ℹ️ Skipped - page is already crawled
| Filter | Status | Condition | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| HTTP status | PASS | download_http_code = 200 | HTTP 200 |
| Age cutoff | PASS | download_stamp > now() - 6 MONTH | 0.2 months ago |
| History drop | PASS | isNull(history_drop_reason) | No drop reason |
| Spam/ban | PASS | fh_dont_index != 1 AND ml_spam_score = 0 | ml_spam_score=0 |
| Canonical | PASS | meta_canonical IS NULL OR = '' OR = src_unparsed | Not set |
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| URL | https://www.loveandlemons.com/cold-brew-coffee/ |
| Last Crawled | 2026-04-06 15:03:30 (5 days ago) |
| First Indexed | 2021-07-11 14:43:28 (4 years ago) |
| HTTP Status Code | 200 |
| Meta Title | How to Make Cold Brew Coffee Recipe - Love and Lemons |
| Meta Description | Learn how to make cold brew coffee at home! You don't need any fancy equipment to make this easy recipe - just a Mason jar and a strainer. |
| Meta Canonical | null |
| Boilerpipe Text | Learn how to make cold brew coffee at home! This recipe is energizing, delicious, and SO easy to make - a perfect pick-me-up on a hot summer day.
Published Jul 11, 2021
Have I ever mentioned that I love cold brew coffee? Like, IÂ
really love
cold brew coffee. Sure, Jack and I own a regular coffee maker, but we use it so rarely that you can find it tucked away in a cupboard underneath the kitchen counter. I love cold brew’s richer, smoother, and less acidic flavor. Plus, on a hot summer day, drinking a steaming cup of coffee is simply out of the question.
For years, I bought cold brew concentrate at the store…until I learned that it’s super easy to make at home! You don’t need any special ingredients – just coffee and water. And don’t worry about getting a new fancy gadget for your kitchen. To make this cold brew coffee recipe, you just need a Mason jar, a fine mesh strainer, and a piece of cheese cloth or a paper filter. How simple is that?
What Is Cold Brew Coffee?
It’s easy to confuse cold brew with iced coffee. Even though both are served cold, they’re actually made in entirely different ways. Iced coffee is brewed using hot water – it’s simply regular drip coffee that’s been allowed to cool and poured over ice. Not surprisingly, cold brew is brewed using cold or room temperature water. It takes longer to make (I like it best when it steeps for 12 to 24 hours), but the flavor is less bitter.
If you’re put off by cold brew coffee’s long steeping time, don’t be. It’s easy to make a big batch at once, so you can keep it on hand in your fridge at all times. Here’s how I do it:
First, coarsely grind your coffee.
I don’t recommend using pre-ground coffee beans for this recipe. If you don’t have a coffee grinder, grind the beans at the store yourself, or get freshly ground beans from a local coffee shop or roaster.
Place the coffee grounds in a large Mason jar
and pour filtered water on top. I like to use a 1:2 coffee to water ratio, or 1 1/2 cups of grounds for every 3 cups of water. This yields a fairly strong coffee concentrate, so I’ll dilute it with milk or more water before I drink it. More on that below. 🙂
Stir to combine the water and the coffee grounds, and let the jar sit, covered, at room temperature for 12 to 24 hours. The longer the coffee steeps, the stronger it will be.
Next, strain the coffee.Â
No one likes a cup of coffee with gritty grounds at the bottom, so it’s important to strain the cold brew well. I do this by placing a fine mesh strainer over a bowl and lining it with a layer of cheesecloth. You could also line the strainer with paper filters. (Or, instead of using a Mason jar and a strainer to make your cold brew, you could brew and strain it in a French press.)
Pour the coffee through the strainer and store it, covered, in the fridge.
When you’re ready to enjoy your coffee,
pour it over ice and dilute it with more water or milk to taste. I love mine with
almond
or
oat milk
. Enjoy!
Cold Brew Coffee Recipe Tips
Fresh is best.Â
Whether you’re making hot coffee or cold brew, freshly ground beans will always yield the best flavor. Why? Grinding coffee beans releases their oils. These oils are what add complexity and depth to a cup of coffee. After you grind coffee beans, these oils begin to dry out. As a result, you want to use coffee beans right after you grind them, when their oils have just been released and their flavor is fresh.
Grind the coffee beans coarsely.Â
That way, they’ll be easier to strain out of the coffee.
Adjust the ratios to taste.
One of the reasons I love making cold brew at home is that it’s easy to adjust each cup of coffee to taste. If I’ve made a particularly strong batch of cold brew, I dilute each glass with more milk or water. If it’s less strong, I just add a splash. Don’t hesitate to add more coffee, water, or milk to create a flavor and intensity you love.
More Favorite Beverage Recipes
If you loved learning how to make cold brew coffee, try one of these recipes next:
Matcha 101 – What It Is and How to Use It
Matcha Latte
Cinnamon Coffee Smoothie
Watermelon Juice
Paloma Cocktail
Classic Margarita
Mango Margarita
Mint Mojito
How to Make Cold Brew Coffee
rate this recipe:
4.97
from
27
votes
Prep Time:
10
minutes
Steeping Time:
12
hours
Serves
4
Learn how to make cold brew at home! I like making a big batch at once and storing it in the fridge for quick, easy cups of coffee throughout the week.
1½
cups
fresh coarsely ground coffee*
3
cups
filtered water
Milk or plant milk
,
optional, for serving
Place the ground coffee in a 28-ounce mason jar, or similar. Add the water, then stir. Cover and set aside for 12 to 24 hours at room temperature.
Spread a piece of cheesecloth in a fine mesh strainer and place it over a large bowl. Pour the coffee into the bowl to strain it. Store the strained coffee in the fridge.
When ready to serve, pour over ice and add milk, if desired.
If the coffee is stronger than you'd like, dilute it with water or additional milk, as desired.
*Freshly ground coffee is best for cold brew. Pre-ground coffee will have a staler taste. |
| Markdown | - [RECIPES](https://www.loveandlemons.com/recipes/)
- [ABOUT](https://www.loveandlemons.com/about-us/)
- [NEWSLETTER](https://www.loveandlemons.com/subscribe/)
- [COOKBOOK](https://www.loveandlemons.com/cookbook/)
- [SAVED RECIPES](https://www.loveandlemons.com/cold-brew-coffee/#list/my-favorites)
- 
[](https://www.loveandlemons.com/)

