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| Meta Title | How to Make Cold Brew Coffee the Right Way |
| Meta Description | Learn how to make cold brew coffee properly at home with our expert tips. Plus, learn the difference between cold brew coffee and cold brew concentrate—and how to store it once it's made. |
| Meta Canonical | null |
| Boilerpipe Text | Credit:
wmaster890 / GETTY IMAGES
When the temperatures soar, we turn to cold brew coffee. It hits the spot in a way that our usual
hot cup of joe
doesn’t. The chilly beverage is more refreshing and appropriate for steamy summer days, and its flavor is milder and more nuanced than plain old
iced coffee
. To perfect cold brew at home, we spoke to coffee experts who explain it all, including the best coffee beans to use and how to store your brew once it's made.
Samantha Rounds,
coffee trainer at
Dillanos Coffee Roasters
Â
Jessica Easto
, author of
How to Taste Coffee
and
Craft Coffee: A Manual
What Is Cold Brew Coffee?Â
Cold brew coffee
is a variation on iced coffee. Iced coffee is essentially regular brewed coffee that has been chilled; as it cools, the bitter, acidic flavors of the coffee become more pronounced. By contrast, cold brew is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for up to one day and has a sweeter, milder flavor due to the low and slow extraction process. The cold water is gentler on the grounds and helps develop the flavor of the beans more slowly.
How Cold Brew Is Made
To make cold brew coffee, coarsely ground coffee is immersed in water for at least eight—and up to 24—hours. It's different from the process of making drip coffee where hot water passes through the coffee grounds, dissolving the coffee and water together as it falls into a carafe, says Samantha Rounds of Dillanos Coffee Roaster. Hot water tends to pull more of the acidity out of coffee, while cold water does not. Keeping the water cold during the whole process means that cold brew coffee will take much longer to make but will produce a less acidic and richer coffee, she explains.
What You Need to Make Cold Brew Coffee
It's simple: the main ingredients are (a lot of) coffee, water, and time.
The Equipment
You don't need special equipment to make cold brew coffee. It can be made in a mason jar or using a French press. If you want to invest in a specific cold brew system, Jessica Easto, author of
How to Taste Coffee,
and Rounds like the
Toddy Home Model
: "Their equipment is easy to use, clean, and incredibly affordable," says Rounds.
The Water
Tap water generally works well for cold brew. Experts say the best kind of water to use is one that has plenty of minerals in it in order to help the coffee extract. "Don't use distilled water, which contains no minerals," says Easto.
The Coffee Beans
While a French press or pour-over method may shine a spotlight on high-quality, single-origin blends, cold brew does not. This method of making coffee requires a large amount of grounds (far more than a regular cup of hot coffee). "I recommend choosing a less expensive blend with dark, warm, or earthy notes, such as chocolate, warming spices, or nuts," says Easto.
If you're in a pinch and don't have enough coffee to make cold brew, she suggests combining leftover beans or beans
past their prime
in terms of freshness. "One of the great things about cold brew is that it's very forgiving. It's probably one of the best ways to optimize less-than-stellar beans," she says.
How to Make Cold Brew Coffee
Ingredients
To make 1 1/2 quarts of cold brew coffee you'll need:
1 pound coffee beans ground for French press or coarser
A large pitcher or glass jar (to hold 1 1/2 quarts), plus a lid or cover
The Method
1. Combine 1/2 pound ground coffee with 6 cups cold water in a large pitcher or glass jar. Let stand 5 minutes.
2. Add remaining coffee grounds and 3 cups cold water, making sure all the grounds are wet.Â
3. Cover, and let steep, at room temperature for 8 to 12 hours or in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Halve the amount of coffee and water (but allow the same brew time) to make a smaller amount of cold brew.
Using Cold Brew Concentrate
There's a big difference between cold brew coffee and cold brew concentrate. "[Cold brew concentrate] is simply a very strong solution of coffee solubles (the stuff that imparts flavor and texture) and water. It's too strong to enjoy as is, so when it's time to drink it, you dilute the concentrate with fresh water to taste," says Easto. Most of the cold brew options that you'll find in the grocery store are concentrate, such as
Grady's New Orleans-Style
.
If you want to make cold brew concentrate at home, Easto recommends using a ratio of one part coffee to six parts water.
Storing Cold Brew
Once you've made your cold brew coffee, it should be
stored in an airtight container
—such as a sealed mason jar—in the refrigerator and consumed within three days for optimal flavor.
If you purchased cold brew concentrate from the store, read the label to see the manufacturer's recommendation for storage and use.
Common Cold Brew Mistakes to Avoid
When making cold brew, a few missteps can affect the flavor. Here's what to watch for:
Grinding Too Fine:
A coarse grind is key—fine grounds can lead to bitterness and a sludgy texture.
