Cold Brew Coffee is smooth, rich, and less acidic than regular coffee. It's high on caffeine giving you the boost you need. Perfect refreshing drink to kick-start the day! Learn how to make cold brew coffee at home. No fancy equipment needed.
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I know it's still early for cold drinks, but as the days are getting warmer I'm excited to switch from my regular hot coffee to a more refreshing one. Can't wait to open Iced Coffee season. And I know you're excited too.
There's something special in iced coffee, especially the method I've been using to make it. It's called cold brew and if you haven't tried it, you definitely should.
I discovered the cold brew method two years ago and I became totally hooked. You can grab cold brewed coffee from your favorite coffee shop, but I'm going to show you how easy this process is and how to make Cold Brew Coffee at home. The result won't disappoint you.
- It'smooth, slightly sweet, rich and so tasty.
- It's easy to make and super refreshing.
- It's more affordable than buying at a coffee shop.
- Perfect for busy mornings.
What is Cold Brew Coffee?
Cold brew is coffee that has been brewed with cold water rather than hot water. Brewing usually involves a long steeping process - anywhere between 12-24 hours.
For cold brew, you don't need any special equipment beyond a large container and a strainer. I like to use the french press, which is perfect for this job.
The final product of brewing is cold brew concentrate which can be stored in the fridge and used throughout the whole week. The concentrate is usually diluted with water.
The benefit of this slow infusion process is that it pulls all the great coffee flavor from the beans. It makes coffee taste less acidity (thus tummy-friendly), which is why cold brew coffee tastes sweeter.
What is special about cold brew coffee?
Cold Brew Coffee is highly caffeinated. For those who love strong coffee, this is a pure bliss. Coffee strength depends on what kind of coffee beans you're using, steeping time, and brewing ratio (water/coffee ratio). For stronger cold brew concentrate use strong roasted coffee beans, long steeping hours, and more coffee to water ratio.
Cold brewing can be up to 70% less acidic than regular hot coffee. This is because of the brewing process in cold temperatures, resulting in beans' oils never being released. Less acidic coffee makes it easier for someone who needs something more gentle on their stomachs. (Source)
You can drink cold brewed coffee cold or hot. Just heat the coffee and enjoy it hot. The flavor stays the same.
What do you need?
- Coarsely ground coffee beans. You can use your favorite coffee.
- Cold water. I like to use filtered water but tap water is perfectly fine too.
- French press. Or you can use large mason jar or any large container. In that case you will need a strainer too.
How to make cold brew coffee
French Press
- Mix ground coffee with water. Place coarsely ground coffee beans into a French press. Add cold water. Gently stir to ensure all the grounds are wet. Place plunger lid on top and press the plunger down just an inch to make sure all coffee grounds are fully under the water. Don't press the lid down.
- Steep the coffee. Let the coffee steep for 12 to 24 hours, depending on how strong you want the cold brew to be. You can leave the French press out at room temp.
- Strain the coffee. Press plunger all the way down and transfer concentrate into a bottle or a jar. Keep in the fridge for up to two weeks.
- Serve the coffee. To serve, fill a glass with ice and add cold brew concentrate and water. The ratio to use will depend on how strong you like your coffee. I usually do a 1:1 ratio.
Mason jar
- Mix ground coffee with water. Place coarsely ground coffee beans into a large mason jar. Add cold water. Gently stir to ensure all the grounds are wet.
- Steep the coffee. Put the lid on the jar and place it in your refrigerator. Allow the coffee to steep for 12 to 24 hours, depending on how strong you want the cold brew to be.
- Strain the coffee. Take a large bowl or another large mason jar. Set your strainer over the bowl. You can use a mesh strainer, coffee filter, mesh cloth, or thin dishtowel. Pour the coffee mixture through the filter. Rinse the mason jar, and transfer the cold coffee concentrate back into the jar for storage.
- Serve the coffee. To serve, fill a glass with ice and add cold brew concentrate and water. The ratio to use will depend on how strong you like your coffee. I usually do a 1:1 ratio.
Cold brew coffee ratio
The ratio of water to coffee changes depending on how strong you want your cold brew concentrate to be.
A ratio of 1:8 of coffee to water will produce a nice coffee ready to drink after around 12 hours.
Another option is to create a much stronger cold brew (cold brew concentrate), by using a ratio anywhere from 1 part coffee to 4 parts water, up to around 1 part coffee to 2 parts water.
Faq
In terms of choosing the best coffee to make a cold brew, you can choose any type of coffee. Even decaf.
Cold brewed coffee is only less acidic than hot coffee. As such, it may cause fewer unpleasant digestive and acid reflux symptoms than hot coffee.
Usually yes, but that depends on factors like brewing time, type of coffee you're using, and the water to coffee ratio. Stronger coffee, longer brewing hours, and higher coffee to water ratio give more caffeinated cold brew concentrate.
Cold brew will usually last 10-14 days in the fridge.
After straining the cold brew what you'll get is concentrate. You can dilute that concentrate with water to your likings. I usually go for a 1:1 concentrate to water ratio - ½ cup concentrate diluted with ½ cup water, or less water if I use milk or cream. If I'm making iced coffee, I just use concentrate, ice, milk, or cream.
📖 Recipe
Cold Brew Coffee
Equipment
- French press or mason jar
Ingredients
- ½ cup coarsely ground coffee beans
- 2 cups cold water
Instructions
Mix ground coffee with water.
- Place coarsely ground coffee beans into a French press.
- Add cold water. Gently stir to ensure all the grounds are wet.
- Place plunger lid on top and press the plunger down just an inch to make sure all coffee grounds are fully under the water. Don't press the lid down.
Steep the coffee.
- Let the coffee steep for 12 to 24 hours, depending on how strong you want the cold brew to be.
Strain the coffee.
- Press plunger all the way down and transfer concentrate into a bottle.
- Keep in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Serve the cold brew coffee.
- To serve, fill a glass with ice and add cold brew concentrate and water.
- The ratio to use will depend on how strong you like your coffee.
Heidy says
I loved all these great tips and tricks on "How to Make Cold Brew Coffee." This is a total game-changer for my morning coffee!
Heidy says
I loved all these great tips and tricks on "How to Make Cold Brew Coffee." This is a total game-changer for my morning coffee!
Hayley Dhanecha says
One of my family member has acid reflux issues. Glad I read this post of yours, sharing this link with her. Also can't wait to try it for myself too as warmer weather on its way.