### Navigation
- [Home](https://www.loveandlemons.com/)
- [About Us](https://www.loveandlemons.com/about-us/)
- [Recipes](https://www.loveandlemons.com/recipes/)
- [My Saved Recipes](https://www.loveandlemons.com/cold-brew-coffee/#list/my-favorites)
- [Cookbook](https://www.loveandlemons.com/cookbook/)
- [Newsletter](https://www.loveandlemons.com/subscribe/)
- [Contact](https://www.loveandlemons.com/contact/)
### Social
- [Instagram](http://instagram.com/loveandlemons)
- [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/lovelemonsfood)
- [Pinterest](http://pinterest.com/loveandlemons/)
- [Twitter](https://twitter.com/lovelemonsfood)
# How to Make Cold Brew Coffee
Learn how to make cold brew coffee at home! This recipe is energizing, delicious, and SO easy to make - a perfect pick-me-up on a hot summer day.
[](https://www.loveandlemons.com/jeanine-donofrio/) [Jeanine Donofrio](https://www.loveandlemons.com/jeanine-donofrio/)
[](https://www.loveandlemons.com/phoebe-moore/) [Phoebe Moore](https://www.loveandlemons.com/phoebe-moore/)
Published Jul 11, 2021
[Jump to recipe](https://www.loveandlemons.com/cold-brew-coffee/#wprm-recipe-container-58588)


Have I ever mentioned that I love cold brew coffee? Like, I *really love* cold brew coffee. Sure, Jack and I own a regular coffee maker, but we use it so rarely that you can find it tucked away in a cupboard underneath the kitchen counter. I love cold brew’s richer, smoother, and less acidic flavor. Plus, on a hot summer day, drinking a steaming cup of coffee is simply out of the question.
For years, I bought cold brew concentrate at the store…until I learned that it’s super easy to make at home! You don’t need any special ingredients – just coffee and water. And don’t worry about getting a new fancy gadget for your kitchen. To make this cold brew coffee recipe, you just need a Mason jar, a fine mesh strainer, and a piece of cheese cloth or a paper filter. How simple is that?