Using Stale Beans:
The best cold brews are made with freshly ground beans. Pre-ground or stale beans can result in a flat or musty flavor.
Not Diluting:
Don't skip the step of diluting cold brew concentrate with water or milk—it's too strong to drink straight.
Improper Storage:
Leaving cold brew at room temperature can
lead to spoilage
. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for best results. |
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# The Right Way to Make Cold Brew Coffee, According to the Pros
Skip a trip to the coffee shop and learn the simple process to make your favorite cool caffeinated beverage at home.
By
[Kelly Vaughan](https://www.marthastewart.com/author/kelly-vaughan)
![Headshot of Kelly Vaughan. ]()
:max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/KellyVaughan-8cb3be9c6f2545f58b9de5d9ac64a4b3.jpeg)
[Kelly Vaughan](https://www.marthastewart.com/author/kelly-vaughan)
Kelly Vaughan is a New York City-based food writer and editor with six years of digital editorial experience in roles at MarthaStewart.com, Food52, and TODAY Show. In addition to her roles, Kelly has seven years of food writing experience with work found in Allrecipes, Bon Appètit, Food & Wine, Real Simple, and more.
[Editorial Guidelines](https://www.marthastewart.com/about-marthastewart-com-7104054#-toc-editorial-guidelines)
Updated on July 15, 2025
In This Article
View All
In This Article
- [What Is Cold Brew Coffee?](https://www.marthastewart.com/7843793/how-make-cold-brew-coffee-at-home#toc-what-is-cold-brew-coffee)
- [How Cold Brew Is Made](https://www.marthastewart.com/7843793/how-make-cold-brew-coffee-at-home#toc-how-cold-brew-is-made)
- [What You Need](https://www.marthastewart.com/7843793/how-make-cold-brew-coffee-at-home#toc-what-you-need-to-make-cold-brew-coffee)
- [How to Make It](https://www.marthastewart.com/7843793/how-make-cold-brew-coffee-at-home#toc-how-to-make-cold-brew-coffee)
- [Cold Brew Concentrate](https://www.marthastewart.com/7843793/how-make-cold-brew-coffee-at-home#toc-using-cold-brew-concentrate)
- [Storage](https://www.marthastewart.com/7843793/how-make-cold-brew-coffee-at-home#toc-storing-cold-brew)
- [Common Mistakes](https://www.marthastewart.com/7843793/how-make-cold-brew-coffee-at-home#toc-common-cold-brew-mistakes-to-avoid)
Close
:max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/make-cold-brew-the-right-way-getty-0723-0db8510d2ec44fccadaa38ece3e79ab2.jpg)
:max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/make-cold-brew-the-right-way-getty-0723-0db8510d2ec44fccadaa38ece3e79ab2.jpg)
Credit:
wmaster890 / GETTY IMAGES
When the temperatures soar, we turn to cold brew coffee. It hits the spot in a way that our usual [hot cup of joe](https://www.marthastewart.com/1142722/brewed-coffee) doesn’t. The chilly beverage is more refreshing and appropriate for steamy summer days, and its flavor is milder and more nuanced than plain old [iced coffee](https://www.marthastewart.com/how-to-make-iced-coffee-8675039). To perfect cold brew at home, we spoke to coffee experts who explain it all, including the best coffee beans to use and how to store your brew once it's made.
- **Samantha Rounds,** coffee trainer at [Dillanos Coffee Roasters](https://www.dillanos.com/)
- **Jessica Easto**, author of *How to Taste Coffee* and *Craft Coffee: A Manual*
[How to Make Your Favorite Coffee Shop Drinks at Home](https://www.marthastewart.com/7781751/how-make-coffee-drinks-at-home)
## What Is Cold Brew Coffee?
[Cold brew coffee](https://www.marthastewart.com/coffee-trends-2025-8787774) is a variation on iced coffee. Iced coffee is essentially regular brewed coffee that has been chilled; as it cools, the bitter, acidic flavors of the coffee become more pronounced. By contrast, cold brew is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for up to one day and has a sweeter, milder flavor due to the low and slow extraction process. The cold water is gentler on the grounds and helps develop the flavor of the beans more slowly.
## How Cold Brew Is Made
To make cold brew coffee, coarsely ground coffee is immersed in water for at least eight—and up to 24—hours. It's different from the process of making drip coffee where hot water passes through the coffee grounds, dissolving the coffee and water together as it falls into a carafe, says Samantha Rounds of Dillanos Coffee Roaster. Hot water tends to pull more of the acidity out of coffee, while cold water does not. Keeping the water cold during the whole process means that cold brew coffee will take much longer to make but will produce a less acidic and richer coffee, she explains.
## What You Need to Make Cold Brew Coffee
It's simple: the main ingredients are (a lot of) coffee, water, and time.
