Cold brew coffee has become a favorite among coffee lovers for its smooth, sweet taste and low acidity. Unlike iced coffee, which is simply hot coffee poured over ice, cold brew is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for an extended period. The result is a refreshing, less bitter drink that’s perfect for hot days or any time you want a chilled caffeine boost.
The best part? You don’t need any special equipment to make it at home. In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to make cold brew easily and consistently, along with tips for flavor variations and storage.
What is cold brew coffee?
Cold brew is a method of brewing coffee using cold or room temperature water over a long period—usually between 12 and 24 hours. Because it’s brewed slowly, it extracts different compounds than hot brewing methods, resulting in:
- A mellow, sweet flavor
- Lower acidity than hot coffee
- A concentrated brew that can be served straight, over ice, or diluted
It’s a versatile, make-ahead option that works well for busy mornings, summer afternoons, and even coffee cocktails.
Cold brew vs. iced coffee
These terms are often used interchangeably, but they’re quite different:
Cold brew:
- Steeped slowly in cold water
- Lower in acidity and bitterness
- Naturally sweeter
- Less aromatic than hot coffee
- Usually made as a concentrate
Iced coffee:
- Brewed hot, then chilled
- Has the brightness and acidity of hot coffee
- Can taste watered down if not brewed strong enough
- Quicker to make, but less smooth
Cold brew is generally preferred for its round, mellow profile and shelf stability.
What you’ll need
You don’t need a cold brew maker or special gear. You probably already have everything at home.
Basic equipment:
- A large jar, pitcher, or French press
- Coffee grinder (burr grinder preferred)
- Cheesecloth, fine mesh strainer, or paper filter
- Spoon or stirrer
- Kitchen scale (optional, but helpful)
Ingredients:
- Coarsely ground coffee (about the size of sea salt)
- Cold or room temperature filtered water
Recommended ratio:
- 1:4 to 1:8 coffee to water, depending on how strong you want your concentrate
- For ready-to-drink cold brew, use a 1:12 to 1:15 ratio
Example:
- 1 cup of coarsely ground coffee
- 4 cups of water for concentrate
- 6–8 cups of water for drinkable brew
Step-by-step: how to make cold brew coffee
Step 1: Grind your coffee
Use a coarse grind—similar to raw sugar or kosher salt. This ensures easier filtering and prevents over-extraction, which can cause bitterness.
If you don’t have a grinder, ask your local roaster to grind for French press or cold brew.
Step 2: Add coffee and water
Combine your coffee and water in a large jar or container. Stir gently to make sure all the grounds are saturated.
Cover the container and let it sit at room temperature or in the fridge.
Step 3: Steep for 12 to 24 hours
Let your mixture steep for at least 12 hours, but no longer than 24 hours. A longer brew time yields a stronger, more concentrated flavor.
- 12–16 hours for a smoother, milder result
- 18–24 hours for a richer, more robust concentrate
Steeping at room temperature speeds up extraction, but refrigeration offers better control and clarity.
Step 4: Strain the coffee
Once the brew time is complete, strain the mixture using:
- A fine mesh sieve
- A cheesecloth or nut milk bag
- A paper coffee filter
- Or the built-in plunger of a French press
You may need to strain twice to remove all sediment.
Step 5: Store and serve
Transfer your filtered cold brew into a clean bottle or jar and store in the fridge for up to 10–14 days.
To serve, pour over ice and adjust the strength:
- Drink it straight for bold flavor
- Add cold water or milk (dairy or plant-based) for a lighter cup
- Sweeten with syrup, honey, or flavored creamers if desired
Cold brew is naturally sweet, so you may not need much sugar.
Optional additions and flavor twists
Cold brew is highly customizable. Try adding ingredients during brewing for infused flavor:
- Cinnamon sticks
- Vanilla beans
- Orange peel
- Cardamom pods
- Cocoa nibs
Or add flavor after brewing:
- Sweetened condensed milk for Vietnamese-style cold brew
- Oat milk or almond milk for a creamy twist
- Pumpkin spice or nutmeg for seasonal versions
- Flavored syrups (vanilla, caramel, hazelnut)
Cold brew also makes a great base for coffee cocktails or smoothies.
Common mistakes to avoid
Mistake: Using fine ground coffee
Fix: Always use coarse grind to avoid over-extraction and hard-to-filter sludge
Mistake: Brewing too long
Fix: Stop at 24 hours max—longer times can cause bitterness
Mistake: Skipping the filter
Fix: Always strain thoroughly for a clean cup with better texture
Mistake: Not diluting concentrate
Fix: Taste before drinking—cold brew concentrate is strong and meant to be diluted
How much caffeine is in cold brew?
Cold brew concentrate can be very strong—often containing twice as much caffeine as regular coffee. A diluted cup still has plenty of kick.
To reduce caffeine, use:
- A higher water-to-coffee ratio
- Shorter brew time
- Decaf or a half-caf blend
Always test the strength before drinking too much!
Final thoughts: the easiest coffee upgrade
Cold brew is one of the simplest, most rewarding coffee styles you can make at home. It’s low-maintenance, forgiving, and offers a smooth, rich flavor that’s hard to beat—especially when chilled over ice.
Once you get the basics down, experiment with ratios, brew times, and flavors until you find your perfect cold brew formula.