## What Is Cold Brew Coffee?
It’s easy to confuse cold brew with iced coffee. Even though both are served cold, they’re actually made in entirely different ways. Iced coffee is brewed using hot water – it’s simply regular drip coffee that’s been allowed to cool and poured over ice. Not surprisingly, cold brew is brewed using cold or room temperature water. It takes longer to make (I like it best when it steeps for 12 to 24 hours), but the flavor is less bitter.

## How to Make Cold Brew Coffee
If you’re put off by cold brew coffee’s long steeping time, don’t be. It’s easy to make a big batch at once, so you can keep it on hand in your fridge at all times. Here’s how I do it:
**First, coarsely grind your coffee.** I don’t recommend using pre-ground coffee beans for this recipe. If you don’t have a coffee grinder, grind the beans at the store yourself, or get freshly ground beans from a local coffee shop or roaster.
**Place the coffee grounds in a large Mason jar** and pour filtered water on top. I like to use a 1:2 coffee to water ratio, or 1 1/2 cups of grounds for every 3 cups of water. This yields a fairly strong coffee concentrate, so I’ll dilute it with milk or more water before I drink it. More on that below. 🙂

Stir to combine the water and the coffee grounds, and let the jar sit, covered, at room temperature for 12 to 24 hours. The longer the coffee steeps, the stronger it will be.

**Next, strain the coffee.** No one likes a cup of coffee with gritty grounds at the bottom, so it’s important to strain the cold brew well. I do this by placing a fine mesh strainer over a bowl and lining it with a layer of cheesecloth. You could also line the strainer with paper filters. (Or, instead of using a Mason jar and a strainer to make your cold brew, you could brew and strain it in a French press.)
Pour the coffee through the strainer and store it, covered, in the fridge.

**When you’re ready to enjoy your coffee,** pour it over ice and dilute it with more water or milk to taste. I love mine with [almond](https://www.loveandlemons.com/how-to-make-almond-milk/) or [oat milk](https://www.loveandlemons.com/oat-milk/). Enjoy\!

## Cold Brew Coffee Recipe Tips
- **Fresh is best.** Whether you’re making hot coffee or cold brew, freshly ground beans will always yield the best flavor. Why? Grinding coffee beans releases their oils. These oils are what add complexity and depth to a cup of coffee. After you grind coffee beans, these oils begin to dry out. As a result, you want to use coffee beans right after you grind them, when their oils have just been released and their flavor is fresh.
- **Grind the coffee beans coarsely.** That way, they’ll be easier to strain out of the coffee.
- **Adjust the ratios to taste.** One of the reasons I love making cold brew at home is that it’s easy to adjust each cup of coffee to taste. If I’ve made a particularly strong batch of cold brew, I dilute each glass with more milk or water. If it’s less strong, I just add a splash. Don’t hesitate to add more coffee, water, or milk to create a flavor and intensity you love.

## More Favorite Beverage Recipes
If you loved learning how to make cold brew coffee, try one of these recipes next:
- [Matcha 101 – What It Is and How to Use It](https://www.loveandlemons.com/matcha-green-tea/)
- [Matcha Latte](https://www.loveandlemons.com/matcha-latte/)
- [Cinnamon Coffee Smoothie](https://www.loveandlemons.com/coffee-smoothie/)
- [Watermelon Juice](https://www.loveandlemons.com/watermelon-juice/)
- [Paloma Cocktail](https://www.loveandlemons.com/paloma/)
- [Classic Margarita](https://www.loveandlemons.com/classic-margarita-recipe/)
- [Mango Margarita](https://www.loveandlemons.com/mango-margarita/)
- [Mint Mojito](https://www.loveandlemons.com/mojito-recipe/)

