How to Make Cold Brew Coffee
A simple, fool-proof method to make your own cold brew coffee at home — no fancy equipment needed! Yields a strong, smooth concentrate.
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Ingredients
- 1 cup coarse-ground coffee
- 4 cups filtered water
Equipment
- Large jar pitcher, or other container (at least 5 cup capacity)
- Fine mesh sieve
- A second layer of filtration such as: a basket-style paper coffee filter, reusable cloth coffee filter, clean handkerchief, nut milk bag, a few layers of cheesecloth, etc.
Instructions
- Add coffee grounds and water to your pitcher, mason jar, or other container. Give it a stir to ensure that the grounds are evenly saturated with water.
- Cover the container, place in the fridge, and allow to cold brew for 18-24 hours.
- Place your mesh sieve over a bowl, pitcher or other vessel large enough to hold 4 cups of liquid. Line the sieve with your second layer of filtration.
- Pour cold brew through sieve to filter.
- You'll be left with a cold brew concentrate that can be diluted to your preference with water, milk or creamer. I typically enjoy a 1:1 ratio of concentrate to water, but experiment to find your perfect cup.
- Transfer the cold brew concentrate to a pitcher, jar or jug that has a lid. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, but it will taste best if you drink it within the first week.
Notes
Grind size: Coarse ground coffee works the best for cold brew, similar to what you'd use for a French press. If you don't own a coffee grinder, most grocery stores will have one available to use in the coffee aisle. If you purchase beans from a local coffee shop, they will usually be glad to grind them for you in-house. Ask the barista to grind them for a French press.
Coffee Roast: I generally recommend medium or darker roasts for cold brew, especially if you are someone who enjoys your coffee with milk or creamer. Cold brewing allows their more full-bodied, robust flavor profiles to shine through. Lighter roasts can certainly work, but some of their more delicate, brighter tasting notes might be muted. Feel free to experiment.
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