How to Make Cold Brew Coffee
Direct answer. Combine coarse-ground coffee with cold or room-temperature filtered water and steep for 12 to 18 hours, then strain. Use about 1:8 by weight for a ready-to-drink brew, or about 1:4 for a concentrate you dilute. It keeps up to a week in the fridge. The long steep gives a smoother, lower-acid cup than hot coffee poured over ice.
Recipe card
| Ready-to-drink | Concentrate | |
|---|---|---|
| Dose | 100 g | 200 g |
| Water | 800 g | 800 g |
| Ratio | 1:8 | 1:4 |
| Grind | Coarse, like kosher salt | Coarse, like kosher salt |
| Temperature | Room temperature or fridge | Room temperature or fridge |
| Time | 12 to 18 hours (up to 24 in the fridge) | 12 to 18 hours |
Steps
- Grind coarse. Fine grounds turn muddy and bitter.
- Combine the coffee and water in a jar, pitcher or French press. Stir so every ground is wet.
- Cover and steep 12 to 18 hours at room temperature, or up to 24 hours in the fridge.
- Strain slowly through a fine mesh, cheesecloth or a nut milk bag. Do not squeeze the grounds. Filter again through paper for a clearer result.
- Store sealed in the fridge for up to a week.
- Concentrate: dilute 1:1 with water or milk over ice, or 2:1 for stronger.
Troubleshooting
- Weak. Use more coffee or steep a little longer.
- Bitter or muddy. Grind too fine, or steeped too long. Strain through paper.
- Flat or off-tasting. Old coffee, or it sat too long in the fridge.
Cold brew is not iced coffee. Iced coffee is brewed hot and chilled. For more on the existing guide, see the ultimate cold brew guide.
FAQ
What is the best ratio for cold brew?
For ready-to-drink, about 1:8 by weight. For a concentrate, about 1:4 to 1:5. Dilute concentrate to taste.
How long should cold brew steep?
Twelve to eighteen hours is the usual range. Longer gets stronger and eventually bitter.
Should I steep on the counter or in the fridge?
Either works. The fridge is slower, so allow up to 24 hours.
How long does it last?
Up to one week sealed in the fridge.
What grind is best?
Coarse, like kosher salt or raw sugar.
Next: order a bag in the coarse grind. Nemo's Bali Single Origin and Colombia Single Origin both make good cold brew. Shipping is free on every website order.