âšď¸ 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 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.sevenmiles.com.au/blogs/editorial/cold-brew-coffee-guide |
| Last Crawled | 2026-04-18 03:58:54 (17 hours ago) |
| First Indexed | 2023-01-23 10:22:09 (3 years ago) |
| HTTP Status Code | 200 |
| Meta Title | How To Make Cold Brew Coffee | Seven Miles Coffee Roasters |
| Meta Description | If you're ready to step up your iced coffee game, then cold brew coffee may be just what you need. In this guide, we take a look at what it is, recipes & more. |
| Meta Canonical | null |
| Boilerpipe Text | If you're ready to step up your iced coffee game, then cold brew coffee may be just what you need. In this guide, we take a look at what it is, the equipment you'll need, and step-by-step recipes to get you started. If you're looking for the perfect coffee blend for your cold brew, check out our
Cold Brew Summer Blend
.Â
Brewing coffee with cold water⌠Really?
Yes, really. Hot water may be a more efficient way of brewing, but cold water will get the job done if left long enough to brew. The modern version of this low-tech process was first made popular in the United States by Todd Simpson, who invented the Toddy brewer back in 1964.
As far as inventions go, it wasnât exactly the iPhone - itâs essentially a plastic bucket with a filter, nonetheless it sparked a coffee drinking phenomenon that keeps on growing to this day.
Compared to chilling hot coffee, cold brewing produces a distinct chocolatey flavour profile and reduces perceived acidity. Another thing is that cold-brew coffee may remain in the fridge for a much longer period of time. While espresso chilled in the fridge will usually go bad within a few minutes, cold brew is still good up to a week after brewing.
What you need to get started
Grinder
You'll need a grinder that can produce a coarser grind size than a standard espresso grinder. If you already have a retail grinder, like a Ditting KR805 or a Mahlkonig EK43 then youâre all set. If not, we think the Baratza Forte or the Breville Smart Grinder Pro are a good choices - they're relatively affordable, they don't take up much space and can be used for grinding espresso, aeropress & any other brew methods you use.
If a grinder is out of the question, then you can use ground coffee â just ask to get it ground on the coarse side of a filter grind.
Brewer
There are literally dozens of cold brewers available for the coffee professional. The easiest way to get started is the classic
toddy brewer
(the recipe below is based on this device) - itâs cheap, functional and difficult to break.
Having said that, if youâre more of a DIY kind of person, you can get great results brewing in a saucepan (or a plunger / french press) and filtering the grounds twice: once with a sieve & once with a paper filter. The results will be just as good with this hack method, but the process is a little easier (& cleaner) with a dedicated device like the Toddy.
Filtered Water
Yes, water quality makes a massive difference. Our
Coffee Next
team have done some in depth work on the ideal water for brewing coffee â
take a look
. Suffice to say, water straight out of the tap is unlikely to give great results. If you can use the water that has been filtered for your espresso machine, thatâs a better place to start.
The Best Coffee for Cold Brew
To some extent, the right coffee beans to choose for cold brew will depend on how you plan on using it.
A typical espresso blend is good if you plan to add milk to the finished product. However, something roasted lighter, like a filter roast or a light espresso roast, is usually better for serving straight up.
In terms of origins - for me, the heavy body & fruity flavours of natural or honey-processed coffees tend to work better with cold brew. For example, the deep fruity sweetness of an Ethiopian natural or the heavy chocolate flavours of a Brazil Pulped-Natural are right on the money in a cold brew. On the other hand, the more delicate, refined acidity of washed Central American coffees just donât seem to show their potential in cold brewing. You might be best to save these coffees for hot water brewing.
If you want to keep things simple, Iâll put in a shameless plug for our
Cold Brew Summer Blend.
Weâve blended & roasted coffees that we think taste great as cold-brew iced coffee - with or without milk.
Cold Brew Ratio
If you're not familiar with a 'brew ratio', here's a quick primer. A brew ratio is a way to compare the weight of the amount of ground coffee, to the amount of water you use to brew the coffee. We use ratios because you can use them to easily adjust the exact amount of coffee & water you use to match the size of the brewer you're using. For example, a ratio of 1:15 is 1 part ground coffee to 15 parts water. So, if you use 50g of coffee, you multiply that number by 15 to get 750g water (or 750ml, if you prefer to measure it that way).
With that out of the way, here are the ratios we think work best for cold brew.
Cold Brew Concentrate - 1:5 brew ratio
The classic way to cold brew is to make a concentrate that you can then dilute with water or milk (or other liquids) to make the finished product.
For those playing along at home, this is usually a recipe of around 1 part coffee to 5 parts water (or 200g of coffee per litre of water). Brewing a concentrate has the advantage of being versatile. Not only is it ideal for mixing with milk, it can also be used as an ingredient in other items - Such as cocktails, frappes and even in cooking.
While this versatility is great, it comes with a couple of downsides. Firstly, the intense, almost âboozyâ taste can mask the subtle flavours of more delicate coffees. The second downside is cost - you donât get much liquid out of a kilo of coffee. This makes it more expensive compared to the alternative approach...
