a 1:5 ratio (coffee:water). Steep cold, then dilute 1:1 to serve. Expect plush body and low acidity.

Ratios & timing

120 g coffee : 600 ml water → yields ~900 ml after dilution
Steep 12–16 hours in the fridge

Pro tips

Bloom isn’t needed; just stir thoroughly to wet all grounds.
Filter twice for glass‑clear clarity.

Related articles

How Do I Make A Cold Brew Concentrate?

Cold brew concentrate (barista-style)

Ratios & timing

Pro tips