### The Equipment
You don't need special equipment to make cold brew coffee. It can be made in a mason jar or using a French press. If you want to invest in a specific cold brew system, Jessica Easto, author of *How to Taste Coffee,* and Rounds like the [Toddy Home Model](https://toddycafe.com/product/toddy-cold-brew-system): "Their equipment is easy to use, clean, and incredibly affordable," says Rounds.
### The Water
Tap water generally works well for cold brew. Experts say the best kind of water to use is one that has plenty of minerals in it in order to help the coffee extract. "Don't use distilled water, which contains no minerals," says Easto.
### The Coffee Beans
While a French press or pour-over method may shine a spotlight on high-quality, single-origin blends, cold brew does not. This method of making coffee requires a large amount of grounds (far more than a regular cup of hot coffee). "I recommend choosing a less expensive blend with dark, warm, or earthy notes, such as chocolate, warming spices, or nuts," says Easto.
If you're in a pinch and don't have enough coffee to make cold brew, she suggests combining leftover beans or beans [past their prime](https://www.marthastewart.com/7735308/how-long-open-bag-coffee-last-stay-fresh) in terms of freshness. "One of the great things about cold brew is that it's very forgiving. It's probably one of the best ways to optimize less-than-stellar beans," she says.
## How to Make Cold Brew Coffee
### Ingredients
To make 1 1/2 quarts of cold brew coffee you'll need:
- 1 pound coffee beans ground for French press or coarser
- A large pitcher or glass jar (to hold 1 1/2 quarts), plus a lid or cover
### The Method
1\. Combine 1/2 pound ground coffee with 6 cups cold water in a large pitcher or glass jar. Let stand 5 minutes.
2\. Add remaining coffee grounds and 3 cups cold water, making sure all the grounds are wet.
3\. Cover, and let steep, at room temperature for 8 to 12 hours or in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Halve the amount of coffee and water (but allow the same brew time) to make a smaller amount of cold brew.
## Using Cold Brew Concentrate
There's a big difference between cold brew coffee and cold brew concentrate. "\[Cold brew concentrate\] is simply a very strong solution of coffee solubles (the stuff that imparts flavor and texture) and water. It's too strong to enjoy as is, so when it's time to drink it, you dilute the concentrate with fresh water to taste," says Easto. Most of the cold brew options that you'll find in the grocery store are concentrate, such as [Grady's New Orleans-Style](https://www.gradyscoldbrew.com/).
If you want to make cold brew concentrate at home, Easto recommends using a ratio of one part coffee to six parts water.
## Storing Cold Brew
Once you've made your cold brew coffee, it should be [stored in an airtight container](https://www.marthastewart.com/8146833/how-long-cold-brew-lasts-refrigerator-storage-tips)—such as a sealed mason jar—in the refrigerator and consumed within three days for optimal flavor.
If you purchased cold brew concentrate from the store, read the label to see the manufacturer's recommendation for storage and use.
## Common Cold Brew Mistakes to Avoid
When making cold brew, a few missteps can affect the flavor. Here's what to watch for:
- **Grinding Too Fine:** A coarse grind is key—fine grounds can lead to bitterness and a sludgy texture.
- **Using Stale Beans:** The best cold brews are made with freshly ground beans. Pre-ground or stale beans can result in a flat or musty flavor.
- **Not Diluting:** Don't skip the step of diluting cold brew concentrate with water or milk—it's too strong to drink straight.
- **Improper Storage:** Leaving cold brew at room temperature can [lead to spoilage](https://www.marthastewart.com/8387774/unexpected-foods-to-refrigerate). Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for best results.
Updated by
[Victoria Spencer](https://www.marthastewart.com/victoria-spencer-7106333)
![Victoria Spencer, senior food editor, MarthaStewart.com]()
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[Victoria Spencer](https://www.marthastewart.com/victoria-spencer-7106333)
Victoria Spencer is an experienced food editor, writer, and recipe developer. She manages the Martha Stewart recipe archive and is always curious about new ingredients and the best techniques. She has been working in food media for over 20 years.
Explore more:
- [Food & Cooking](https://www.marthastewart.com/1509043/food-cooking)
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When the temperatures soar, we turn to cold brew coffee. It hits the spot in a way that our usual [hot cup of joe](https://www.marthastewart.com/1142722/brewed-coffee) doesn’t. The chilly beverage is more refreshing and appropriate for steamy summer days, and its flavor is milder and more nuanced than plain old [iced coffee](https://www.marthastewart.com/how-to-make-iced-coffee-8675039). To perfect cold brew at home, we spoke to coffee experts who explain it all, including the best coffee beans to use and how to store your brew once it's made.
