Brewing guide
How to Make Cold Brew Coffee
Low effort, low acidity, made overnight.
Demonstration content — review and verify before publishing.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Brew time
- 12–18 hours
- Coffee-to-water ratio
- 1:8 for concentrate
- Grind size
- Extra coarse
- Water temperature
- Cold or room temperature
Overview
Cold water extracts slowly and pulls fewer bitter compounds, so cold brew tastes smooth, sweet and low in acidity.
Brew it as a concentrate and dilute to taste — it keeps in the fridge for up to two weeks.
What You Need
- Large jar or cold brew maker
- Extra coarse coffee
- Fine mesh or filter
- Fridge space
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1
Combine
Mix 3.5 oz of extra-coarse coffee with 28.2 oz of cold water by weight.
- 2
Stir and cover
Make sure every ground is wet, then cover the jar.
- 3
Steep
Leave 12–18 hours at room temperature or in the fridge.
- 4
Filter
Strain through a mesh, then a paper filter for a cleaner result.
- 5
Dilute
Mix concentrate with water or milk, usually one part to one or two.
Common Mistakes
- Grinding too fine, which makes it muddy and bitter
- Steeping longer than 24 hours
How to Improve the Flavour
- Use a medium roast for sweetness.
- Serve over large ice cubes so it dilutes slowly.
Equipment Recommendations
Affiliate disclosure: some links on this page may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. Links are added only after a product has been assessed. Read our full disclosure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does cold brew last?+
Concentrate keeps about two weeks refrigerated. Once diluted, drink it within two to three days.
Related brewing guides
