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| Meta Title | Easy Homemade Cold Brew Coffee - Coley Cooks |
| Meta Description | This easy recipe for Homemade Cold Brew Coffee uses a super simple technique to produce a smooth, strong, delicious coffee concentrate. |
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| Boilerpipe Text | This easy recipe for homemade
cold brew coffee
uses a super simple technique to produce a smooth, strong coffee concentrate that's perfect for iced coffee, lattes, espresso martinis, coffee cocktails and more!
Cold brew coffee has revolutionized how people drink iced coffee.
It is so much better than pouring hot coffee over ice cubes only to wind up with a diluted, lukewarm cup of bitter bean water. High end coffee shops charge an arm and a leg for high-quality cold brew, but it's so easy to make it at home for a fraction of the cost.
Drink it straight, or pair with your favorite cream and sugar.
Why This Recipe Works
An easy, beginner friendly, fool-proof method that anyone can make!
Produces a super smooth, strong coffee that lasts several weeks in the fridge.
Only 2 ingredients needed!
Ingredient Notes
Coffee
- For the best cold brew, use fresh, locally roasted coffee beans that are coarsely ground-either at home, the grocery store, or your local coffee shop. Medium to coarsely ground coffee will produce the smoothest cold brew. Using a finer ground coffee will result in a cloudier, more sludgy coffee that could taste bitter.
Water
- For the cleanest flavor, use filtered, bottled or distilled water. This way there won't be any added flavors from minerals, chlorine or anything else that might be in your tap water.
*Find the
full ingredient list
in the
recipe card
below!
how to make cold brew coffee
Add the coffee and water to a container with a lid, then give it a good stir.
Cover and let sit for at least 12 hours or up to 36 hours. You can brew the coffee at room temperature or refrigerated. If brewing at room temperature, the coffee will extract faster, so a shorter time is better. If brewing in the refrigerator, the coffee will extract slower so you can let it go a little longer.
Pro Tip:
For the best flavor, brew for 16-24 hours, with no more than 24 hours at room temperature or 36 in the fridge, to avoid bitterness. Adjust timing based on your coffee, grind size, brewing temperature, and taste preference.
Place a
fine mesh strainer
over top of a
large bowl
, then strain the coffee once to remove most of the coffee grounds.
Discard the coffee grounds,* then place a coffee filter, a few layers of cheese cloth, or a few layers of paper towels inside the strainer set over top of another bowl.
Pour the coffee into the strainer and allow it to drain slowly over the bow. It will take longer to drain this time, so have patience and don't try to force it through.
Once the liquid has finished straining, discard the solids and transfer the liquid to a jar ot bottle and store in the refrigerator for up to a month.
To serve, pour the cold brew coffee over ice and dilute it with a bit of water if desired. Add your favorite sweetener or creamer, then enjoy!
Tips for Success
For a flavored cold brew, try using flavored coffee beans or adding a few spices to the brew. Cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, star anise, nutmeg, vanilla beans and cacao nibs all make great additions. You can also flavor a cup of cold brew with your favorite flavored coffee syrup or creamer.
The leftover coffee grounds can be used as a body scrub or plant fertilizer. Don't throw them away!
Cold brew coffee at the 1:4 ratio is STRONG. Many people like to dilute it with some water before drinking, or just let the ice melt a bit. But be warned, this stuff will make you wired!
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy your cold brew black, with cream or your alternative milk of choice.
To sweeten cold brew coffee, use a liquid sweetener for best results. Use honey, maple syrup, agave nectar or try making a simple syrup by dissolving 1 part sugar into 2 parts water.
Use cold brew coffee to make an extra chilly variation of
affogato
- the cold coffee gets a bit slushy when mixed with the ice cream that has an almost granita like texture.
FAQs
Want to Save This Recipe?
Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox.
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Coley Cooks.
1
cup
coarse coffee grounds *
see note
4
cups
COLD water
Add the coffee and water to a container with a lid, then give it a good stir.
Cover and let sit for at least 12 hours or up to 36 hours. You can brew the coffee at room temperature or refrigerated. If brewing at room temperature, the coffee will extract faster, so a shorter time is better. If brewing in the refrigerator, the coffee will extract slower so you can let it go a little longer.
