Cold brew coffee is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee in cold or room-temperature water for an extended period, typically 12 to 24 hours. Unlike iced coffee (which is hot-brewed coffee poured over ice), cold brew is never exposed to heat. The result? A naturally smooth, low-acid concentrate that's rich in flavor and easy on the stomach.
If you've ever wondered what is cold brew coffee and why it tastes so different from your regular cup, the answer is simple: time replaces heat. Slow extraction pulls out the coffee's sweetness and body without the bitterness that comes from hot brewing.
How to Make Cold Brew Coffee at Home
Here's a simple, foolproof cold brew coffee recipe you can make with equipment you already own.
What You'll Need
- Coarsely ground coffee (see our recommendation below)
- Cold or room-temperature filtered water
- A large jar, pitcher, or French press
- A fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Grind your coffee coarsely. A coarse grind prevents over-extraction and keeps your cold brew smooth. Think sea salt texture not fine espresso powder.
- Combine coffee and water. Use a 1:4 ratio for concentrate. For example, 1 cup of ground coffee to 4 cups of water.
- Stir gently to make sure all the grounds are saturated.
- Cover and steep. Leave it in the fridge (or on the counter) for 12–24 hours. Longer steep = stronger flavor.
- Strain. Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean jar. Discard the grounds.
- Serve and enjoy. Dilute with water or milk if using concentrate. Pour over ice and drink immediately, or store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
A couple of tips that make a big difference:
- Use fresh, good-quality beans for better flavor
- Don’t rush the steep time, under-extraction tastes weak, over-extraction can get bitter
- Store it in the fridge and use within 5–7 days
The Best Coffee for Cold Brew
Not all coffee is created equal when it comes to cold brew. You want a bean that's flavorful enough to shine through the slow extraction process, ideally something with chocolatey, nutty, or caramel notes that become even more pronounced when cold-brewed.
Our Cold Brew Coffee blend is specifically crafted for cold extraction. It's ground to the ideal coarseness and sourced for the kind of deep, smooth flavor that makes cold brew worth making at home.
If you want something with a little more intensity great for concentrate that you'll dilute, try our Cold Brew Coffee, Perfect Every Time. It's dialed in for consistency, so every batch comes out right.
For those who want maximum caffeine with full flavor, our Max Caf Blend is a high-caffeine option that holds up beautifully in cold brew.
Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate: How to Use It
If you brewed at a 1:4 ratio, you've made a cold brew coffee concentrate. Here's how to use it:
- Classic cold brew: Mix 1 part concentrate with 1 part water or milk over ice.
- Cold brew latte: Mix concentrate with oat milk or whole milk for a creamy, café-style drink.
- Cold brew tonic: Pour concentrate over tonic water with a slice of orange surprisingly refreshing.
- Baking: Use concentrate in brownies, tiramisu, or coffee ice cream for an intense coffee flavor.
Tips for the Best Cold Brew Every Time
- Use filtered water. Water quality directly affects flavor. Tap water with heavy chlorine can dull the taste.
- Don't rush the steep. 12 hours is the minimum; 18–20 hours is the sweet spot for most blends.
- Store it properly. Keep your cold brew in a sealed jar in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to 2 weeks.
- Experiment with ratios. Once you've nailed the basics, try adjusting the coffee-to-water ratio to match your taste.
Ready to Brew?
Cold brew is one of the most rewarding things you can make at home minimal effort, maximum payoff. All you need is the right coffee, a little patience, and a good jar.
Start with our Cold Brew Coffee blend and follow this recipe. Once you taste the difference, you won't go back to iced coffee.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to cold brew coffee at home?
To cold brew coffee at home, combine coarsely ground coffee with cold filtered water in a 1:4 ratio (1 cup coffee to 4 cups water). Stir, cover, and let it steep in the fridge for 12–24 hours. Then strain through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean jar. Serve over ice, diluting with water or milk if needed. That's it — no heat required!
Can I make cold brew out of regular coffee?
Yes, you can make cold brew with regular coffee, but the grind size matters. Regular pre-ground coffee is often too fine for cold brew, which can lead to over-extraction and a bitter, gritty result. For best results, use coarsely ground coffee — ideally a blend designed for cold brew like our Cold Brew Coffee. If you only have regular ground coffee on hand, reduce the steep time to 10–12 hours and strain carefully.
Is cold brew good for gastritis?
Cold brew is generally considered easier on the stomach than hot coffee because the cold extraction process produces significantly less acid. For people with gastritis, this lower acidity can make cold brew a more tolerable option. That said, coffee still contains caffeine and other compounds that can irritate the stomach lining. If you have gastritis, it's best to consult your doctor before adding cold brew to your routine, and start with small amounts to see how your body responds.
Is cold brew coffee ok for diabetics?
Plain cold brew coffee, with no added sugar, syrups, or sweetened milk — is generally considered safe for people with diabetes. Black cold brew has minimal calories and carbohydrates, and some research suggests that coffee may even support insulin sensitivity. However, many popular cold brew drinks are loaded with sugar and flavored syrups, which can spike blood sugar. If you're diabetic, stick to unsweetened cold brew and check with your healthcare provider about how coffee fits into your overall diet.
