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URLhttps://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/how-to-make-cold-brew-coffee/
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Meta TitleHomemade Cold Brew Coffee Recipe
Meta DescriptionThere is nothing better than an iced coffee on a warm day! This post tells you everything you need to know about making homemade cold brew coffee. Includes information on recommended coffee to water ratio, steep time, and more so you can make the perfect cold brew coffee concentrate at home!
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You’ll make THE BEST homemade cold brew coffee with our detailed and easy to follow method. With over a decade of homemade cold brew making experience and countless batches perfected through trial and error, I’ve learned what works and what doesn’t when it comes to making DIY cold brew coffee. Our detailed instructions, process photos, and tips for straining will help you succeed every time! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Reviews “Thanks so much for this info. I could never pinpoint what I was doing wrong before! This is literally a lifesaver living in Florida!” – Marley “This is such a great tutorial for at home cold brew! Thanks for sharing!” – Lynne I simply LOVE cold brew coffee. Like, love it so much that I was going through jugs of the stuff at $5 a pop and realized I was spending a ridiculous amount of money on something I could easily make at home. That’s when I set out to master the art of homemade cold brew, and I haven’t looked back since. Making cold brew coffee at home is the ultimate life hack for warm summer months, especially if you drink cold brew at a very high rate like I do! It’s super easy and much more cost effective than buying from a coffee shop or purchasing pre-made versions. I’ve tested different brewing times, experimented with various coffee-to-water ratios, and tried multiple straining methods to figure out what creates the smoothest, most flavorful cold brew. Your homemade cold brew will keep in the fridge for 1 to 2 weeks, making busy mornings easier with pour and go convenience. Through years of perfecting this method, I’ve learned the secrets to brewing cold brew that rivals anything you’d buy, and I’m sharing all those tips with you here. If you are a coffee lover, homemade cold brew coffee is a must try. Jump to: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Reviews Homemade Cold Brew What is Cold Brew Coffee? DIY Cold Brew Ingredients How to Make Cold Brew Coffee How to Serve Homemade Cold Brew Cold Brew Coffee Recipe FAQs Love this Recipe? You May Also Enjoy Homemade Cold Brew What is Cold Brew Coffee? Cold brew coffee is coffee that is made by soaking coffee grounds in cold or room temperature water for an extended period of time (usually 12+ hours). The coffee is never heated during brewing, hence the name ‘cold brew’. This type of coffee is known as being strong, highly-concentrated, smooth, and mellow. What’s the Difference Between Cold Brew Coffee and Iced Coffee? On the simplest level, how the coffee is brewed. Cold brew coffee has a lower acidity level due to the beans never being heated. Great for those with sensitive stomachs. Cold brew coffee is smoother and less bitter in taste again, because the beans are not subjected to heat which changes the chemical profile of the final brew. Cold brew is often described as smooth, milder, and slightly sweet. Cold brew is higher in caffeine because of the higher ratio of coffee to water and long brew time. Whoo hoo! If it’s a bit too much for you, you can tone it down by adding additional cold water to your cup. Cold brew is generally served on ice, which will also help to take the edge off. If you are sensitive to caffeine, or like to sip on cold brew all day long but don’t want to be up all night, you can also make decaffeinated cold brew coffee concentrate by using decaf coffee grounds. Cold brew coffee has less risk of tasting watered down because of the strong nature of the brew! This is excellent as watered down coffee is kind of a bummer. DIY Cold Brew Ingredients Coarsely Ground Coffee: use your favorite coffee, and coarsely grind the beans (like you would use in a French press). If you do not have a coffee grinder, you can use the grinder at your grocery store or if you’re purchasing coffee from a local coffee shop, they’ll gladly grind the beans for you. There are a few reasons coarsely ground coffee is recommended for cold brew. Too fine a grind can create a more bitter tasting coffee due to more oil being extracted and the beans getting slightly heated during the grinding process. Too coarse a grind can also cause filtering issues, creating a hazy or murky cup of coffee. Water: you will need cold or room temperature water to make your cold brew coffee. Some people claim using filtered water creates a better cup of cold brew. I’ve always used tap water and it has still been delightful; if you live somewhere with well water that has a mineral taste, though, filtered water may be best. A Container: there are so many options for this! A standard quart-sized Mason jar (32oz) or an old glass jar you might have on hand are great options (some spaghetti sauces come in glass jars up to 45oz – a great way to upcycle!). You can purchase a cute glass jar with a lid from a store that carries home goods (I generally use a half-gallon sized glass jar that I purchased because my husband and I both like coffee and want to have this around for at least a few days). If you have a French press, you can brew your cold brew in that too (just don’t push down the lever until you’re ready to strain). Helpful Equipment Coffee grinder: This is a great starter at-home coffee grinder (works well, is a cost effective option) We upgraded to this coffee grinder a few years ago and love it (we drink A LOT of coffee) Fine mesh strainer: We love and use this fine mesh strainer for so many things, great product for low cost Coffee filters: These coffee filters will work well if you do not have a cloth to strain through Container or pitcher: I use a 2-liter sized glass pitcher with lid similar to this to make my cold brew so we can enjoy it all week long! We actually have 2 containers like this that are in near constant rotation all summer long for various coffees and iced teas How to Make Cold Brew Coffee Select container you will use to steep your coffee and determine how many cups of water you can use. Coarsely grind coffee beans.* In your container, combine your coffee and water and stir. As noted above, a good ratio is to use 1oz of coffee for 1 cup of water. Cover and place in the refrigerator to brew overnight (approximately 12 hours). When ready to strain, place a fine mesh strainer fitted with a thin paper coffee filter, cloth napkin, or cheesecloth over a bowl. Pour the brewed coffee through the prepared strainer to remove the grounds from your cold brew concentrate. Make sure to let all of the coffee seep through to the bowl by letting it sit for a few minutes. Transfer filtered coffee into a container for storage (I usually rinse the container I used to brew my cold brew in to remove any remaining grounds and pour my coffee back into it!). Homemade cold brew coffee will keep for up to 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator. Serve and enjoy! *Note: you can make decaffeinated cold brew coffee concentrate by using decaf coffee beans in this step. I like to remind people of this because it is uncommon to find decaf cold brew coffee at your local coffee shop or on the shelf at the store. Recommended Brewing (Steeping) Time In general, cold brew coffee is recommended to steep overnight or at least 12 hours. You will also find some resources that say to brew for 18 to 24 hours…do what works with your schedule. I have made cold brew dozens of times, and the generic “brew overnight” has worked well for me. You can brew your coffee on your counter or in the refrigerator. I generally place mine in the fridge so it’s already cold! I encourage you to experiment and find the steep time that creates the perfect cup of cold brew for you! How to Strain Your Cold Brew Coffee When It’s Done