Place a fine mesh strainer over top of a large bowl, then strain the coffee once to remove most of the coffee grounds.
Discard the coffee grounds,* then place a coffee filter, a few layers of cheese cloth, or a few layers of paper towels inside the strainer set over top of another bowl.
Pour the coffee into the strainer and allow it to drain slowly over the bow. It will take longer to drain this time, so have patience and don't try to force it through.
Once the liquid has finished straining, discard the solids and transfer the liquid to a jar ot bottle and store in the refrigerator for up to a month.
To serve, pour the cold brew coffee over ice and dilute it with a bit of water if desired. Add your favorite sweetener or creamer, then enjoy!
Medium to coarsely ground coffee will produce the smoothest cold brew. Using a finer ground coffee will result in a cloudier, more sludgy coffee that could taste bitter.
It's best not to let your coffee brew for more than 24 hours at room temperature and 36 hours in the refrigerator. This can cause the cold brew to over extract and turn bitter. 16-24 hours is usually the sweet spot, but it will ultimately depend on the type of coffee you're using, the size of the grounds, the temperature it's brewing at and personal preference. It might take a few batches to make your perfect cup!
For a flavored cold brew, try using flavored coffee beans or adding a few spices to the brew. Cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, star anise, nutmeg, vanilla beans and cacao nibs all make great additions. You can also flavor a cup of cold brew with your favorite flavored coffee syrup or creamer.
If your tap water isn't the best quality or has a distinct flavor, definitely use filtered or bottled water to make your cold brew coffee. It will make all the difference!
The leftover coffee grounds can be used as a body scrub or plant fertilizer. Don't throw them away!
Cold brew coffee at the 1:4 ratio is STRONG. Many people like to dilute it with some water before drinking, or just let the ice melt a bit. But be warned, this stuff will make you wired!
Calories:
1
kcal
|
Protein:
0.1
g
|
Fat:
0.01
g
|
Monounsaturated Fat:
0.01
g
|
Sodium:
1
mg
|
Potassium:
29
mg
|
Calcium:
1
mg
|
Iron:
0.01
mg
This post may contain affiliate links. |
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# Easy Homemade Cold Brew Coffee
By[Nicole Gaffney](https://coleycooks.com/about/)
August 13, 2025
[Jump to Recipe](https://coleycooks.com/cold-brew-coffee/#wprm-recipe-container-8449)
This easy recipe for homemade **cold brew coffee** uses a super simple technique to produce a smooth, strong coffee concentrate that's perfect for iced coffee, lattes, espresso martinis, coffee cocktails and more\!

Cold brew coffee has revolutionized how people drink iced coffee.
It is so much better than pouring hot coffee over ice cubes only to wind up with a diluted, lukewarm cup of bitter bean water. High end coffee shops charge an arm and a leg for high-quality cold brew, but it's so easy to make it at home for a fraction of the cost.
Drink it straight, or pair with your favorite cream and sugar.
For more **coffee recipes**, try my [espresso brownies](https://coleycooks.com/espresso-brownies/), [Turkish coffee flourless chocolate cake](https://coleycooks.com/turkish-cake/), or [iced coffee popsicles](https://coleycooks.com/vietnamese-coffee-popsicles/).
## Why This Recipe Works
- An easy, beginner friendly, fool-proof method that anyone can make\!
- Produces a super smooth, strong coffee that lasts several weeks in the fridge.
- Only 2 ingredients needed\!
Ingredient Notes
**Coffee** - For the best cold brew, use fresh, locally roasted coffee beans that are coarsely ground-either at home, the grocery store, or your local coffee shop. Medium to coarsely ground coffee will produce the smoothest cold brew. Using a finer ground coffee will result in a cloudier, more sludgy coffee that could taste bitter.
**Water** - For the cleanest flavor, use filtered, bottled or distilled water. This way there won't be any added flavors from minerals, chlorine or anything else that might be in your tap water.
\*Find the **full ingredient list** in the **recipe card** below\!