With that out of the way, here are the ratios we think work best for cold brew.
Ready to Drink Cold Brew - 1:15 brew ratio
The alternate is to make a ready-to-drink product straight out of the brewer - 1 part coffee to 15 parts water (67g of coffee per litre of water).
The finished brew using this recipe has similarities to filter coffee in taste and texture, highlighting more of the nuances found in more delicate coffees.
This works great if youâre only planning to serve it black, or with small amounts of milk â however it doesnât allow many other serving options. Also, if youâre used to drinking heavy, espresso-based coffees, you might find the body (mouthfeel) too light for your tastes using this recipe.
Cold Brew Coffee Recipe: a Step-by-step guide
How to brew a cold brew concentrate using the Toddy Cold Brew Coffee Maker. This method allows you to dilute the brewed coffee with water, milk and a whole host of other ingredients. The ratios for coffee and water work for most cold brew devices, but this recipe is specifically written for the standard Toddy cold brew system.
Ingredients: Cold Brew Concentrate
 Coffee
400g
Water
2Lt
Method
Wet the filter and insert it into the groove inside the brewer. Don't forget to insert the plug in the bottom.
Add the paper filter bag to the brewer. The brewer will work without this, but it helps to extract more from the coffee, and makes clean up a whole lot easier.
Grind the coffee coarse (between filter & french press / plunger) and add to the brewer
Pour filtered water over the grounds, try to wet them as evenly as possible. If you're using the paper filter bag stir the coffee to make sure the grounds are completely wet. If you're not using the bag, don't stir the coffee as the fine grinds can block the smaller filter - just pat any dry grounds you can see with the back of a spoon.
Cover the brewer and leave to brew at room temperature for 20-24 hours
The next day, remove the plug and place on the decanter to drain. Add the airtight lid and store in the fridge for up to 14 days.
Serving cold brew by the glass
If youâre cold brewing using the ready-to-drink method, then simply grab your favourite cup, pour it over ice, kick back in hammock and enjoy. If youâre brewing a concentrate, then youâve got a few options⌠Grab a chilled glass (or upcycled jar), add some ice cubes and pour in either:
Black (Still)
1 part cold brew
1 part cold water
Black (Sparkling)
1 part cold brew
1 part sparkling water
Milk (or alternative)
1 part cold brew
2 parts milk
If using the ready-to-drink ratio, another option is to bottle the brew (we sourced ours
here
). This way, you can prep a whole batch ahead of time. When the rush comes, customers can just grab and go - oh, and it looks cool tooâŚ
Cold Brew vs Cold Drip
Let's clear up some confusion. When people talk about "cold drip," they're usually referring to the fancy glass towers by brands like Yama & Hario. With these devices, cold water drips through the grounds over a number of hours into a glass vessel at the bottom.
While they look cool (and can be breathtakingly expensive) Iâm not a big fan. Why? To be honest, I just donât think the coffees tastes very good when brewed with these devices. The finished product is often under-extracted, watery and just generallyâŚflavourless.
On the other hand "Cold Brew" typically refers to devices where the coffee grounds are fully immersed in cold water. Yes, I'll admit these devices are unlikely to end up on a foodie's Instagram feed - but they can deliver cold-brew that is simple to make, cheap, and genuinely tasty when it's done well.
Nitro cold brew
Nitro Cold Brew has become a phenomenon of its own. The creamy texture and Guinness-like visual effect of injecting nitrogen gas into the brew is a real crowd pleaser.
Of course, if you want to serve cold brew on tap, you going to need to get some extra equipment. The easiest option is to grab an all-in-one benchtop unit, like the creatively named âNitro Cold Brew Coffee Systemâ.
With a system like this, you plug it in, drop the hose into a container of cold brew and pull the handle. If you like a more hands-on approach, you can search through your local home brew shop (beer, not coffee) and put together a kit of kegs, nitrogen gas cylinders & Stout taps.
It takes a bit more know-how, but a keg system will allow for larger capacity if you need to go big In my opinion, you really need to be moving a
lot
of cold brew for this to be a desirable setup. After all, fresh is best...
Even more ways to serve Cold Brew
Once youâve locked down the basics, then here are a few more recipes for serving cold brew.
Cold Brew Macchiato
Cold Brew with salted whipped cream The whiskey-like intensity of cold brew concentrate is balanced by the richness of the cream. The pinch of salt helps bring the coffee flavour to life. Itâs also virtually zero carbs.
Ingredients
Cocktail shaker
60 ml cold brew concentrate
30 g pure cream
Pinch of fine pink salt (or whatever colour you prefer)
Method
Add cream & salt to a cocktail shaker
Shake well for 5 seconds to lightly aerate the cream
Pour cold brew concentrate in a small glass
 (90ml piccolo glass or 120ml gibraltar glass)
Float salted cream onto the cold brew over the back of a spoon to form clean layers
Drink through the cream for most delicious results
Cold Brew Frappe Recipe
Frappes have been out of fashion since the 90âs. Perhaps this can turn things around. Every bit as thick and creamy as the classic-versions-from-unnamed-multinational-chains, but with a fraction of the sugar and without all the extra additives.