Brewing There are several ways to do this. In general, you will need a fine mesh strainer plus some type of filtering material. I usually use a thin paper coffee filter (the “basket” shaped ones work best as they sit nicely in your strainer). You can also use a cheesecloth or a cloth napkin. If you are brewing with a French press to make your cold brew concentrate, simply press down the plunger to push the grounds to the bottom. What is the Correct Coffee to Water Ratio for Cold Brew Coffee? While the perfect ratio is subjective, a good starting point is 1 ounce of coffee to 1 cup of water. You can use a kitchen scale to measure this if you’d like to be precise, but 1 oz of coarse ground coffee ends up being approximately ¼ cup. So, if you have a container that will hold 4 cups of water, you will need 1 cup of coarsely ground coffee. How to Serve Homemade Cold Brew To Serve Cold: Serving cold brew coffee cold is the most common way to serve cold brew coffee Fill a glass with ice Pour your desired amount of cold brew concentrate in (I would recommend to start by filling your glass halfway with cold brew as it is very strong) Dilute with water, milk, and/or creamer to your liking. If you’d like to sweeten your cold brew, adding a small amount of simple syrup or vanilla syrup is a great choice as it will blend into your cold beverage nicely Stir, sip, and enjoy! You can also use homemade cold brew to make your favorite Starbucks drinks at home (we’ve got DIY recipes for you!) like the ever popular vanilla sweet cream cold brew or a honey almond milk cold brew . To Serve Hot: Did you know that you can drink cold brew coffee hot? Great for those who have sensitive stomachs and need a less acidic cup of joe, or if you’re just in the mood for a hot cup of coffee instead! Option 1: in a small saucepan, dilute cold brew concentrate with water (start with a 1-to-1 ratio) and heat over medium heat on your stove until desired temperature is reached. Add in your favorite coffee fixings (milk, half and half, etc) and enjoy! Option 2: heat water in a tea kettle and add to your cold brew concentrate right in your mug (again, suggest starting with a 1-to-1 ratio and adjusting as desired) Option 3: dilute and microwave – sometimes you just need to get your coffee ready and go! I will note, options 1 and 2 are generally the recommended methods for heating cold brew coffee. Cold Brew Coffee Recipe FAQs How long does cold brew last? When stored properly in a sealed container, homemade cold brew will last for up to 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator. Does cold brew have more caffeine? Yes, straight cold brew coffee has more caffeine than straight hot coffee. This is because of the higher ratio of coffee to water that’s used to make cold brew as well as it’s long brewing time. Is cold brew less acidic? Yes! Cold brew coffee is less acidic. This is because of the brewing process, where the beans are not heated. What are the drawbacks of cold brew? While I absolutely love cold brew, there are a few drawbacks to be aware of. First and foremost, it requires planning ahead since you need to brew it for at least 12 hours, so you can’t make it on a whim when you wake up craving coffee. Second, cold brew is significantly higher in caffeine than regular coffee, which can be too much for some people making them jittery or affecting sleep if enjoyed later in the day. Third, it uses more coffee grounds than traditional brewing methods, making it less economical per cup (though still cheaper than buying from a coffee shop). Despite these drawbacks, I find the smooth taste and convenience of having cold brew ready to go in my fridge makes it worth it, especially during the warmer months when cold coffee is king. Should I stir cold brew while steeping? I typically give my cold brew one good stir right after combining the coffee grounds to ensure all of the grounds get wet at the beginning of the process so they steep properly. After that initial stir, I don’t stir it again during the steeping process. The coffee will extract just fine sitting undisturbed. Some people like to give it a gentle stir halfway through the brewing time, but through all my years of making cold brew, I’ve found it doesn’t make a noticeable difference in the final flavor. Love this Recipe? You May Also Enjoy Honey Almond Milk Cold Brew (Starbucks Copycat) Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew Coffee Protein Shake Cold Brew Martini Did you make this recipe? Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating & comment below! You can also tag @ourlovelanguageisfood on Instagram & Facebook . Be sure to subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get free recipes sent directly to your inbox! Homemade Cold Brew Meredith Homemade cold brew coffee is a breeze to make and so delicious! It is also a cost effective way to enjoy this warm weather pick-me-up. This recipe is written for a 1-quart container (like a large mason jar) but can be easily increased or decreased to fit your needs. This will yield approximately 2.5 cups of cold brew concentrate when done brewing, which is about 5 servings. Serve cold or warm, with your favorite coffee add-ins! 5 from 14 votes Prep Time 15 minutes Inactive Time 12 hours Total Time 12 hours 15 minutes Course Drinks Cuisine American Servings 2.5 Cups ▢ 3 oz coarsely ground coffee approximately ¾ cup ▢ 3 cups water cold or room temperature Select container you will use to steep your coffee and determine how many cups of water you can use Coarsely grind coffee beans In your container, combine your coffee and water and stir Cover and place in the refrigerator to brew overnight (approximately 12 hours)* When ready to strain, place a fine mesh strainer fitted with a thin paper coffee filter, cloth napkin, or cheesecloth over a bowl. Pour the brewed coffee through the prepared strainer to remove the grounds from your cold brew concentrate. Make sure to let all of the coffee seep through to the bowl by letting it sit for a few minutes Transfer filtered coffee into a container for storage. Homemade cold brew coffee will keep for up to 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator Serve and enjoy! *The ratio for coffee-to-water in this recipe is 1oz of coarsely ground coffee to 1 cup water. If you do not have a kitchen scale, 1oz of coarsely ground coffee is approximately ¼ C. *Cold brew coffee can be brewed in the refrigerator or on your countertop. I prefer to brew mine in the fridge so it is already cold. *Brew time is approximate, but you do not want to short it too much (you will end up with weak coffee). 12-18 hours is a good range. *Cold brew coffee can be served cold (most common) or warm. Sodium: 14 mg Calcium: 9 mg Let us know how it was! Reader Interactions
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- [Skip to primary navigation](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/how-to-make-cold-brew-coffee/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/how-to-make-cold-brew-coffee/#genesis-content) - [Skip to primary sidebar](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/how-to-make-cold-brew-coffee/#genesis-sidebar-primary) - [All Recipes](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/recipe-index/) - [Spring](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/seasonal-recipes/spring/) - [Work With Me](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/food-photography/) - [About](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/about/) - [Subscribe](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/subscribe/) [Our Love Language is Food](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/) [![go to homepage](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/OLLIF-Logo-200-x-70-px.jpg)](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/) - [All Recipes](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/recipe-index/) - [Spring](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/seasonal-recipes/spring/) - [Work With Me](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/food-photography/) - [About](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/about/) - [Subscribe](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/subscribe/) [![Homepage