## Helpful Equipment
- [Coffee grinder](https://amzn.to/3PGN6Ez)
- [Strainer](https://amzn.to/49hcIlR)
## how to make cold brew coffee
1. Add the coffee and water to a container with a lid, then give it a good stir.
2. Cover and let sit for at least 12 hours or up to 36 hours. You can brew the coffee at room temperature or refrigerated. If brewing at room temperature, the coffee will extract faster, so a shorter time is better. If brewing in the refrigerator, the coffee will extract slower so you can let it go a little longer.
**Pro Tip:** For the best flavor, brew for 16-24 hours, with no more than 24 hours at room temperature or 36 in the fridge, to avoid bitterness. Adjust timing based on your coffee, grind size, brewing temperature, and taste preference.
1. Place a [fine mesh strainer](https://amzn.to/48VtZRd) over top of a [large bowl](https://amzn.to/4hGawIE), then strain the coffee once to remove most of the coffee grounds.
2. Discard the coffee grounds,\* then place a coffee filter, a few layers of cheese cloth, or a few layers of paper towels inside the strainer set over top of another bowl.
3. Pour the coffee into the strainer and allow it to drain slowly over the bow. It will take longer to drain this time, so have patience and don't try to force it through.
4. Once the liquid has finished straining, discard the solids and transfer the liquid to a jar ot bottle and store in the refrigerator for up to a month.
5. To serve, pour the cold brew coffee over ice and dilute it with a bit of water if desired. Add your favorite sweetener or creamer, then enjoy\!

## Tips for Success
- For a flavored cold brew, try using flavored coffee beans or adding a few spices to the brew. Cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, star anise, nutmeg, vanilla beans and cacao nibs all make great additions. You can also flavor a cup of cold brew with your favorite flavored coffee syrup or creamer.
- The leftover coffee grounds can be used as a body scrub or plant fertilizer. Don't throw them away\!
- Cold brew coffee at the 1:4 ratio is STRONG. Many people like to dilute it with some water before drinking, or just let the ice melt a bit. But be warned, this stuff will make you wired\!
## Serving Suggestions
Enjoy your cold brew black, with cream or your alternative milk of choice.
To sweeten cold brew coffee, use a liquid sweetener for best results. Use honey, maple syrup, agave nectar or try making a simple syrup by dissolving 1 part sugar into 2 parts water.
Use cold brew coffee to make an extra chilly variation of [affogato](https://coleycooks.com/italian-affogato-recipe/) - the cold coffee gets a bit slushy when mixed with the ice cream that has an almost granita like texture.
## FAQs
[Can I use regular ground coffee to make cold brew if I can't get it coarsely ground?](https://coleycooks.com/cold-brew-coffee/)
Yes, you can, but the quality will vary. Regular or more finely ground coffee will result in more thick coffee sludge in your cold brew rather than a clean, clear liquid. If you go this route, take the time to strain the cold brew through a filter 1-2 extra times to help get rid of some of the sludge. It will also brew more quickly, so don't let it go more than 18 hours or it could turn bitter.
[Can cold brew coffee be stored at room temperature?](https://coleycooks.com/cold-brew-coffee/)
No. Once the cold brew has been strained, it must be kept in the refrigerator to remain fresh. The brewing process, however, can be done at room temperature.
[How long will cold brew coffee last in the refrigerator?](https://coleycooks.com/cold-brew-coffee/)
Up to one month. You can drink it past that and it won't hurt you, but for optimal flavor and freshness, consume cold brew within a few weeks of making.
[Do I need any special equipment to make cold brew coffee at home?](https://coleycooks.com/cold-brew-coffee/)
There are many systems and pieces of equipment on the market advertised to make your own cold brew, but they really aren't necessary. If you have a large jar or bin, a strainer and some coffee filters, you can make cold brew easily at home.
## Related Recipes
- [Tiramisu Brownies](https://coleycooks.com/tiramisu-brownies/)
- [Easy No Bake Pumpkin Tiramisu](https://coleycooks.com/pumpkin-tiramisu-video/)
- [Chocolate Espresso Shortbread Cookies](https://coleycooks.com/chocolate-espresso-cookies/)
- [Toasted Marshmallow Milkshake](https://coleycooks.com/toasted-marshmallow-milkshake/)
Did you **LOVE** this recipe? Please leave a **star ⭐️ rating** and comment and tag your creations [**@ColeyCooks**](https://www.instagram.com/coleycooks/) on Instagram\!