A blender that can crush ice
200 g ice cubes
160 ml cold brew concentrate
140 ml milk
60 ml pure cream
1 tbsp (7g) rice malt syrup (or other liquid sugar)
Âź tsp (1g) xanthan gum*
Add ingredients to a blender
Blend until the ice is smooth
Pour into a tall glass (400-500ml)
Top with whatever your heart desires, we used chocolate...
*Xanthan Gum can be found in the health food / gluten free section of the supermarket. Itâs the magic ingredient to stop the ice separating into layers.
Cold Brew Negroni Recipe
The classic Italian cocktail, the Negroni is hot right now. So weâve given it a cold brew coffee twist, by substituting some of the Campari for cold brew concentrate. Of course, to serve this youâll either need a liquor licence, or perhaps save this one for after hours
Cocktail Shaker
30 ml Cold Brew Concentrate ((1:4 brew ratio))
30 ml Semi-dry Vermouth
30 ml Gin
15 ml Campari
Ice Cubes
Add all to boston shaker
Shake well
Strain into an 8oz glass (240ml) half filled with ice
Garnish with orange peel
Ben Irvine
From owner / operator of his own coffee business, to product development for a coffee multinational, to consulting with independent cafe owners, Ben has been involved across a wide range of the industry over the last 20 years. When he isnât brewing coffee, or writing about it, Ben is likely to be annoying his kids with 90âs music trivia. |
| Markdown | [Skip to content](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/blogs/editorial/cold-brew-coffee-guide#MainContent)
Blend Finder
#### 4 simple steps to the coffee you'll love
[Get Started](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/blogs/editorial/cold-brew-coffee-guide)

[Back](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/blogs/editorial/cold-brew-coffee-guide) Blend Finder 1 / 4 How do you brew your coffee?
Espresso
Plunger
Stovetop
Filter
Drip
Pod
[Continue](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/blogs/editorial/cold-brew-coffee-guide)
[Back](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/blogs/editorial/cold-brew-coffee-guide) Blend Finder 2 / 4 How do you drink it?
With Milk (or milk alternative)
Sometimes Milk (or milk alternative)
Just Black
[Continue](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/blogs/editorial/cold-brew-coffee-guide)
[Back](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/blogs/editorial/cold-brew-coffee-guide) Blend Finder 3 / 4 What kind of flavours do you prefer?
Hints of chocolate, nuts or caramel
Floral & delicate
Fruity notes
Just Coffee
Surprise Me
[Continue](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/blogs/editorial/cold-brew-coffee-guide)
[Back](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/blogs/editorial/cold-brew-coffee-guide) Blend Finder 4 / 4 And finally, what roast level would you like?
- Light Mild and flavourful
- Medium Evenly balanced
- Dark Punchy and bittersweet
[Find My Blend](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/blogs/editorial/cold-brew-coffee-guide)
### Finding your perfect blend
Your cart is empty
[Continue shopping](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/collections/all)
Have an account?
[Log in](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/customer_authentication/redirect?locale=en®ion_country=AU) to check out faster.
Subtotal \$0.00 AUD
[Shipping](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/policies/shipping-policy) & taxes calculated at checkout
Update
Check out
[Continue shopping](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/collections/all) [View Cart](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/cart)
[Free Shipping On All Orders Over \$50](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/policies/shipping-policy)
Shop
[All Coffee](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/collections/coffee) [Blends](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/collections/blends) [Single Origin](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/collections/single-origin) [Pods / Capsules](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/collections/pods) [Cold Brew](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/collections/cold-brew) [Bundle Deals](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/collections/bundle-deals-save)
[Equipment](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/collections/equipment) [Tea, Chai & Matcha](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/collections/chai-matcha) [Chocolate Powders](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/collections/chocolate) [Merchandise](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/collections/merchandise) [Customer Reviews](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/pages/customer-reviews)
[ Coffee Quiz Help me choose the right coffee Learn More](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/blogs/editorial/cold-brew-coffee-guide#blendFinder)
[ Coffee Subscriptions For the Office or Home- delivered to your door Learn More](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/pages/subscribe)
[ About Us Who is Seven Miles? Learn More](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/pages/about-us)
[ Community Learn More](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/pages/community)
[ Guides & Insights Coffee Business, Skills & Equipment Reviews Learn More](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/blogs/editorial)
[ Events Experience Coffee Learn More](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/pages/events)
[ Barista Handbook Practical Training Guide Learn More](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/pages/seven-miles-barista-handbook)
[ Wholesale Coffee, Equipment & Support for Cafes Learn More](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/pages/wholesale)
[ Private Label Coffee Solutions for Multi-Site Businesses Learn More](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/pages/private-label)
[ Office Bundles Sign up for Coffee Deliveries straight to your door](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/a/loop_subscriptions/bundle/09ebb74b0e6c4220a58d6ca01f00243b)
[ Cafe Finder Find Coffee Near You Find Coffee](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/pages/cafe-finder)
[ Our Locations Our Roasteries & Training Centres Learn More](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/pages/our-locations)
[ Contact Get in Touch](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/pages/contact)