link](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/OLLIF-Logo-200-x-70-px.jpg)](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/) - [All Recipes](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/recipe-index/) - [Spring](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/seasonal-recipes/spring/) - [Work With Me](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/food-photography/) - [About](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/about/) - [Subscribe](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/subscribe/) [×](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/how-to-make-cold-brew-coffee/) [Home](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/) \> [Recipes](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/recipe-index/) \> [Beverages](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/beverages/) Published: Mar 13, 2021 · Modified: Jun 24, 2022 by [Meredith](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/about/) · This post may contain affiliate links · [14 Comments](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/how-to-make-cold-brew-coffee/#comments) # DIY Cold Brew Coffee Sharing is caring\! [Jump to Recipe](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/how-to-make-cold-brew-coffee/#recipe) **You’ll make THE BEST homemade cold brew coffee with our detailed and easy to follow method.** With over a decade of homemade cold brew making experience and countless batches perfected through trial and error, I’ve learned what works and what doesn’t when it comes to making DIY cold brew coffee. Our detailed instructions, process photos, and tips for straining will help you succeed every time\! ![Icy glass of homemade cold brew coffee, served with milk and ready to drink with a straw ](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/how-to-make-cold-brew-coffee.jpg) ## ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Reviews “Thanks so much for this info. I could never pinpoint what I was doing wrong before! This is literally a lifesaver living in Florida!” – Marley “This is such a great tutorial for at home cold brew! Thanks for sharing!” – Lynne ## Homemade Cold Brew **I simply LOVE cold brew coffee.** Like, love it so much that I was going through jugs of the stuff at \$5 a pop and realized I was spending a ridiculous amount of money on something I could easily make at home. That’s when **I set out to master the art of homemade cold brew, and I haven’t looked back since.** **Making cold brew coffee at home is the ultimate life hack for warm summer months, especially if you drink cold brew at a very high rate like I do\!** It’s super easy and much more cost effective than buying from a coffee shop or purchasing pre-made versions. I’ve tested different brewing times, experimented with various coffee-to-water ratios, and tried multiple straining methods to figure out what creates the smoothest, most flavorful cold brew. Your homemade cold brew will keep in the fridge for 1 to 2 weeks, making busy mornings easier with pour and go convenience. Through years of perfecting this method, I’ve learned the secrets to brewing cold brew that rivals anything you’d buy, and I’m sharing all those tips with you here. If you are a coffee lover, homemade cold brew coffee is a must try. Jump to: - [⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Reviews](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/how-to-make-cold-brew-coffee/#%E2%AD%90%E2%AD%90%E2%AD%90%E2%AD%90%E2%AD%90-reader-reviews) - [Homemade Cold Brew](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/how-to-make-cold-brew-coffee/#homemade-cold-brew) - [What is Cold Brew Coffee?](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/how-to-make-cold-brew-coffee/#what-is-cold-brew-coffee) - [DIY Cold Brew Ingredients](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/how-to-make-cold-brew-coffee/#diy-cold-brew-ingredients) - [How to Make Cold Brew Coffee](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/how-to-make-cold-brew-coffee/#how-to-make-cold-brew-coffee) - [How to Serve Homemade Cold Brew](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/how-to-make-cold-brew-coffee/#how-to-serve-homemade-cold-brew) - [Cold Brew Coffee Recipe FAQs](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/how-to-make-cold-brew-coffee/#cold-brew-coffee-recipe-faqs) - [Love this Recipe? You May Also Enjoy](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/how-to-make-cold-brew-coffee/#love-this-recipe-you-may-also-enjoy) - [Homemade Cold Brew](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/how-to-make-cold-brew-coffee/#homemade-cold-brew) ## What is Cold Brew Coffee? **Cold brew coffee is coffee that is made by soaking coffee grounds in cold or room temperature water for an extended period of time** (usually 12+ hours). The coffee is never heated during brewing, hence the name ‘cold brew’. This type of coffee is known as being strong, highly-concentrated, smooth, and mellow. ### **What’s the Difference Between Cold Brew Coffee and Iced Coffee?** **On the simplest level, how the coffee is brewed.** - **Cold brew coffee has a lower acidity level** due to the beans never being heated. Great for those with sensitive stomachs. - **Cold brew coffee is smoother and less bitter in taste** again, because the beans are not subjected to heat which changes the chemical profile of the final brew. Cold brew is often described as smooth, milder, and slightly sweet. - **Cold brew is higher in caffeine** because of the higher ratio of coffee to water and long brew time. Whoo hoo! If it’s a bit too much for you, you can tone it down by adding additional cold water to your cup. Cold brew is generally served on ice, which will also help to take the edge off. If you are sensitive to caffeine, or like to sip on cold brew all day long but don’t want to be up all night, you can also make decaffeinated cold brew coffee concentrate by using decaf coffee grounds. - **Cold brew coffee has less risk of tasting watered down** because of the strong nature of the brew! This is excellent as watered down coffee is kind of a bummer. ![Top down view of a glass of this cold brew recipe served on ice, with a jar of milk next to it](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%204288%202848'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ![Top down view of a glass of this cold brew recipe served on ice, with a jar of milk next to it](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/1_how-to-make-cold-brew-coffee.jpg) ## **DIY Cold Brew Ingredients** - **Coarsely Ground Coffee:** use your favorite coffee, and coarsely grind the beans (like you would use in a French press). If you do not have a coffee grinder, you can use the grinder at your grocery store or if you’re purchasing coffee from a local coffee shop, they’ll gladly grind the beans for you. There are a few reasons coarsely ground coffee is recommended for cold brew. Too fine a grind can create a more bitter tasting coffee due to more oil being extracted and the beans getting slightly heated during the grinding process. Too coarse a grind can also cause filtering issues, creating a hazy or murky cup of coffee. - **Water:** you will need cold or room temperature water to make your cold brew coffee. Some people claim using filtered water creates a better cup of cold brew. I’ve always used tap water and it has still been delightful; if you live somewhere with well water that has a mineral taste, though, filtered water may be best. - **A Container:** there are so many options for this! A standard quart-sized Mason jar (32oz) or an old glass jar you might have on hand are great options (some spaghetti sauces come in glass jars up to 45oz – a great way to upcycle!). You can purchase a cute glass jar with a lid from a store that carries home goods (I generally use a half-gallon sized glass jar that I purchased because my husband and I both like coffee and want to have this around for at least a few days). If you have a French press, you can brew your cold brew in that too (just don’t push down the lever until you’re ready