## How to Make Cold Brew Coffee
rate this recipe:
4\.97 from 27 votes
Prep Time: 10 minutes mins
Steeping Time: 12 hours hrs
Serves 4
[Save Recipe](https://www.loveandlemons.com/cold-brew-coffee/) [Print Recipe](https://www.loveandlemons.com/wprm_print/how-to-make-cold-brew-coffee)
Learn how to make cold brew at home! I like making a big batch at once and storing it in the fridge for quick, easy cups of coffee throughout the week.
### Ingredients
- 1½ cups fresh coarsely ground coffee\*
- 3 cups filtered water
- Milk or plant milk, optional, for serving
Cook Mode
Prevent your screen from going dark
### Instructions
- Place the ground coffee in a 28-ounce mason jar, or similar. Add the water, then stir. Cover and set aside for 12 to 24 hours at room temperature.
- Spread a piece of cheesecloth in a fine mesh strainer and place it over a large bowl. Pour the coffee into the bowl to strain it. Store the strained coffee in the fridge.
- When ready to serve, pour over ice and add milk, if desired.
- If the coffee is stronger than you'd like, dilute it with water or additional milk, as desired.
### Notes
\*Freshly ground coffee is best for cold brew. Pre-ground coffee will have a staler taste.
[Did you make the recipe? I want to see! Tag @loveandlemons on Instagram.](https://instagram.com/loveandlemons/)


Free Bonus:
Free 2026 Feel Good Meal Plan
No thanks

### You may like these too...
1. [How to Make Almond Butter](https://www.loveandlemons.com/almond-butter-recipe/)
2. [How to Cook Black Beans](https://www.loveandlemons.com/black-beans-recipe/)
3. [How to Make Powdered Sugar](https://www.loveandlemons.com/how-to-make-powdered-sugar/)
4. [How to Make Almond Milk](https://www.loveandlemons.com/how-to-make-almond-milk/)
5. [How to Cut a Mango](https://www.loveandlemons.com/how-to-cut-a-mango/)
6. [How to Make Scrambled Eggs](https://www.loveandlemons.com/scrambled-eggs-recipe/)
### 33 comments
4\.97 from 27 votes ([17 ratings without comment](https://www.loveandlemons.com/cold-brew-coffee/))
### Leave a comment: [Cancel reply](https://www.loveandlemons.com/cold-brew-coffee/#respond)
1. Chris
07\.26.2025

Absolutely amazing!!\!
[Reply ↓](https://www.loveandlemons.com/cold-brew-coffee/#comment-714634)
2. Randy
07\.03.2025
I grow chocolate mint, can I chop some up and put that in the brew?
[Reply ↓](https://www.loveandlemons.com/cold-brew-coffee/#comment-706542)
- Phoebe Moore (L\&L Recipe Developer)
07\.11.2025
Hi Randy, I’ve never tried adding herbs to cold brew! I think it could work. If you try it, let us know how it goes\!
[Reply ↓](https://www.loveandlemons.com/cold-brew-coffee/#comment-709541)
3. Rose
03\.16.2025
What if you like a much warmer coffe ?
[Reply ↓](https://www.loveandlemons.com/cold-brew-coffee/#comment-684905)
- Jeanine Donofrio
03\.21.2025
You can heat it up if you’d like.
[Reply ↓](https://www.loveandlemons.com/cold-brew-coffee/#comment-685525)
4. zidane
02\.27.2025
thanks for the great article, keep up the good work
[Reply ↓](https://www.loveandlemons.com/cold-brew-coffee/#comment-683106)
5. Downing
09\.22.2024

I too love cold brew but do it slightly differently. I bought an Oxo cold brew “kit,” consisting of a pitcher, a beaker, and a stand with a built-in filter. I dump a 10-oz bag of ground coffee into the pticher, pour in 6 cups of cold filtered water, stir it well, then put the pitcher in the fridge for at 6 hours. Then I stir it again as the grounds have “bloomed” and risen to the top. I leave the pitcher in the fridge over night, then stir it one more time first thing in the morning.. Back into the fridge until mid-afternoon, usually around 24 hours of brewing. Position the beaker underneath the stand and the pitcher on top. The coffee will then drain through the filter into the beaker. Add cream and water to taste. Voila\!
[Reply ↓](https://www.loveandlemons.com/cold-brew-coffee/#comment-662391)
6. Chris
08\.15.2024