- [About](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/pages/about-us)
- [Learn](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/pages/learn)
- [Wholesale](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/pages/wholesale)
- [Find Us](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/pages/cafe-finder)
[Log in](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/customer_authentication/redirect?locale=en®ion_country=AU)
[Cart](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/cart)
[Shop](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/blogs/editorial/cold-brew-coffee-guide)
- Shop
Shop
- [All Coffee](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/collections/coffee-only)
- [Blends](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/collections/blends)
- [Single Origin](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/collections/single-origin)
- [Pods/Capsules](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/collections/pods)
- [Cold Brew](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/collections/cold-brew)
- [Bundle Deals](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/collections/bundle-deals-save)
- [Equipment](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/collections/equipment/equipment)
- [Tea, Chai & Matcha](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/collections/chai-matcha)
- [Chocolate Powders](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/collections/chocolate)
- [Merch](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/collections/merchandise)
- [Customer Reviews](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/pages/customer-reviews)
- [Coffee Quiz](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/blogs/editorial/cold-brew-coffee-guide#blendFinder)
- [Coffee Subscriptions](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/collections/coffee-subscription)
- About
About
- [About Us](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/pages/about-us)
- [Community](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/pages/community)
- Learn
Learn
- [Blog](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/blogs/editorial)
- [Events](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/pages/events)
- Wholesale
Wholesale
- [Wholesale](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/pages/wholesale)
- [Private Label](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/pages/private-label)
- Find Us
Find Us
- [Cafe Finder](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/pages/cafe-finder)
- [Our Locations](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/pages/our-locations)
- [Contact](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/pages/contact)
- [My Account](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/account/login)
####
- [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/sevenmilescoffeeroasters/)
- [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sevenmilescoffeeroasters/)
- [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/sevenmilescoffeeroasters)
- [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZQQDp_XZL1AkZ36ToAU_mw/)

Coffee Brewing
# How to make Cold Brew Coffee (the ultimate guide)
By Ben Irvine
â˘
December 13, 2024
If you're ready to step up your iced coffee game, then cold brew coffee may be just what you need. In this guide, we take a look at what it is, the equipment you'll need, and step-by-step recipes to get you started. If you're looking for the perfect coffee blend for your cold brew, check out our [Cold Brew Summer Blend](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/products/coldbrew-250g "Cold Brew Blend").
##### Jump to a section in this article
[What you need to get started](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/blogs/editorial/cold-brew-coffee-guide#3)[Best Coffee for Cold Brew](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/blogs/editorial/cold-brew-coffee-guide#7)[Cold Brew Ratio](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/blogs/editorial/cold-brew-coffee-guide#8)[Cold Brew Coffee Recipe: a Step-by-step guide](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/blogs/editorial/cold-brew-coffee-guide#11)[Serving cold brew by the glass](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/blogs/editorial/cold-brew-coffee-guide#14)[Cold Brew vs Cold Drip](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/blogs/editorial/cold-brew-coffee-guide#2)[Even more ways to serve Cold Brew](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/blogs/editorial/cold-brew-coffee-guide#13)
### Brewing coffee with cold water⌠Really?
Yes, really. Hot water may be a more efficient way of brewing, but cold water will get the job done if left long enough to brew. The modern version of this low-tech process was first made popular in the United States by Todd Simpson, who invented the Toddy brewer back in 1964.
As far as inventions go, it wasnât exactly the iPhone - itâs essentially a plastic bucket with a filter, nonetheless it sparked a coffee drinking phenomenon that keeps on growing to this day.
Compared to chilling hot coffee, cold brewing produces a distinct chocolatey flavour profile and reduces perceived acidity. Another thing is that cold-brew coffee may remain in the fridge for a much longer period of time. While espresso chilled in the fridge will usually go bad within a few minutes, cold brew is still good up to a week after brewing.
### What you need to get started

### Grinder
You'll need a grinder that can produce a coarser grind size than a standard espresso grinder. If you already have a retail grinder, like a Ditting KR805 or a Mahlkonig EK43 then youâre all set. If not, we think the Baratza Forte or the Breville Smart Grinder Pro are a good choices - they're relatively affordable, they don't take up much space and can be used for grinding espresso, aeropress & any other brew methods you use.
If a grinder is out of the question, then you can use ground coffee â just ask to get it ground on the coarse side of a filter grind.
### Brewer
There are literally dozens of cold brewers available for the coffee professional. The easiest way to get started is the classic [toddy brewer](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/products/coldbrewstarter "Cold Brew Starter Kit") (the recipe below is based on this device) - itâs cheap, functional and difficult to break.