Want to Save This Recipe?
Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox.
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RATE THIS RECIPE
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Ratings
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## Cold Brew Coffee
This easy recipe for homemade **cold brew coffee** uses a super simple technique to produce a smooth, strong coffee concentrate that's perfect for iced coffee, lattes, espresso martinis, coffee cocktails and more\!
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Total Time: 12 hours hours 5 minutes minutes
Servings: 4 cups
Calories: 1kcal
Author: [Nicole Gaffney](https://coleycooks.com/about/)
### Ingredients
- 1 cup coarse coffee grounds \* see note
- 4 cups COLD water
### Instructions
1. Add the coffee and water to a container with a lid, then give it a good stir.
2. Cover and let sit for at least 12 hours or up to 36 hours. You can brew the coffee at room temperature or refrigerated. If brewing at room temperature, the coffee will extract faster, so a shorter time is better. If brewing in the refrigerator, the coffee will extract slower so you can let it go a little longer.
3. Place a fine mesh strainer over top of a large bowl, then strain the coffee once to remove most of the coffee grounds.
4. Discard the coffee grounds,\* then place a coffee filter, a few layers of cheese cloth, or a few layers of paper towels inside the strainer set over top of another bowl.
5. Pour the coffee into the strainer and allow it to drain slowly over the bow. It will take longer to drain this time, so have patience and don't try to force it through.
6. Once the liquid has finished straining, discard the solids and transfer the liquid to a jar ot bottle and store in the refrigerator for up to a month.
7. To serve, pour the cold brew coffee over ice and dilute it with a bit of water if desired. Add your favorite sweetener or creamer, then enjoy\!
***
### Notes
- Medium to coarsely ground coffee will produce the smoothest cold brew. Using a finer ground coffee will result in a cloudier, more sludgy coffee that could taste bitter.
- It's best not to let your coffee brew for more than 24 hours at room temperature and 36 hours in the refrigerator. This can cause the cold brew to over extract and turn bitter. 16-24 hours is usually the sweet spot, but it will ultimately depend on the type of coffee you're using, the size of the grounds, the temperature it's brewing at and personal preference. It might take a few batches to make your perfect cup\!
- For a flavored cold brew, try using flavored coffee beans or adding a few spices to the brew. Cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, star anise, nutmeg, vanilla beans and cacao nibs all make great additions. You can also flavor a cup of cold brew with your favorite flavored coffee syrup or creamer.
- If your tap water isn't the best quality or has a distinct flavor, definitely use filtered or bottled water to make your cold brew coffee. It will make all the difference\!
- The leftover coffee grounds can be used as a body scrub or plant fertilizer. Don't throw them away\!
- Cold brew coffee at the 1:4 ratio is STRONG. Many people like to dilute it with some water before drinking, or just let the ice melt a bit. But be warned, this stuff will make you wired\!
***
### Nutrition
Calories: 1kcal \| Protein: 0\.1g \| Fat: 0\.01g \| Monounsaturated Fat: 0\.01g \| Sodium: 1mg \| Potassium: 29mg \| Calcium: 1mg \| Iron: 0\.01mg
SaveSave
*This post may contain affiliate links.*
5 from 4 votes
### Did you make this recipe? Please leave a ⭐ rating and review! [Cancel reply](https://coleycooks.com/cold-brew-coffee/#respond)
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## 7 Comments
1. **DB** says:
[July 13, 2022 at 12:17 pm](https://coleycooks.com/cold-brew-coffee/#comment-18190)

I think I've been overcomplicating my cold brew. This turned out absolutely perfect. Straight, to the point tutorial. Thank you
[Reply](https://coleycooks.com/cold-brew-coffee/#comment-18190)
2. **Nic** says:
[June 28, 2022 at 2:42 pm](https://coleycooks.com/cold-brew-coffee/#comment-18173)

This was super easy and straight forward to make. Came out so good, it's great having it on hand in the summer
[Reply](https://coleycooks.com/cold-brew-coffee/#comment-18173)
1. **Coley** says:
[June 29, 2022 at 11:31 am](https://coleycooks.com/cold-brew-coffee/#comment-18178)
So glad you loved it\!