- **Samantha Rounds,** coffee trainer at [Dillanos Coffee Roasters](https://www.dillanos.com/)
- **Jessica Easto**, author of *How to Taste Coffee* and *Craft Coffee: A Manual*
## What Is Cold Brew Coffee?
[Cold brew coffee](https://www.marthastewart.com/coffee-trends-2025-8787774) is a variation on iced coffee. Iced coffee is essentially regular brewed coffee that has been chilled; as it cools, the bitter, acidic flavors of the coffee become more pronounced. By contrast, cold brew is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for up to one day and has a sweeter, milder flavor due to the low and slow extraction process. The cold water is gentler on the grounds and helps develop the flavor of the beans more slowly.
## How Cold Brew Is Made
To make cold brew coffee, coarsely ground coffee is immersed in water for at least eight—and up to 24—hours. It's different from the process of making drip coffee where hot water passes through the coffee grounds, dissolving the coffee and water together as it falls into a carafe, says Samantha Rounds of Dillanos Coffee Roaster. Hot water tends to pull more of the acidity out of coffee, while cold water does not. Keeping the water cold during the whole process means that cold brew coffee will take much longer to make but will produce a less acidic and richer coffee, she explains.
## What You Need to Make Cold Brew Coffee
It's simple: the main ingredients are (a lot of) coffee, water, and time.
### The Equipment
You don't need special equipment to make cold brew coffee. It can be made in a mason jar or using a French press. If you want to invest in a specific cold brew system, Jessica Easto, author of *How to Taste Coffee,* and Rounds like the [Toddy Home Model](https://toddycafe.com/product/toddy-cold-brew-system): "Their equipment is easy to use, clean, and incredibly affordable," says Rounds.
### The Water
Tap water generally works well for cold brew. Experts say the best kind of water to use is one that has plenty of minerals in it in order to help the coffee extract. "Don't use distilled water, which contains no minerals," says Easto.
### The Coffee Beans
While a French press or pour-over method may shine a spotlight on high-quality, single-origin blends, cold brew does not. This method of making coffee requires a large amount of grounds (far more than a regular cup of hot coffee). "I recommend choosing a less expensive blend with dark, warm, or earthy notes, such as chocolate, warming spices, or nuts," says Easto.
If you're in a pinch and don't have enough coffee to make cold brew, she suggests combining leftover beans or beans [past their prime](https://www.marthastewart.com/7735308/how-long-open-bag-coffee-last-stay-fresh) in terms of freshness. "One of the great things about cold brew is that it's very forgiving. It's probably one of the best ways to optimize less-than-stellar beans," she says.
## How to Make Cold Brew Coffee
### Ingredients
To make 1 1/2 quarts of cold brew coffee you'll need:
- 1 pound coffee beans ground for French press or coarser
- A large pitcher or glass jar (to hold 1 1/2 quarts), plus a lid or cover
### The Method
1\. Combine 1/2 pound ground coffee with 6 cups cold water in a large pitcher or glass jar. Let stand 5 minutes.
2\. Add remaining coffee grounds and 3 cups cold water, making sure all the grounds are wet.
3\. Cover, and let steep, at room temperature for 8 to 12 hours or in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Halve the amount of coffee and water (but allow the same brew time) to make a smaller amount of cold brew.
## Using Cold Brew Concentrate
There's a big difference between cold brew coffee and cold brew concentrate. "\[Cold brew concentrate\] is simply a very strong solution of coffee solubles (the stuff that imparts flavor and texture) and water. It's too strong to enjoy as is, so when it's time to drink it, you dilute the concentrate with fresh water to taste," says Easto. Most of the cold brew options that you'll find in the grocery store are concentrate, such as [Grady's New Orleans-Style](https://www.gradyscoldbrew.com/).
If you want to make cold brew concentrate at home, Easto recommends using a ratio of one part coffee to six parts water.
## Storing Cold Brew
Once you've made your cold brew coffee, it should be [stored in an airtight container](https://www.marthastewart.com/8146833/how-long-cold-brew-lasts-refrigerator-storage-tips)—such as a sealed mason jar—in the refrigerator and consumed within three days for optimal flavor.
If you purchased cold brew concentrate from the store, read the label to see the manufacturer's recommendation for storage and use.
## Common Cold Brew Mistakes to Avoid
When making cold brew, a few missteps can affect the flavor. Here's what to watch for:
- **Grinding Too Fine:** A coarse grind is key—fine grounds can lead to bitterness and a sludgy texture.
- **Using Stale Beans:** The best cold brews are made with freshly ground beans. Pre-ground or stale beans can result in a flat or musty flavor.
- **Not Diluting:** Don't skip the step of diluting cold brew concentrate with water or milk—it's too strong to drink straight.
- **Improper Storage:** Leaving cold brew at room temperature can [lead to spoilage](https://www.marthastewart.com/8387774/unexpected-foods-to-refrigerate). Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for best results. |
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