to strain). ### **Helpful Equipment** #### **Coffee grinder:** - This is a great [starter at-home coffee grinder](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BRLXUI/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000BRLXUI&linkCode=as2&tag=ollif-20&linkId=cc74d66311e3d07df60ef70f19a8a865) (works well, is a cost effective option) - We upgraded to this [coffee grinder](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07613GXJ2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B07613GXJ2&linkCode=as2&tag=ollif-20&linkId=d6be628d9665eec224beb63dd4c6f210) a few years ago and love it (we drink A LOT of coffee) #### **Fine mesh strainer:** - We love and use this [fine mesh strainer](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07ZLGG13B/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B07ZLGG13B&linkCode=as2&tag=ollif-20&linkId=c1d963ba3dc7b6d58cf1c9e7b61f8ed3) for so many things, great product for low cost #### **Coffee filters:** - These [coffee filters](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004E2PUMS/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B004E2PUMS&linkCode=as2&tag=ollif-20&linkId=5c0a4c0b788ae7336cdcc9e469cff7d2) will work well if you do not have a cloth to strain through #### **Container or pitcher:** - I use a 2-liter sized [glass pitcher with lid](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007QUN7DY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B007QUN7DY&linkCode=as2&tag=ollif-20&linkId=aa036295cf8e05c484ecdc2d8e6719bd) similar to this to make my cold brew so we can enjoy it all week long! We actually have 2 containers like this that are in near constant rotation all summer long for various coffees and iced teas ![Homemade cold brew concentrate being brewed in a large container with a lid; you can see the course ground coffee and liquid separated and ready to be strained](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%202785%203481'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ![Homemade cold brew concentrate being brewed in a large container with a lid; you can see the course ground coffee and liquid separated and ready to be strained](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/2_how-to-make-cold-brew-coffee.jpg) ## **How to Make Cold Brew Coffee** Select container you will use to steep your coffee and determine how many cups of water you can use. Coarsely grind coffee beans.\* In your container, combine your coffee and water and stir. As noted above, a good ratio is to use 1oz of coffee for 1 cup of water. Cover and place in the refrigerator to brew overnight (approximately 12 hours). When ready to strain, place a fine mesh strainer fitted with a thin paper coffee filter, cloth napkin, or cheesecloth over a bowl. Pour the brewed coffee through the prepared strainer to remove the grounds from your cold brew concentrate. Make sure to let all of the coffee seep through to the bowl by letting it sit for a few minutes. Transfer filtered coffee into a container for storage (I usually rinse the container I used to brew my cold brew in to remove any remaining grounds and pour my coffee back into it!). Homemade cold brew coffee will keep for up to 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator. Serve and enjoy\! \*Note: you can make decaffeinated cold brew coffee concentrate by using decaf coffee beans in this step. I like to remind people of this because it is uncommon to find decaf cold brew coffee at your local coffee shop or on the shelf at the store. ### **Recommended Brewing (Steeping) Time** In general, **cold brew coffee is recommended to steep overnight or at least 12 hours.** You will also find some resources that say to brew for 18 to 24 hours…do what works with your schedule. I have made cold brew dozens of times, and the generic “brew overnight” has worked well for me. You can brew your coffee on your counter or in the refrigerator. I generally place mine in the fridge so it’s already cold\! I encourage you to experiment and find the steep time that creates the perfect cup of cold brew for you\! ### **How to Strain Your Cold Brew Coffee When It’s Done Brewing** **There are several ways to do this. In general, you will need a fine mesh strainer plus some type of filtering material.** I usually use a thin paper coffee filter (the “basket” shaped ones work best as they sit nicely in your strainer). You can also use a cheesecloth or a cloth napkin. If you are brewing with a French press to make your cold brew concentrate, simply press down the plunger to push the grounds to the bottom. ![Homemade cold brew concentrate being brewed in a large container with a lid; you can see the course ground coffee and liquid separated and ready to be strained](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%202543%203560'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ![Homemade cold brew concentrate being brewed in a large container with a lid; you can see the course ground coffee and liquid separated and ready to be strained](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/3_how-to-make-cold-brew-coffee.jpg) ### **What is the Correct Coffee to Water Ratio for Cold Brew Coffee?** While the perfect ratio is subjective, **a good starting point is 1 ounce of coffee to 1 cup of water.** You can use a kitchen scale to measure this if you’d like to be precise, but 1 oz of coarse ground coffee ends up being approximately ¼ cup. So, if you have a container that will hold 4 cups of water, you will need 1 cup of coarsely ground coffee. ## **How to Serve Homemade Cold Brew** ### **To Serve Cold:** **Serving cold brew coffee cold is the most common way to serve cold brew coffee** - Fill a glass with ice - Pour your desired amount of cold brew concentrate in (I would recommend to start by filling your glass halfway with cold brew as it is very strong) - Dilute with water, milk, and/or creamer to your liking. - If you’d like to sweeten your cold brew, adding a small amount of [simple syrup](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/simple-syrup/) or [vanilla syrup](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/homemade-vanilla-simple-syrup/) is a great choice as it will blend into your cold beverage nicely - Stir, sip, and enjoy\! **You can also use homemade cold brew to make your favorite Starbucks drinks at home** (we’ve got DIY recipes for you!) like the ever popular [vanilla sweet cream cold brew](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/vanilla-sweet-cream-cold-brew-starbucks-copycat/) or a [honey almond milk cold brew](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/honey-almond-milk-cold-brew-starbucks-copycat/). ### **To Serve Hot:** **Did you know that you can drink cold brew coffee hot? Great for those who have sensitive stomachs** and need a less acidic cup of joe, or if you’re just in the mood for a hot cup of coffee instead\! - **Option 1:** in a small saucepan, dilute cold brew concentrate with water (start with a 1-to-1 ratio) and heat over medium heat on your stove until desired temperature is reached. Add in your favorite coffee fixings (milk, half and half, etc) and enjoy\! - **Option 2:** heat water in a tea kettle and add to your cold brew concentrate right in your mug (again, suggest starting with a 1-to-1 ratio and adjusting as desired) - **Option 3:** dilute and microwave – sometimes you just need to get your coffee ready and go\! I will note, options 1 and 2 are generally the recommended methods for heating cold brew coffee. ![Homemade cold brew coffee served in a glass with a straw, with swirls of milk throughout](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%202571%203214'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ![Homemade cold brew coffee served in a glass with a straw, with swirls of milk throughout](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/4_how-to-make-cold-brew-coffee.jpg) ## Cold Brew Coffee Recipe FAQs **How long does cold brew last?** When stored properly in a sealed container, homemade cold brew will last for up to 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator. **Does cold brew have more caffeine?** **Yes, straight cold brew coffee has more caffeine than straight hot coffee.