Hi Jeanine,
I have made this several times and have had great success. This time – I used espresso beans instead of coffee. Do you think it will still taste good ? Thanks\!
[Reply ↓](https://www.loveandlemons.com/cold-brew-coffee/#comment-651202)
- Karen
08\.30.2024

When I first started making cold brew coffee, I used espresso beans. My daughter said it was some of the best cold brew coffee she had. She used to work for Starbucks.
[Reply ↓](https://www.loveandlemons.com/cold-brew-coffee/#comment-654148)
- Pallida Mors
07\.06.2025

What do you mean by “espresso beans”? Is that just a darker roast coffee? Sorry, I’m just curious since all coffee is made from coffee beans and whether you end up with an espresso or e.g. an americano is a matter of preparation.
Thanks! 🙂
[Reply ↓](https://www.loveandlemons.com/cold-brew-coffee/#comment-708000)
7. Walton
07\.14.2024

Amazing recipe! I find that it is really strong after steeping and need to dilute it with 3 parts water to 1 part cold brew “extract”. It might be different with other individuals with more of a caffeine tolerance.
Thx for the recipe ?.
[Reply ↓](https://www.loveandlemons.com/cold-brew-coffee/#comment-645976)
8. Kate
05\.28.2024
What kind of coffee are you using?
Freshly ground and coarsely ground.
But would love recommendation on a brand you enjoy. Thanks.
[Reply ↓](https://www.loveandlemons.com/cold-brew-coffee/#comment-638519)
9. Micah
05\.13.2024
Just got into cold brewing didn’t have corse ground coffee so I used the fine stuff wish me luck\!
[Reply ↓](https://www.loveandlemons.com/cold-brew-coffee/#comment-636913)
10. Louise Anderson
08\.05.2022
Isn’t it coffee grinding so satisfying or it’s just me? But cold brew is supremacy to me\!
[Reply ↓](https://www.loveandlemons.com/cold-brew-coffee/#comment-526103)
11. Laura Will
03\.26.2022
After reading your article, i followed your step and it worksss!! This is so wonderful! Thanks you\!
[Reply ↓](https://www.loveandlemons.com/cold-brew-coffee/#comment-493396)
- Jeanine Donofrio
03\.27.2022
I’m so glad you loved it\!
[Reply ↓](https://www.loveandlemons.com/cold-brew-coffee/#comment-493612)
12. Jeremy Hernandez
01\.29.2022

I love Cold Brew and I usually make myself enough to last me a couple of days.
My current setup – Fellow ODE Grinder, Hario Cold Brew Bottle ~ 13 Hour brew.
I made an app to track your Home Cold Brews! Simply create a new brew, add categorization, slide the timer to your desired length, and you’re off! You will get also notified when your brew is done so you can take it out at the time you want.
Try out Brewli 🙂
[Reply ↓](https://www.loveandlemons.com/cold-brew-coffee/#comment-480920)
- Angela
12\.29.2024
Hi, Jeremy, where is the app?
[Reply ↓](https://www.loveandlemons.com/cold-brew-coffee/#comment-673430)
13. Ava Wilson
08\.31.2021
Jeanine, thank you for sharing this delectable dish! A cold brew is a lifesaver on scorching summer days. Once prepared, you can dilute the caffeine content to taste with milk or water. The best part is that the concentrate can be stored in the fridge for a week without compromising quality.
[Reply ↓](https://www.loveandlemons.com/cold-brew-coffee/#comment-360265)
14. elle
08\.01.2021
Is the coffee measurement 1 1/2 cups of whole beans ground? Or enough beans to make 1 1/2 cups after grinding?
[Reply ↓](https://www.loveandlemons.com/cold-brew-coffee/#comment-350570)
- Jeanine Donofrio
08\.02.2021
HI Elle, 1 1/2 cups after grinding.
[Reply ↓](https://www.loveandlemons.com/cold-brew-coffee/#comment-350612)
15. [Sabrina](http://www.newkitchenlife.com/) from newkitchenlife.com
07\.12.2021
thank you, and yes I have always wanted to know how to cold brew, especially in the summer any time after early am, so much appreciated\!
[Reply ↓](https://www.loveandlemons.com/cold-brew-coffee/#comment-342662)
16. Mary J Robbins
07\.12.2021