Having said that, if youâre more of a DIY kind of person, you can get great results brewing in a saucepan (or a plunger / french press) and filtering the grounds twice: once with a sieve & once with a paper filter. The results will be just as good with this hack method, but the process is a little easier (& cleaner) with a dedicated device like the Toddy.
### Filtered Water
Yes, water quality makes a massive difference. Our [Coffee Next](http://www.sevenmiles.com.au/coffee-science-education-centre/) team have done some in depth work on the ideal water for brewing coffee â [take a look](http://www.sevenmiles.com.au/editorial/the-science-of-perfect-water-for-coffee/). Suffice to say, water straight out of the tap is unlikely to give great results. If you can use the water that has been filtered for your espresso machine, thatâs a better place to start.

### The Best Coffee for Cold Brew
To some extent, the right coffee beans to choose for cold brew will depend on how you plan on using it.
A typical espresso blend is good if you plan to add milk to the finished product. However, something roasted lighter, like a filter roast or a light espresso roast, is usually better for serving straight up.
In terms of origins - for me, the heavy body & fruity flavours of natural or honey-processed coffees tend to work better with cold brew. For example, the deep fruity sweetness of an Ethiopian natural or the heavy chocolate flavours of a Brazil Pulped-Natural are right on the money in a cold brew. On the other hand, the more delicate, refined acidity of washed Central American coffees just donât seem to show their potential in cold brewing. You might be best to save these coffees for hot water brewing.
If you want to keep things simple, Iâll put in a shameless plug for our [Cold Brew Summer Blend.](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/products/coldbrew-250g "Cold Brew Blend") Weâve blended & roasted coffees that we think taste great as cold-brew iced coffee - with or without milk.
### Cold Brew Blend
[ Cold Brew Blend Regular price \$20.00 Regular price Sale price \$20.00 Unit price / per](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/products/coldbrew-250g)
### Cold Brew Ratio
If you're not familiar with a 'brew ratio', here's a quick primer. A brew ratio is a way to compare the weight of the amount of ground coffee, to the amount of water you use to brew the coffee. We use ratios because you can use them to easily adjust the exact amount of coffee & water you use to match the size of the brewer you're using. For example, a ratio of 1:15 is 1 part ground coffee to 15 parts water. So, if you use 50g of coffee, you multiply that number by 15 to get 750g water (or 750ml, if you prefer to measure it that way).
With that out of the way, here are the ratios we think work best for cold brew.
### Cold Brew Concentrate - 1:5 brew ratio
The classic way to cold brew is to make a concentrate that you can then dilute with water or milk (or other liquids) to make the finished product.
For those playing along at home, this is usually a recipe of around 1 part coffee to 5 parts water (or 200g of coffee per litre of water). Brewing a concentrate has the advantage of being versatile. Not only is it ideal for mixing with milk, it can also be used as an ingredient in other items - Such as cocktails, frappes and even in cooking.
While this versatility is great, it comes with a couple of downsides. Firstly, the intense, almost âboozyâ taste can mask the subtle flavours of more delicate coffees. The second downside is cost - you donât get much liquid out of a kilo of coffee. This makes it more expensive compared to the alternative approach...
With that out of the way, here are the ratios we think work best for cold brew.

### Ready to Drink Cold Brew - 1:15 brew ratio
The alternate is to make a ready-to-drink product straight out of the brewer - 1 part coffee to 15 parts water (67g of coffee per litre of water).
The finished brew using this recipe has similarities to filter coffee in taste and texture, highlighting more of the nuances found in more delicate coffees.
This works great if youâre only planning to serve it black, or with small amounts of milk â however it doesnât allow many other serving options. Also, if youâre used to drinking heavy, espresso-based coffees, you might find the body (mouthfeel) too light for your tastes using this recipe.
### Shop Cold Brew
[ Cold Brew Learn more](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/collections/cold-brew)
### Cold Brew Coffee Recipe: a Step-by-step guide
How to brew a cold brew concentrate using the Toddy Cold Brew Coffee Maker. This method allows you to dilute the brewed coffee with water, milk and a whole host of other ingredients. The ratios for coffee and water work for most cold brew devices, but this recipe is specifically written for the standard Toddy cold brew system.
### Ingredients: Cold Brew Concentrate
| | |
|---|---|
| Coffee | 400g |
| Water | 2Lt |
### Method
1. Wet the filter and insert it into the groove inside the brewer. Don't forget to insert the plug in the bottom.
2. Add the paper filter bag to the brewer. The brewer will work without this, but it helps to extract more from the coffee, and makes clean up a whole lot easier.
3. Grind the coffee coarse (between filter & french press / plunger) and add to the brewer
4. Pour filtered water over the grounds, try to wet them as evenly as possible. If you're using the paper filter bag stir the coffee to make sure the grounds are completely wet. If you're not using the bag, don't stir the coffee as the fine grinds can block the smaller filter - just pat any dry grounds you can see with the back of a spoon.
