How do I make cold brew coffee at home?
Answer
Cold brew is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee in cold water for about 12–18 hours, then filtering and diluting the concentrate to taste. Use a roughly 1:4 to 1:8 coffee-to-water ratio for concentrate, keep it refrigerated while steeping, and store the finished concentrate cold for up to about a week.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- Use clean food-safe containers and refrigerate the brew; do not leave concentrate out for extended periods.
Follow these steps
Measure coffee and water
For a concentrate, start with about 1 cup (85–100 g) coarsely ground coffee and 4 cups (about 1 liter) cold water. Adjust later if you prefer a ready-to-drink weaker brew closer to 1:8.
You should see: You have a measured coffee-and-water batch ready to steep.
Combine and steep cold
Add the grounds to a clean jar or pitcher, pour in the cold water, and stir until all grounds are wet. Cover and refrigerate for 12–18 hours. Avoid hot water; cold brew relies on time, not heat.
You should see: The mixture steeps undisturbed in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours.
Filter the concentrate
Strain through a fine mesh strainer lined with a paper filter, coffee filter, or clean cloth into a second container. Discard or compost the grounds. If the brew looks cloudy, a second pass through a paper filter helps.
You should see: You have a smooth coffee concentrate with grounds removed.
Dilute and store
Serve over ice diluted with cold water or milk to taste, often about 1 part concentrate to 1 part water as a starting point. Keep leftover concentrate sealed in the refrigerator and use within about a week.
You should see: The cold brew tastes balanced when diluted, and leftovers are stored cold.
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Extra tips
What to look for: Coarse grounds (like raw sugar), fully submerged coffee, a 12–18 hour steep in the fridge, and a clean filter or fine mesh for straining.
Before you change anything: Use drink-safe containers and filtered water if your tap water tastes off. Grind just before brewing when possible. Leave headroom in the jar so grounds can expand. Do not leave finished concentrate at room temperature for long periods.