** This is because of the higher ratio of coffee to water that’s used to make cold brew as well as it’s long brewing time. **Is cold brew less acidic?** **Yes\!** **Cold brew coffee is less acidic.** This is because of the brewing process, where the beans are not heated. ****What are the drawbacks of cold brew?**** While I absolutely love cold brew, there are a few drawbacks to be aware of. First and foremost, it requires planning ahead since you need to brew it for at least 12 hours, so you can’t make it on a whim when you wake up craving coffee. Second, cold brew is significantly higher in caffeine than regular coffee, which can be too much for some people making them jittery or affecting sleep if enjoyed later in the day. Third, it uses more coffee grounds than traditional brewing methods, making it less economical per cup (though still cheaper than buying from a coffee shop). Despite these drawbacks, I find the smooth taste and convenience of having cold brew ready to go in my fridge makes it worth it, especially during the warmer months when cold coffee is king. ****Should I stir cold brew while steeping?**** I typically give my cold brew one good stir right after combining the coffee grounds to ensure all of the grounds get wet at the beginning of the process so they steep properly. After that initial stir, I don’t stir it again during the steeping process. The coffee will extract just fine sitting undisturbed. Some people like to give it a gentle stir halfway through the brewing time, but through all my years of making cold brew, I’ve found it doesn’t make a noticeable difference in the final flavor. ## **Love this Recipe? You May Also Enjoy** - [![Feature image for our honey almondmilk cold brew starbucks copycat recipe.](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20360%20360'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ![Feature image for our honey almondmilk cold brew starbucks copycat recipe.](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/honey-almondmilk-cold-brew-1x1-1-360x360.jpg) Honey Almond Milk Cold Brew (Starbucks Copycat)](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/honey-almond-milk-cold-brew-starbucks-copycat/) - [![Feature image for our pumpkin cream cold brew recipe.](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20360%20360'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ![Feature image for our pumpkin cream cold brew recipe.](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/pumpkin-cold-foam-1x1-1-360x360.jpg) Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/pumpkin-cold-foam/) - [![Feature image for our chocolate coffee protein shake recipe.](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20360%20360'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ![Feature image for our chocolate coffee protein shake recipe.](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/chocolate-coffee-protein-shake-1x1-1-360x360.jpg) Coffee Protein Shake](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/chocolate-coffee-protein-shake/) - [![Feature image for our cold brew martini recipe.](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20360%20360'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ![Feature image for our cold brew martini recipe.](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/cold-brew-cocktail-1x1-1-360x360.jpg) Cold Brew Martini](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/cold-brew-cocktail/) **Did you make this recipe? Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating & comment below\!** You can also tag @ourlovelanguageisfood on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/ourlovelanguageisfood/) & [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/ourlovelanguageisfood). Be sure to [subscribe](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/subscribe/) to our weekly newsletter to get free recipes sent directly to your inbox\! [![close up of a serving glass of cold brew coffee with milk.](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20250%20250'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ![close up of a serving glass of cold brew coffee with milk.](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/how-to-make-cold-brew-coffee-500x500.jpg)](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/how-to-make-cold-brew-coffee-scaled.jpg) ## Homemade Cold Brew [Meredith](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/about/) Homemade cold brew coffee is a breeze to make and so delicious! It is also a cost effective way to enjoy this warm weather pick-me-up. This recipe is written for a 1-quart container (like a large mason jar) but can be easily increased or decreased to fit your needs. This will yield approximately 2.5 cups of cold brew concentrate when done brewing, which is about 5 servings. Serve cold or warm, with your favorite coffee add-ins\! 5 from 14 votes Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark [Print Recipe](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/wprm_print/homemade-cold-brew) [Pin Recipe](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/bookmarklet/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fourlovelanguageisfood.com%2Fhow-to-make-cold-brew-coffee%2F&media=https%3A%2F%2Fourlovelanguageisfood.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F04%2Fhow-to-make-cold-brew-coffee-scaled.jpg&description=Homemade+Cold+Brew&is_video=false) Prep Time 15 minutes mins Inactive Time 12 hours hrs Total Time 12 hours hrs 15 minutes mins Course Drinks Cuisine American Servings 2\.5 Cups ### Ingredients 1x 2x 3x - ▢ 3 oz coarsely ground coffee approximately ¾ cup - ▢ 3 cups water cold or room temperature ### Instructions - Select container you will use to steep your coffee and determine how many cups of water you can use - Coarsely grind coffee beans - In your container, combine your coffee and water and stir - Cover and place in the refrigerator to brew overnight (approximately 12 hours)\* - When ready to strain, place a fine mesh strainer fitted with a thin paper coffee filter, cloth napkin, or cheesecloth over a bowl. Pour the brewed coffee through the prepared strainer to remove the grounds from your cold brew concentrate. Make sure to let all of the coffee seep through to the bowl by letting it sit for a few minutes - Transfer filtered coffee into a container for storage. Homemade cold brew coffee will keep for up to 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator - Serve and enjoy\! ### Notes \*The ratio for coffee-to-water in this recipe is 1oz of coarsely ground coffee to 1 cup water. If you do not have a kitchen scale, 1oz of coarsely ground coffee is approximately ¼ C. \*Cold brew coffee can be brewed in the refrigerator or on your countertop. I prefer to brew mine in the fridge so it is already cold. \*Brew time is approximate, but you do not want to short it too much (you will end up with weak coffee). 12-18 hours is a good range. \*Cold brew coffee can be served cold (most common) or warm. ### Nutrition Sodium: 14mgCalcium: 9mg Tried this recipe?