5. Cover the brewer and leave to brew at room temperature for 20-24 hours
6. The next day, remove the plug and place on the decanter to drain. Add the airtight lid and store in the fridge for up to 14 days.
### Serving cold brew by the glass
If youâre cold brewing using the ready-to-drink method, then simply grab your favourite cup, pour it over ice, kick back in hammock and enjoy. If youâre brewing a concentrate, then youâve got a few options⌠Grab a chilled glass (or upcycled jar), add some ice cubes and pour in either:
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| Black (Still) | 1 part cold brew | 1 part cold water |
| Black (Sparkling) | 1 part cold brew | 1 part sparkling water |
| Milk (or alternative) | 1 part cold brew | 2 parts milk |
If using the ready-to-drink ratio, another option is to bottle the brew (we sourced ours [here](http://shop.newdirections.com.au/epages/newdirections.sf/en_AU/?ObjectPath=/Shops/newdirections/Categories/16/141/2037/10360)). This way, you can prep a whole batch ahead of time. When the rush comes, customers can just grab and go - oh, and it looks cool tooâŚ

### Cold Brew vs Cold Drip
Let's clear up some confusion. When people talk about "cold drip," they're usually referring to the fancy glass towers by brands like Yama & Hario. With these devices, cold water drips through the grounds over a number of hours into a glass vessel at the bottom.
While they look cool (and can be breathtakingly expensive) Iâm not a big fan. Why? To be honest, I just donât think the coffees tastes very good when brewed with these devices. The finished product is often under-extracted, watery and just generallyâŚflavourless.
On the other hand "Cold Brew" typically refers to devices where the coffee grounds are fully immersed in cold water. Yes, I'll admit these devices are unlikely to end up on a foodie's Instagram feed - but they can deliver cold-brew that is simple to make, cheap, and genuinely tasty when it's done well.
### Nitro cold brew
Nitro Cold Brew has become a phenomenon of its own. The creamy texture and Guinness-like visual effect of injecting nitrogen gas into the brew is a real crowd pleaser.
Of course, if you want to serve cold brew on tap, you going to need to get some extra equipment. The easiest option is to grab an all-in-one benchtop unit, like the creatively named âNitro Cold Brew Coffee Systemâ.
With a system like this, you plug it in, drop the hose into a container of cold brew and pull the handle. If you like a more hands-on approach, you can search through your local home brew shop (beer, not coffee) and put together a kit of kegs, nitrogen gas cylinders & Stout taps.
It takes a bit more know-how, but a keg system will allow for larger capacity if you need to go big In my opinion, you really need to be moving a *lot* of cold brew for this to be a desirable setup. After all, fresh is best...
### Even more ways to serve Cold Brew
Once youâve locked down the basics, then here are a few more recipes for serving cold brew.

## Cold Brew Macchiato
Cold Brew with salted whipped cream The whiskey-like intensity of cold brew concentrate is balanced by the richness of the cream. The pinch of salt helps bring the coffee flavour to life. Itâs also virtually zero carbs.
##### Ingredients
- Cocktail shaker
- 60 ml cold brew concentrate
- 30 g pure cream
- Pinch of fine pink salt (or whatever colour you prefer)
##### Method
1. Add cream & salt to a cocktail shaker
2. Shake well for 5 seconds to lightly aerate the cream
3. Pour cold brew concentrate in a small glass
(90ml piccolo glass or 120ml gibraltar glass)
4. Float salted cream onto the cold brew over the back of a spoon to form clean layers
5. Drink through the cream for most delicious results

## Cold Brew Frappe Recipe
Frappes have been out of fashion since the 90âs. Perhaps this can turn things around. Every bit as thick and creamy as the classic-versions-from-unnamed-multinational-chains, but with a fraction of the sugar and without all the extra additives.
- A blender that can crush ice
- 200 g ice cubes
- 160 ml cold brew concentrate
- 140 ml milk
- 60 ml pure cream
- 1 tbsp (7g) rice malt syrup (or other liquid sugar)
- Âź tsp (1g) xanthan gum\*
1. Add ingredients to a blender
2. Blend until the ice is smooth
3. Pour into a tall glass (400-500ml)
4. Top with whatever your heart desires, we used chocolate...
*\*Xanthan Gum can be found in the health food / gluten free section of the supermarket. Itâs the magic ingredient to stop the ice separating into layers.*
**
## Cold Brew Negroni Recipe
The classic Italian cocktail, the Negroni is hot right now. So weâve given it a cold brew coffee twist, by substituting some of the Campari for cold brew concentrate. Of course, to serve this youâll either need a liquor licence, or perhaps save this one for after hours
- Cocktail Shaker
- 30 ml Cold Brew Concentrate ((1:4 brew ratio))
- 30 ml Semi-dry Vermouth
- 30 ml Gin
- 15 ml Campari
- Ice Cubes
1. Add all to boston shaker
2. Shake well
3. Strain into an 8oz glass (240ml) half filled with ice
4. Garnish with orange peel
About the Author

##### Ben Irvine
From owner / operator of his own coffee business, to product development for a coffee multinational, to consulting with independent cafe owners, Ben has been involved across a wide range of the industry over the last 20 years. When he isnât brewing coffee, or writing about it, Ben is likely to be annoying his kids with 90âs music trivia.