Brewing coffee and letting it cool doesn’t taste as good as this method. It tastes stale prepared that way. The most important thing is that the coffee is freshly ground. I use my glass Melitta pour over carafe and a coffee filter to make this. Great recipe\!
[Reply ↓](https://www.loveandlemons.com/cold-brew-coffee/#comment-342351)
- Nancy
07\.31.2025
Are you saying you make pour over hot coffee, then chill it? Or you make cold brew in a jar and after 24 hours you filter it with the Melitta set up?
[Reply ↓](https://www.loveandlemons.com/cold-brew-coffee/#comment-715639)
17. Chris White
07\.11.2021

I love making cold brew, only I use a 64 oz. mason jar! Yes, I go through it fast. No more bitter coffee! ?
[Reply ↓](https://www.loveandlemons.com/cold-brew-coffee/#comment-342314)
18. Angela
07\.11.2021
How is this different from brewed coffee, letting it cool, then refrigerating it? Thanks\!
[Reply ↓](https://www.loveandlemons.com/cold-brew-coffee/#comment-342288)
- Leanne
07\.12.2021
It explains this in the post..
[Reply ↓](https://www.loveandlemons.com/cold-brew-coffee/#comment-342445)
- Cyndi Browne
01\.01.2022

Fix it both ways and then taste it… NO comparison!!\!
[Reply ↓](https://www.loveandlemons.com/cold-brew-coffee/#comment-472813)
19. Cynthia
07\.11.2021
Question! Can I make a big batch of this and keep it for a few days or is it best consumed fresh?
[Reply ↓](https://www.loveandlemons.com/cold-brew-coffee/#comment-342262)
- Cynthia
07\.11.2021
Oh, now I see in your post that fresh is best hahah. How much coffee/water would I use if I wanted to make just one cup of cold brew?
[Reply ↓](https://www.loveandlemons.com/cold-brew-coffee/#comment-342263)
- Kelsey
07\.11.2021
I think she’s just saying that freshly ground beans are best. She mentions storing the cold brew in the fridge and drinking it throughout the week
[Reply ↓](https://www.loveandlemons.com/cold-brew-coffee/#comment-342321)
- Jeanine Donofrio
07\.12.2021
Yep, this size batch lasts me about a week in the fridge.
[Reply ↓](https://www.loveandlemons.com/cold-brew-coffee/#comment-342516)
- Jeanine Donofrio
07\.12.2021
You could make 1/4 or approximately 1/5 of the recipe for one serving, but it’s more efficient to make the whole jar and enjoy it all week 🙂
[Reply ↓](https://www.loveandlemons.com/cold-brew-coffee/#comment-342517)
A food blog with fresh, zesty recipes.
SEARCH RECIPES
 
[breakfast](https://www.loveandlemons.com/recipes/breakfast-recipes/) / [main-dish](https://www.loveandlemons.com/recipes/main-dish-recipes/) / [dessert](https://www.loveandlemons.com/recipes/dessert-recipes/)
[vegan](https://www.loveandlemons.com/recipes/vegan-recipes/) / [gluten free](https://www.loveandlemons.com/recipes/gluten-free-recipes/)
[ALL RECIPES \>\>](https://www.loveandlemons.com/recipes/)
[](https://www.loveandlemons.com/about-us/)
## Welcome to Love & Lemons\!
I'm Jeanine Donofrio, a *New York Times* bestselling cookbook author and recipe developer. I share fresh, delicious vegetarian recipes that celebrate seasonal ingredients and flavors.
[More about us...](https://www.loveandlemons.com/about-us/)
 [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/loveandlemons/) [Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/loveandlemons/) [Twitter](https://twitter.com/lovelemonsfood) [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/lovelemonsfood)
[PRIOR POST](https://www.loveandlemons.com/pesto-pasta-salad/)
[NEXT POST](https://www.loveandlemons.com/chipotle-vinaigrette/)