[Let us know](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/how-to-make-cold-brew-coffee/#comment) how it was\! ## More Beverages - [![Feature image showing a coupe glass filled with the shaken brandy alexander and topped with freshly grated nutmeg, sitting on a tray surrounded by brandy alexander cocktail ingredients.](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20360%20360'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ![Feature image showing a coupe glass filled with the shaken brandy alexander and topped with freshly grated nutmeg, sitting on a tray surrounded by brandy alexander cocktail ingredients.](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/feature-image-brandy-alexander-DSC_0252-2-360x360.jpg) Brandy Alexander Cocktail (Shaken)](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/brandy-alexander-cocktail/) - [![Feature image for our pink squirrel cocktail recipe, showing a vibrant pink drink in a coupe glass topped with freshly grated nutmeg.](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20360%20360'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ![Feature image for our pink squirrel cocktail recipe, showing a vibrant pink drink in a coupe glass topped with freshly grated nutmeg.](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/feature-image-shaken-pink-squirrel-drink-DSC_0192-2-360x360.jpg) Pink Squirrel Cocktail (Shaken)](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/pink-squirrel-cocktail/) - [![Feature image for our brandy slush drink recipe showing two low ball glasses filled with brandy slushies with a metal straw and garnished with an orange slice and maraschino cherry.](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20360%20360'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ![Feature image for our brandy slush drink recipe showing two low ball glasses filled with brandy slushies with a metal straw and garnished with an orange slice and maraschino cherry.](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/feature-image-recipe-for-brandy-slush-drink-DSC_1201-360x360.jpg) Wisconsin Brandy Slush Recipe](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/brandy-slush-recipe/) - [![Close up of a martini glass with a layered candy corn martini in it, surrounded by candy corn pieces, a black and silver skeleton cloth, and a can of squirt whipped cream.](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20360%20360'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ![Close up of a martini glass with a layered candy corn martini in it, surrounded by candy corn pieces, a black and silver skeleton cloth, and a can of squirt whipped cream.](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Feature-Image-Candy-Corn-Martini-DSC_0847-360x360.jpg) Candy Corn Martini](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/candy-corn-martini/) ## Reader Interactions ### Comments 1. Lynne says July 08, 2022 at 8:59 pm ![5 stars](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAEACAkQBADs=) This is such a great tutorial for at home cold brew! Thanks for sharing\! [Reply](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/how-to-make-cold-brew-coffee/#comment-468) - ourlovelanguageisfood says July 11, 2022 at 3:49 pm I’m so happy this was helpful for you! Enjoy your cold brew Lynne 🙂 [Reply](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/how-to-make-cold-brew-coffee/#comment-474) 2. Annita Shaer says June 22, 2022 at 10:15 am ![5 stars](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAEACAkQBADs=) Your article is so cool Thanks so much for creating it. You have got a read with this guy\! [Reply](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/how-to-make-cold-brew-coffee/#comment-430) - ourlovelanguageisfood says June 22, 2022 at 5:09 pm I’m glad to hear this ‘how to’ was helpful! Enjoy your cold brew 🙂 [Reply](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/how-to-make-cold-brew-coffee/#comment-433) 3. David says April 18, 2022 at 4:04 pm ![5 stars](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAEACAkQBADs=) Super smooth taste. Love it. [Reply](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/how-to-make-cold-brew-coffee/#comment-147) - ourlovelanguageisfood says April 18, 2022 at 4:05 pm So glad you enjoyed it\! [Reply](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/how-to-make-cold-brew-coffee/#comment-148) 4. Lynn says April 18, 2022 at 4:04 pm ![5 stars](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAEACAkQBADs=) So good!! I’ll be making this all Summer!\! [Reply](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/how-to-make-cold-brew-coffee/#comment-145) - ourlovelanguageisfood says April 18, 2022 at 4:04 pm Yay!!! I’m so glad to hear this, enjoy it\! [Reply](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/how-to-make-cold-brew-coffee/#comment-146) 5. Marley says April 18, 2022 at 4:03 pm ![5 stars](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAEACAkQBADs=) Thanks so much for this info. I could never pinpoint what I was doing wrong before! This is literally a lifesaver living in Florida\! [Reply](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/how-to-make-cold-brew-coffee/#comment-143) - ourlovelanguageisfood says April 18, 2022 at 4:03 pm You are so welcome Marley, I’m glad it was helpful for you! Enjoy the cold brew my friend\! [Reply](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/how-to-make-cold-brew-coffee/#comment-144) 6. Sara says April 18, 2022 at 4:02 pm ![5 stars](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAEACAkQBADs=) This was the first time I have ever tried cold brew coffee! It was the best version of ice coffee I think I have ever tried. Strong but not bitter. It was very delicious I must say. [Reply](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/how-to-make-cold-brew-coffee/#comment-141) - ourlovelanguageisfood says April 18, 2022 at 4:02 pm I’m so glad you enjoyed your first cold brew!! Here’s to many more\! [Reply](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/how-to-make-cold-brew-coffee/#comment-142) 7. Whitney says April 18, 2022 at 4:01 pm ![5 stars](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAEACAkQBADs=) Iced coffee makes my heart sing!!!! Perfect summer drink. [Reply](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/how-to-make-cold-brew-coffee/#comment-139) - ourlovelanguageisfood says April 18, 2022 at 4:01 pm Me too!! Happy summertime, enjoy allllllll the iced coffee goodness\! 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**You’ll make THE BEST homemade cold brew coffee with our detailed and easy to follow method.** With over a decade of homemade cold brew making experience and countless batches perfected through trial and error, I’ve learned what works and what doesn’t when it comes to making DIY cold brew coffee. Our detailed instructions, process photos, and tips for straining will help you succeed every time\! ![Icy glass of homemade cold brew coffee, served with milk and ready to drink with a straw ](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/how-to-make-cold-brew-coffee.jpg) ## ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Reviews “Thanks so much for this info. I could never pinpoint what I was doing wrong before! This is literally a lifesaver living in Florida!” – Marley “This is such a great tutorial for at home cold brew! Thanks for sharing!” – Lynne **I simply LOVE cold brew coffee.** Like, love it so much that I was going through jugs of the stuff at \$5 a pop and realized I was spending a ridiculous amount of money on something I could easily make at home. That’s when **I set out to master the art of homemade cold brew, and I haven’t looked back since.** **Making cold brew coffee at home is the ultimate life hack for warm summer months, especially if you drink cold brew at a very high rate like I do\!** It’s super easy and much more cost effective than buying from a coffee shop or purchasing pre-made versions. I’ve tested different brewing times, experimented with various coffee-to-water ratios, and tried multiple straining methods to figure out what creates the smoothest, most flavorful cold brew. Your homemade cold brew will keep in the fridge for 1 to 2 weeks, making busy mornings easier with pour and go convenience. Through years of perfecting this method, I’ve learned the secrets to brewing cold brew that rivals anything you’d buy, and I’m sharing all those tips with you here. If you are a coffee lover, homemade cold brew coffee is a must try. Jump to: - [⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Reviews](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/how-to-make-cold-brew-coffee/#%E2%AD%90%E2%AD%90%E2%AD%90%E2%AD%90%E2%AD%90-reader-reviews) - [Homemade Cold Brew](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/how-to-make-cold-brew-coffee/#homemade-cold-brew) - [What is Cold Brew Coffee?](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/how-to-make-cold-brew-coffee/#what-is-cold-brew-coffee) - [DIY Cold Brew Ingredients](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/how-to-make-cold-brew-coffee/#diy-cold-brew-ingredients) - [How to Make Cold Brew Coffee](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/how-to-make-cold-brew-coffee/#how-to-make-cold-brew-coffee) - [How to Serve Homemade Cold Brew](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/how-to-make-cold-brew-coffee/#how-to-serve-homemade-cold-brew) - [Cold Brew Coffee Recipe FAQs](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/how-to-make-cold-brew-coffee/#cold-brew-coffee-recipe-faqs) - [Love this Recipe? You May Also Enjoy](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/how-to-make-cold-brew-coffee/#love-this-recipe-you-may-also-enjoy) - [Homemade Cold Brew](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/how-to-make-cold-brew-coffee/#homemade-cold-brew) ## What is Cold Brew Coffee? **Cold brew coffee is coffee that is made by soaking coffee grounds in cold or room temperature water for an extended period of time** (usually 12+ hours). The coffee is never heated during brewing, hence the name ‘cold brew’. This type of coffee is known as being strong, highly-concentrated, smooth, and mellow. ### **What’s the Difference Between Cold Brew Coffee and Iced Coffee?