## Brew news
Join our newsletter for 10% off your next order
#### Stay in Touch
- [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/sevenmilescoffeeroasters/)
- [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sevenmilescoffeeroasters/)
- [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/sevenmilescoffeeroasters)
- [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZQQDp_XZL1AkZ36ToAU_mw/)
Payment methods
Copyright 2026, [Seven Miles Coffee Roasters](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/) Website by [Userkind](https://userkind.com.au/) & [DotDev](https://dotdev.com.au/)
#### Products
- [Blends](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/collections/blends)
- [Single Origins](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/collections/single-origin)
- [Pods](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/collections/pods)
- [Cold Brew](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/collections/cold-brew)
- [Coffee Equipment](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/collections/equipment)
- [Chocolate Powders](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/collections/chocolate)
- [Tea](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/collections/tea)
- [Matcha & Chai](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/collections/chai-matcha)
#### Learn
- [Blog](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/blogs/editorial)
- [Events](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/pages/events)
#### Company
- [About Us](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/pages/about-us)
- [Community](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/pages/community)
- [Human Rights](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/pages/human-rights-policy)
- [Wholesale](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/pages/wholesale)
- [Private Label](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/pages/private-label)
- [Cafe Finder](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/pages/cafe-finder)
- [Promotions](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/pages/win-a-breville-barista-touch-impress-a-year-of-coffee)
- [Back to School Sale](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/pages/back-to-school-sale-2026)
#### Help
- [Terms & Conditions](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/policies/terms-of-service)
- [Privacy Policy](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/policies/privacy-policy)
- [Refund Policy](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/policies/refund-policy)
- [Shipping](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/policies/shipping-policy)
- [Contact Us](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/pages/contact)
#### Stay in Touch
- [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/sevenmilescoffeeroasters/)
- [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sevenmilescoffeeroasters/)
- [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/sevenmilescoffeeroasters)
- [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZQQDp_XZL1AkZ36ToAU_mw/)
Payment methods
Copyright 2026, [Seven Miles Coffee Roasters](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/) Website by [Userkind](https://userkind.com.au/) & [DotDev](https://dotdev.com.au/)
- Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
- Opens in a new window. |
| Readable Markdown | If you're ready to step up your iced coffee game, then cold brew coffee may be just what you need. In this guide, we take a look at what it is, the equipment you'll need, and step-by-step recipes to get you started. If you're looking for the perfect coffee blend for your cold brew, check out our [Cold Brew Summer Blend](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/products/coldbrew-250g "Cold Brew Blend").
### Brewing coffee with cold water⌠Really?
Yes, really. Hot water may be a more efficient way of brewing, but cold water will get the job done if left long enough to brew. The modern version of this low-tech process was first made popular in the United States by Todd Simpson, who invented the Toddy brewer back in 1964. As far as inventions go, it wasnât exactly the iPhone - itâs essentially a plastic bucket with a filter, nonetheless it sparked a coffee drinking phenomenon that keeps on growing to this day. Compared to chilling hot coffee, cold brewing produces a distinct chocolatey flavour profile and reduces perceived acidity. Another thing is that cold-brew coffee may remain in the fridge for a much longer period of time. While espresso chilled in the fridge will usually go bad within a few minutes, cold brew is still good up to a week after brewing.
What you need to get started

### Grinder
You'll need a grinder that can produce a coarser grind size than a standard espresso grinder. If you already have a retail grinder, like a Ditting KR805 or a Mahlkonig EK43 then youâre all set. If not, we think the Baratza Forte or the Breville Smart Grinder Pro are a good choices - they're relatively affordable, they don't take up much space and can be used for grinding espresso, aeropress & any other brew methods you use. If a grinder is out of the question, then you can use ground coffee â just ask to get it ground on the coarse side of a filter grind.
### Brewer
There are literally dozens of cold brewers available for the coffee professional. The easiest way to get started is the classic [toddy brewer](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/products/coldbrewstarter "Cold Brew Starter Kit") (the recipe below is based on this device) - itâs cheap, functional and difficult to break. Having said that, if youâre more of a DIY kind of person, you can get great results brewing in a saucepan (or a plunger / french press) and filtering the grounds twice: once with a sieve & once with a paper filter. The results will be just as good with this hack method, but the process is a little easier (& cleaner) with a dedicated device like the Toddy.
### Filtered Water
Yes, water quality makes a massive difference. Our [Coffee Next](http://www.sevenmiles.com.au/coffee-science-education-centre/) team have done some in depth work on the ideal water for brewing coffee â [take a look](http://www.sevenmiles.com.au/editorial/the-science-of-perfect-water-for-coffee/). Suffice to say, water straight out of the tap is unlikely to give great results. If you can use the water that has been filtered for your espresso machine, thatâs a better place to start.