[Reply](https://coleycooks.com/cold-brew-coffee/#comment-18178)
3. **Danielle** says:
[June 29, 2015 at 2:14 pm](https://coleycooks.com/cold-brew-coffee/#comment-1025)

Thanks for showing me how to make cold brew! I can't believe I spent all weekend with you in New Orleans and I'm only now finding out you play the ukulele.
[Reply](https://coleycooks.com/cold-brew-coffee/#comment-1025)
1. **Coley** says:
[June 29, 2015 at 6:08 pm](https://coleycooks.com/cold-brew-coffee/#comment-1026)
Haha! This made me giggle out loud. I dabble. It's part of my whole new "no cable" situation. It was so wonderful to meet this weekend, and you better stay in touch! Hope you had an easy trip home. xo 🙂
[Reply](https://coleycooks.com/cold-brew-coffee/#comment-1026)
4. **K** says:
[June 27, 2015 at 1:22 pm](https://coleycooks.com/cold-brew-coffee/#comment-1019)

Looks refreshing. Always forget how much I enjoy iced coffee for my afternoon pick-me-up. Thanks for reminding me and I'm anxious to try your method.
[Reply](https://coleycooks.com/cold-brew-coffee/#comment-1019)
1. **Coley** says:
[June 29, 2015 at 6:09 pm](https://coleycooks.com/cold-brew-coffee/#comment-1027)
You'll love it. I'll trade you a cup for a new kombucha scoby. I let my other one go way too long and when I checked it there were tiny little worms forming (SO gross). TMI?
[Reply](https://coleycooks.com/cold-brew-coffee/#comment-1027)

Hey\!
I’m Nicole Gaffney, but my friends all call me Coley. You should, too! I’m a professionally trained chef with a passion for Italian cuisine and seafood. I’m on a mission to help you cook more for the people you love.
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| Readable Markdown | This easy recipe for homemade **cold brew coffee** uses a super simple technique to produce a smooth, strong coffee concentrate that's perfect for iced coffee, lattes, espresso martinis, coffee cocktails and more\!

Cold brew coffee has revolutionized how people drink iced coffee.
It is so much better than pouring hot coffee over ice cubes only to wind up with a diluted, lukewarm cup of bitter bean water. High end coffee shops charge an arm and a leg for high-quality cold brew, but it's so easy to make it at home for a fraction of the cost.
Drink it straight, or pair with your favorite cream and sugar.
## Why This Recipe Works
- An easy, beginner friendly, fool-proof method that anyone can make\!
- Produces a super smooth, strong coffee that lasts several weeks in the fridge.
- Only 2 ingredients needed\!
Ingredient Notes
**Coffee** - For the best cold brew, use fresh, locally roasted coffee beans that are coarsely ground-either at home, the grocery store, or your local coffee shop. Medium to coarsely ground coffee will produce the smoothest cold brew. Using a finer ground coffee will result in a cloudier, more sludgy coffee that could taste bitter.
**Water** - For the cleanest flavor, use filtered, bottled or distilled water. This way there won't be any added flavors from minerals, chlorine or anything else that might be in your tap water.
\*Find the **full ingredient list** in the **recipe card** below\!
## how to make cold brew coffee
1. Add the coffee and water to a container with a lid, then give it a good stir.
2. Cover and let sit for at least 12 hours or up to 36 hours. You can brew the coffee at room temperature or refrigerated. If brewing at room temperature, the coffee will extract faster, so a shorter time is better. If brewing in the refrigerator, the coffee will extract slower so you can let it go a little longer.
**Pro Tip:** For the best flavor, brew for 16-24 hours, with no more than 24 hours at room temperature or 36 in the fridge, to avoid bitterness. Adjust timing based on your coffee, grind size, brewing temperature, and taste preference.
1. Place a [fine mesh strainer](https://amzn.to/48VtZRd) over top of a [large bowl](https://amzn.to/4hGawIE), then strain the coffee once to remove most of the coffee grounds.
2. Discard the coffee grounds,\* then place a coffee filter, a few layers of cheese cloth, or a few layers of paper towels inside the strainer set over top of another bowl.