** **On the simplest level, how the coffee is brewed.** - **Cold brew coffee has a lower acidity level** due to the beans never being heated. Great for those with sensitive stomachs. - **Cold brew coffee is smoother and less bitter in taste** again, because the beans are not subjected to heat which changes the chemical profile of the final brew. Cold brew is often described as smooth, milder, and slightly sweet. - **Cold brew is higher in caffeine** because of the higher ratio of coffee to water and long brew time. Whoo hoo! If it’s a bit too much for you, you can tone it down by adding additional cold water to your cup. Cold brew is generally served on ice, which will also help to take the edge off. If you are sensitive to caffeine, or like to sip on cold brew all day long but don’t want to be up all night, you can also make decaffeinated cold brew coffee concentrate by using decaf coffee grounds. - **Cold brew coffee has less risk of tasting watered down** because of the strong nature of the brew! This is excellent as watered down coffee is kind of a bummer. ![Top down view of a glass of this cold brew recipe served on ice, with a jar of milk next to it](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/1_how-to-make-cold-brew-coffee.jpg) ## **DIY Cold Brew Ingredients** - **Coarsely Ground Coffee:** use your favorite coffee, and coarsely grind the beans (like you would use in a French press). If you do not have a coffee grinder, you can use the grinder at your grocery store or if you’re purchasing coffee from a local coffee shop, they’ll gladly grind the beans for you. There are a few reasons coarsely ground coffee is recommended for cold brew. Too fine a grind can create a more bitter tasting coffee due to more oil being extracted and the beans getting slightly heated during the grinding process. Too coarse a grind can also cause filtering issues, creating a hazy or murky cup of coffee. - **Water:** you will need cold or room temperature water to make your cold brew coffee. Some people claim using filtered water creates a better cup of cold brew. I’ve always used tap water and it has still been delightful; if you live somewhere with well water that has a mineral taste, though, filtered water may be best. - **A Container:** there are so many options for this! A standard quart-sized Mason jar (32oz) or an old glass jar you might have on hand are great options (some spaghetti sauces come in glass jars up to 45oz – a great way to upcycle!). You can purchase a cute glass jar with a lid from a store that carries home goods (I generally use a half-gallon sized glass jar that I purchased because my husband and I both like coffee and want to have this around for at least a few days). If you have a French press, you can brew your cold brew in that too (just don’t push down the lever until you’re ready to strain). ### **Helpful Equipment** #### **Coffee grinder:** - This is a great [starter at-home coffee grinder](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BRLXUI/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000BRLXUI&linkCode=as2&tag=ollif-20&linkId=cc74d66311e3d07df60ef70f19a8a865) (works well, is a cost effective option) - We upgraded to this [coffee grinder](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07613GXJ2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B07613GXJ2&linkCode=as2&tag=ollif-20&linkId=d6be628d9665eec224beb63dd4c6f210) a few years ago and love it (we drink A LOT of coffee) #### **Fine mesh strainer:** - We love and use this [fine mesh strainer](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07ZLGG13B/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B07ZLGG13B&linkCode=as2&tag=ollif-20&linkId=c1d963ba3dc7b6d58cf1c9e7b61f8ed3) for so many things, great product for low cost #### **Coffee filters:** - These [coffee filters](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004E2PUMS/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B004E2PUMS&linkCode=as2&tag=ollif-20&linkId=5c0a4c0b788ae7336cdcc9e469cff7d2) will work well if you do not have a cloth to strain through #### **Container or pitcher:** - I use a 2-liter sized [glass pitcher with lid](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007QUN7DY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B007QUN7DY&linkCode=as2&tag=ollif-20&linkId=aa036295cf8e05c484ecdc2d8e6719bd) similar to this to make my cold brew so we can enjoy it all week long! We actually have 2 containers like this that are in near constant rotation all summer long for various coffees and iced teas ![Homemade cold brew concentrate being brewed in a large container with a lid; you can see the course ground coffee and liquid separated and ready to be strained](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/2_how-to-make-cold-brew-coffee.jpg) ## **How to Make Cold Brew Coffee** Select container you will use to steep your coffee and determine how many cups of water you can use. Coarsely grind coffee beans.\* In your container, combine your coffee and water and stir. As noted above, a good ratio is to use 1oz of coffee for 1 cup of water. Cover and place in the refrigerator to brew overnight (approximately 12 hours). When ready to strain, place a fine mesh strainer fitted with a thin paper coffee filter, cloth napkin, or cheesecloth over a bowl. Pour the brewed coffee through the prepared strainer to remove the grounds from your cold brew concentrate. Make sure to let all of the coffee seep through to the bowl by letting it sit for a few minutes. Transfer filtered coffee into a container for storage (I usually rinse the container I used to brew my cold brew in to remove any remaining grounds and pour my coffee back into it!). Homemade cold brew coffee will keep for up to 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator. Serve and enjoy\! \*Note: you can make decaffeinated cold brew coffee concentrate by using decaf coffee beans in this step. I like to remind people of this because it is uncommon to find decaf cold brew coffee at your local coffee shop or on the shelf at the store. ### **Recommended Brewing (Steeping) Time** In general, **cold brew coffee is recommended to steep overnight or at least 12 hours.** You will also find some resources that say to brew for 18 to 24 hours…do what works with your schedule. I have made cold brew dozens of times, and the generic “brew overnight” has worked well for me. You can brew your coffee on your counter or in the refrigerator. I generally place mine in the fridge so it’s already cold\! I encourage you to experiment and find the steep time that creates the perfect cup of cold brew for you\! ### **How to Strain Your Cold Brew Coffee When It’s Done Brewing** **There are several ways to do this. In general, you will need a fine mesh strainer plus some type of filtering material.** I usually use a thin paper coffee filter (the “basket” shaped ones work best as they sit nicely in your strainer). You can also use a cheesecloth or a cloth napkin. If you are brewing with a French press to make your cold brew concentrate, simply press down the plunger to push the grounds to the bottom. ![Homemade cold brew concentrate being brewed in a large container with a lid; you can see the course ground coffee and liquid separated and ready to be strained](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/3_how-to-make-cold-brew-coffee.jpg) ### **What is the Correct Coffee to Water Ratio for Cold Brew Coffee?