Top Recipes
- [Healthy Breakfast Ideas](https://www.loveandlemons.com/healthy-breakfast-ideas/)
- [Easy Dinner Ideas](https://www.loveandlemons.com/easy-dinner-ideas/)
- [Healthy Lunch Ideas](https://www.loveandlemons.com/healthy-lunch-ideas/)
- [Best Brunch Recipes](https://www.loveandlemons.com/brunch-recipes/)
- [Vegan Recipes](https://www.loveandlemons.com/vegan-recipes/)
- [Best Salad Recipes](https://www.loveandlemons.com/salad-recipes/)
- [Best Soup Recipes](https://www.loveandlemons.com/soup-recipes/)
- [Easy Appetizer Recipes](https://www.loveandlemons.com/appetizers/)
Cooking With Vegetables
- [Avocado](https://www.loveandlemons.com/avocado-recipes/)
- [Beets](https://www.loveandlemons.com/simple-roasted-beets/)
- [Brussels Sprouts](https://www.loveandlemons.com/roasted-brussels-sprouts/)
- [Broccoli](https://www.loveandlemons.com/roasted-broccoli/)
- [Butternut Squash](https://www.loveandlemons.com/roasted-butternut-squash/)
- [Cauliflower](https://www.loveandlemons.com/how-to-make-cauliflower-rice/)
- [Spaghetti Squash](https://www.loveandlemons.com/how-to-cook-spaghetti-squash/)
- [Sweet Potato](https://www.loveandlemons.com/baked-sweet-potato/)
Plant-Based Cooking Basics
- [Brown Rice](https://www.loveandlemons.com/how-to-cook-brown-rice/)
- [Lentils](https://www.loveandlemons.com/how-to-cook-lentils/)
- [Roasted Chickpeas](https://www.loveandlemons.com/roasted-chickpeas/)
- [Farro](https://www.loveandlemons.com/farro/)
- [Tofu](https://www.loveandlemons.com/how-to-cook-tofu/)
- [Tempeh](https://www.loveandlemons.com/tempeh/)
- [Quinoa](https://www.loveandlemons.com/quinoa/)
- [Zucchini Noodles](https://www.loveandlemons.com/zucchini-noodles/)
- [HOME](https://www.loveandlemons.com/)
- [ABOUT](https://www.loveandlemons.com/about-us/)
- [RECIPES](https://www.loveandlemons.com/recipes/)
- [COOKBOOK](https://www.loveandlemons.com/cookbook/)
- [SHOP](https://www.loveandlemons.com/shop/)
- [SUBSCRIBE](https://www.loveandlemons.com/subscribe/)
- [CONTACT](https://www.loveandlemons.com/contact/)
- [PRIVACY POLICY](https://www.loveandlemons.com/privacy-policy/)
Click [here](https://www.loveandlemons.com/privacy-policy/) to view our privacy policy.
Copyright © 2026 Love and Lemons, LLC. All rights reserved.
## Rate This Recipe
## Recipe Ratings without Comment
Something went wrong. Please try again. |
| Readable Markdown | Learn how to make cold brew coffee at home! This recipe is energizing, delicious, and SO easy to make - a perfect pick-me-up on a hot summer day.
Published Jul 11, 2021


Have I ever mentioned that I love cold brew coffee? Like, I *really love* cold brew coffee. Sure, Jack and I own a regular coffee maker, but we use it so rarely that you can find it tucked away in a cupboard underneath the kitchen counter. I love cold brew’s richer, smoother, and less acidic flavor. Plus, on a hot summer day, drinking a steaming cup of coffee is simply out of the question.
For years, I bought cold brew concentrate at the store…until I learned that it’s super easy to make at home! You don’t need any special ingredients – just coffee and water. And don’t worry about getting a new fancy gadget for your kitchen. To make this cold brew coffee recipe, you just need a Mason jar, a fine mesh strainer, and a piece of cheese cloth or a paper filter. How simple is that?

## What Is Cold Brew Coffee?
It’s easy to confuse cold brew with iced coffee. Even though both are served cold, they’re actually made in entirely different ways. Iced coffee is brewed using hot water – it’s simply regular drip coffee that’s been allowed to cool and poured over ice. Not surprisingly, cold brew is brewed using cold or room temperature water. It takes longer to make (I like it best when it steeps for 12 to 24 hours), but the flavor is less bitter.