3. Pour the coffee into the strainer and allow it to drain slowly over the bow. It will take longer to drain this time, so have patience and don't try to force it through.
4. Once the liquid has finished straining, discard the solids and transfer the liquid to a jar ot bottle and store in the refrigerator for up to a month.
5. To serve, pour the cold brew coffee over ice and dilute it with a bit of water if desired. Add your favorite sweetener or creamer, then enjoy\!

## Tips for Success
- For a flavored cold brew, try using flavored coffee beans or adding a few spices to the brew. Cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, star anise, nutmeg, vanilla beans and cacao nibs all make great additions. You can also flavor a cup of cold brew with your favorite flavored coffee syrup or creamer.
- The leftover coffee grounds can be used as a body scrub or plant fertilizer. Don't throw them away\!
- Cold brew coffee at the 1:4 ratio is STRONG. Many people like to dilute it with some water before drinking, or just let the ice melt a bit. But be warned, this stuff will make you wired\!
## Serving Suggestions
Enjoy your cold brew black, with cream or your alternative milk of choice.
To sweeten cold brew coffee, use a liquid sweetener for best results. Use honey, maple syrup, agave nectar or try making a simple syrup by dissolving 1 part sugar into 2 parts water.
Use cold brew coffee to make an extra chilly variation of [affogato](https://coleycooks.com/italian-affogato-recipe/) - the cold coffee gets a bit slushy when mixed with the ice cream that has an almost granita like texture.
## FAQs
Want to Save This Recipe?
Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox.
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Coley Cooks.
- 1 cup coarse coffee grounds \* see note
- 4 cups COLD water
1. Add the coffee and water to a container with a lid, then give it a good stir.
2. Cover and let sit for at least 12 hours or up to 36 hours. You can brew the coffee at room temperature or refrigerated. If brewing at room temperature, the coffee will extract faster, so a shorter time is better. If brewing in the refrigerator, the coffee will extract slower so you can let it go a little longer.
3. Place a fine mesh strainer over top of a large bowl, then strain the coffee once to remove most of the coffee grounds.
4. Discard the coffee grounds,\* then place a coffee filter, a few layers of cheese cloth, or a few layers of paper towels inside the strainer set over top of another bowl.
5. Pour the coffee into the strainer and allow it to drain slowly over the bow. It will take longer to drain this time, so have patience and don't try to force it through.
6. Once the liquid has finished straining, discard the solids and transfer the liquid to a jar ot bottle and store in the refrigerator for up to a month.
7. To serve, pour the cold brew coffee over ice and dilute it with a bit of water if desired. Add your favorite sweetener or creamer, then enjoy\!
***
- Medium to coarsely ground coffee will produce the smoothest cold brew. Using a finer ground coffee will result in a cloudier, more sludgy coffee that could taste bitter.
- It's best not to let your coffee brew for more than 24 hours at room temperature and 36 hours in the refrigerator. This can cause the cold brew to over extract and turn bitter. 16-24 hours is usually the sweet spot, but it will ultimately depend on the type of coffee you're using, the size of the grounds, the temperature it's brewing at and personal preference. It might take a few batches to make your perfect cup\!
- For a flavored cold brew, try using flavored coffee beans or adding a few spices to the brew. Cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, star anise, nutmeg, vanilla beans and cacao nibs all make great additions. You can also flavor a cup of cold brew with your favorite flavored coffee syrup or creamer.
- If your tap water isn't the best quality or has a distinct flavor, definitely use filtered or bottled water to make your cold brew coffee. It will make all the difference\!
- The leftover coffee grounds can be used as a body scrub or plant fertilizer. Don't throw them away\!
- Cold brew coffee at the 1:4 ratio is STRONG. Many people like to dilute it with some water before drinking, or just let the ice melt a bit. But be warned, this stuff will make you wired\!
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Calories: 1kcal \| Protein: 0\.1g \| Fat: 0\.01g \| Monounsaturated Fat: 0\.01g \| Sodium: 1mg \| Potassium: 29mg \| Calcium: 1mg \| Iron: 0\.01mg
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| Shard | 196 (laksa) |
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