** While the perfect ratio is subjective, **a good starting point is 1 ounce of coffee to 1 cup of water.** You can use a kitchen scale to measure this if you’d like to be precise, but 1 oz of coarse ground coffee ends up being approximately ¼ cup. So, if you have a container that will hold 4 cups of water, you will need 1 cup of coarsely ground coffee. ## **How to Serve Homemade Cold Brew** ### **To Serve Cold:** **Serving cold brew coffee cold is the most common way to serve cold brew coffee** - Fill a glass with ice - Pour your desired amount of cold brew concentrate in (I would recommend to start by filling your glass halfway with cold brew as it is very strong) - Dilute with water, milk, and/or creamer to your liking. - If you’d like to sweeten your cold brew, adding a small amount of [simple syrup](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/simple-syrup/) or [vanilla syrup](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/homemade-vanilla-simple-syrup/) is a great choice as it will blend into your cold beverage nicely - Stir, sip, and enjoy\! **You can also use homemade cold brew to make your favorite Starbucks drinks at home** (we’ve got DIY recipes for you!) like the ever popular [vanilla sweet cream cold brew](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/vanilla-sweet-cream-cold-brew-starbucks-copycat/) or a [honey almond milk cold brew](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/honey-almond-milk-cold-brew-starbucks-copycat/). ### **To Serve Hot:** **Did you know that you can drink cold brew coffee hot? Great for those who have sensitive stomachs** and need a less acidic cup of joe, or if you’re just in the mood for a hot cup of coffee instead\! - **Option 1:** in a small saucepan, dilute cold brew concentrate with water (start with a 1-to-1 ratio) and heat over medium heat on your stove until desired temperature is reached. Add in your favorite coffee fixings (milk, half and half, etc) and enjoy\! - **Option 2:** heat water in a tea kettle and add to your cold brew concentrate right in your mug (again, suggest starting with a 1-to-1 ratio and adjusting as desired) - **Option 3:** dilute and microwave – sometimes you just need to get your coffee ready and go\! I will note, options 1 and 2 are generally the recommended methods for heating cold brew coffee. ![Homemade cold brew coffee served in a glass with a straw, with swirls of milk throughout](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/4_how-to-make-cold-brew-coffee.jpg) ## Cold Brew Coffee Recipe FAQs **How long does cold brew last?** When stored properly in a sealed container, homemade cold brew will last for up to 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator. **Does cold brew have more caffeine?** **Yes, straight cold brew coffee has more caffeine than straight hot coffee.** This is because of the higher ratio of coffee to water that’s used to make cold brew as well as it’s long brewing time. **Is cold brew less acidic?** **Yes\!** **Cold brew coffee is less acidic.** This is because of the brewing process, where the beans are not heated. ****What are the drawbacks of cold brew?**** While I absolutely love cold brew, there are a few drawbacks to be aware of. First and foremost, it requires planning ahead since you need to brew it for at least 12 hours, so you can’t make it on a whim when you wake up craving coffee. Second, cold brew is significantly higher in caffeine than regular coffee, which can be too much for some people making them jittery or affecting sleep if enjoyed later in the day. Third, it uses more coffee grounds than traditional brewing methods, making it less economical per cup (though still cheaper than buying from a coffee shop). Despite these drawbacks, I find the smooth taste and convenience of having cold brew ready to go in my fridge makes it worth it, especially during the warmer months when cold coffee is king. ****Should I stir cold brew while steeping?**** I typically give my cold brew one good stir right after combining the coffee grounds to ensure all of the grounds get wet at the beginning of the process so they steep properly. After that initial stir, I don’t stir it again during the steeping process. The coffee will extract just fine sitting undisturbed. Some people like to give it a gentle stir halfway through the brewing time, but through all my years of making cold brew, I’ve found it doesn’t make a noticeable difference in the final flavor. ## **Love this Recipe? You May Also Enjoy** - [Honey Almond Milk Cold Brew (Starbucks Copycat)](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/honey-almond-milk-cold-brew-starbucks-copycat/) - [Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/pumpkin-cold-foam/) - [Coffee Protein Shake](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/chocolate-coffee-protein-shake/) - [Cold Brew Martini](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/cold-brew-cocktail/) **Did you make this recipe? Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating & comment below\!** You can also tag @ourlovelanguageisfood on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/ourlovelanguageisfood/) & [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/ourlovelanguageisfood). Be sure to [subscribe](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/subscribe/) to our weekly newsletter to get free recipes sent directly to your inbox\! [![close up of a serving glass of cold brew coffee with milk.](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/how-to-make-cold-brew-coffee-500x500.jpg)](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/how-to-make-cold-brew-coffee-scaled.jpg) ## Homemade Cold Brew [Meredith](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/about/) Homemade cold brew coffee is a breeze to make and so delicious! It is also a cost effective way to enjoy this warm weather pick-me-up. This recipe is written for a 1-quart container (like a large mason jar) but can be easily increased or decreased to fit your needs. This will yield approximately 2.5 cups of cold brew concentrate when done brewing, which is about 5 servings. Serve cold or warm, with your favorite coffee add-ins\! 5 from 14 votes Prep Time 15 minutes Inactive Time 12 hours Total Time 12 hours 15 minutes Course Drinks Cuisine American Servings 2\.5 Cups - ▢ 3 oz coarsely ground coffee approximately ¾ cup - ▢ 3 cups water cold or room temperature - Select container you will use to steep your coffee and determine how many cups of water you can use - Coarsely grind coffee beans - In your container, combine your coffee and water and stir - Cover and place in the refrigerator to brew overnight (approximately 12 hours)\* - When ready to strain, place a fine mesh strainer fitted with a thin paper coffee filter, cloth napkin, or cheesecloth over a bowl. Pour the brewed coffee through the prepared strainer to remove the grounds from your cold brew concentrate. Make sure to let all of the coffee seep through to the bowl by letting it sit for a few minutes - Transfer filtered coffee into a container for storage. Homemade cold brew coffee will keep for up to 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator - Serve and enjoy\! \*The ratio for coffee-to-water in this recipe is 1oz of coarsely ground coffee to 1 cup water. If you do not have a kitchen scale, 1oz of coarsely ground coffee is approximately ¼ C. \*Cold brew coffee can be brewed in the refrigerator or on your countertop. I prefer to brew mine in the fridge so it is already cold. \*Brew time is approximate, but you do not want to short it too much (you will end up with weak coffee). 12-18 hours is a good range. \*Cold brew coffee can be served cold (most common) or warm. Sodium: 14mgCalcium: 9mg [Let us know](https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com/how-to-make-cold-brew-coffee/#comment) how it was\! ## Reader Interactions
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