If you’re put off by cold brew coffee’s long steeping time, don’t be. It’s easy to make a big batch at once, so you can keep it on hand in your fridge at all times. Here’s how I do it:
**First, coarsely grind your coffee.** I don’t recommend using pre-ground coffee beans for this recipe. If you don’t have a coffee grinder, grind the beans at the store yourself, or get freshly ground beans from a local coffee shop or roaster.
**Place the coffee grounds in a large Mason jar** and pour filtered water on top. I like to use a 1:2 coffee to water ratio, or 1 1/2 cups of grounds for every 3 cups of water. This yields a fairly strong coffee concentrate, so I’ll dilute it with milk or more water before I drink it. More on that below. 🙂

Stir to combine the water and the coffee grounds, and let the jar sit, covered, at room temperature for 12 to 24 hours. The longer the coffee steeps, the stronger it will be.

**Next, strain the coffee.** No one likes a cup of coffee with gritty grounds at the bottom, so it’s important to strain the cold brew well. I do this by placing a fine mesh strainer over a bowl and lining it with a layer of cheesecloth. You could also line the strainer with paper filters. (Or, instead of using a Mason jar and a strainer to make your cold brew, you could brew and strain it in a French press.)
Pour the coffee through the strainer and store it, covered, in the fridge.

**When you’re ready to enjoy your coffee,** pour it over ice and dilute it with more water or milk to taste. I love mine with [almond](https://www.loveandlemons.com/how-to-make-almond-milk/) or [oat milk](https://www.loveandlemons.com/oat-milk/). Enjoy\!

## Cold Brew Coffee Recipe Tips
- **Fresh is best.** Whether you’re making hot coffee or cold brew, freshly ground beans will always yield the best flavor. Why? Grinding coffee beans releases their oils. These oils are what add complexity and depth to a cup of coffee. After you grind coffee beans, these oils begin to dry out. As a result, you want to use coffee beans right after you grind them, when their oils have just been released and their flavor is fresh.
- **Grind the coffee beans coarsely.** That way, they’ll be easier to strain out of the coffee.
- **Adjust the ratios to taste.** One of the reasons I love making cold brew at home is that it’s easy to adjust each cup of coffee to taste. If I’ve made a particularly strong batch of cold brew, I dilute each glass with more milk or water. If it’s less strong, I just add a splash. Don’t hesitate to add more coffee, water, or milk to create a flavor and intensity you love.

## More Favorite Beverage Recipes
If you loved learning how to make cold brew coffee, try one of these recipes next:
- [Matcha 101 – What It Is and How to Use It](https://www.loveandlemons.com/matcha-green-tea/)
- [Matcha Latte](https://www.loveandlemons.com/matcha-latte/)
- [Cinnamon Coffee Smoothie](https://www.loveandlemons.com/coffee-smoothie/)
- [Watermelon Juice](https://www.loveandlemons.com/watermelon-juice/)
- [Paloma Cocktail](https://www.loveandlemons.com/paloma/)
- [Classic Margarita](https://www.loveandlemons.com/classic-margarita-recipe/)
- [Mango Margarita](https://www.loveandlemons.com/mango-margarita/)
- [Mint Mojito](https://www.loveandlemons.com/mojito-recipe/)

## How to Make Cold Brew Coffee
rate this recipe:
4\.97 from 27 votes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Steeping Time: 12 hours
Serves 4
Learn how to make cold brew at home! I like making a big batch at once and storing it in the fridge for quick, easy cups of coffee throughout the week.
- 1½ cups fresh coarsely ground coffee\*
- 3 cups filtered water
- Milk or plant milk, optional, for serving
- Place the ground coffee in a 28-ounce mason jar, or similar. Add the water, then stir. Cover and set aside for 12 to 24 hours at room temperature.
- Spread a piece of cheesecloth in a fine mesh strainer and place it over a large bowl. Pour the coffee into the bowl to strain it. Store the strained coffee in the fridge.
- When ready to serve, pour over ice and add milk, if desired.
- If the coffee is stronger than you'd like, dilute it with water or additional milk, as desired.
\*Freshly ground coffee is best for cold brew. Pre-ground coffee will have a staler taste. |
| Shard | 15 (laksa) |
| Root Hash | 15605248172212625615 |
| Unparsed URL | com,loveandlemons!www,/cold-brew-coffee/ s443 |