### The Best Coffee for Cold Brew
To some extent, the right coffee beans to choose for cold brew will depend on how you plan on using it. A typical espresso blend is good if you plan to add milk to the finished product. However, something roasted lighter, like a filter roast or a light espresso roast, is usually better for serving straight up. In terms of origins - for me, the heavy body & fruity flavours of natural or honey-processed coffees tend to work better with cold brew. For example, the deep fruity sweetness of an Ethiopian natural or the heavy chocolate flavours of a Brazil Pulped-Natural are right on the money in a cold brew. On the other hand, the more delicate, refined acidity of washed Central American coffees just donât seem to show their potential in cold brewing. You might be best to save these coffees for hot water brewing. If you want to keep things simple, Iâll put in a shameless plug for our [Cold Brew Summer Blend.](https://www.sevenmiles.com.au/products/coldbrew-250g "Cold Brew Blend") Weâve blended & roasted coffees that we think taste great as cold-brew iced coffee - with or without milk.
### Cold Brew Ratio
If you're not familiar with a 'brew ratio', here's a quick primer. A brew ratio is a way to compare the weight of the amount of ground coffee, to the amount of water you use to brew the coffee. We use ratios because you can use them to easily adjust the exact amount of coffee & water you use to match the size of the brewer you're using. For example, a ratio of 1:15 is 1 part ground coffee to 15 parts water. So, if you use 50g of coffee, you multiply that number by 15 to get 750g water (or 750ml, if you prefer to measure it that way). With that out of the way, here are the ratios we think work best for cold brew.
### Cold Brew Concentrate - 1:5 brew ratio
The classic way to cold brew is to make a concentrate that you can then dilute with water or milk (or other liquids) to make the finished product. For those playing along at home, this is usually a recipe of around 1 part coffee to 5 parts water (or 200g of coffee per litre of water). Brewing a concentrate has the advantage of being versatile. Not only is it ideal for mixing with milk, it can also be used as an ingredient in other items - Such as cocktails, frappes and even in cooking. While this versatility is great, it comes with a couple of downsides. Firstly, the intense, almost âboozyâ taste can mask the subtle flavours of more delicate coffees. The second downside is cost - you donât get much liquid out of a kilo of coffee. This makes it more expensive compared to the alternative approach... With that out of the way, here are the ratios we think work best for cold brew.

### Ready to Drink Cold Brew - 1:15 brew ratio
The alternate is to make a ready-to-drink product straight out of the brewer - 1 part coffee to 15 parts water (67g of coffee per litre of water). The finished brew using this recipe has similarities to filter coffee in taste and texture, highlighting more of the nuances found in more delicate coffees. This works great if youâre only planning to serve it black, or with small amounts of milk â however it doesnât allow many other serving options. Also, if youâre used to drinking heavy, espresso-based coffees, you might find the body (mouthfeel) too light for your tastes using this recipe.
### Cold Brew Coffee Recipe: a Step-by-step guide
How to brew a cold brew concentrate using the Toddy Cold Brew Coffee Maker. This method allows you to dilute the brewed coffee with water, milk and a whole host of other ingredients. The ratios for coffee and water work for most cold brew devices, but this recipe is specifically written for the standard Toddy cold brew system.
### Ingredients: Cold Brew Concentrate
| | |
|---|---|
| Coffee | 400g |
| Water | 2Lt |
### Method
1. Wet the filter and insert it into the groove inside the brewer. Don't forget to insert the plug in the bottom.
2. Add the paper filter bag to the brewer. The brewer will work without this, but it helps to extract more from the coffee, and makes clean up a whole lot easier.
3. Grind the coffee coarse (between filter & french press / plunger) and add to the brewer
4. Pour filtered water over the grounds, try to wet them as evenly as possible. If you're using the paper filter bag stir the coffee to make sure the grounds are completely wet. If you're not using the bag, don't stir the coffee as the fine grinds can block the smaller filter - just pat any dry grounds you can see with the back of a spoon.
5. Cover the brewer and leave to brew at room temperature for 20-24 hours
6. The next day, remove the plug and place on the decanter to drain. Add the airtight lid and store in the fridge for up to 14 days.
### Serving cold brew by the glass
If youâre cold brewing using the ready-to-drink method, then simply grab your favourite cup, pour it over ice, kick back in hammock and enjoy. If youâre brewing a concentrate, then youâve got a few options⌠Grab a chilled glass (or upcycled jar), add some ice cubes and pour in either:
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| Black (Still) | 1 part cold brew | 1 part cold water |
| Black (Sparkling) | 1 part cold brew | 1 part sparkling water |
| Milk (or alternative) | 1 part cold brew | 2 parts milk |
If using the ready-to-drink ratio, another option is to bottle the brew (we sourced ours [here](http://shop.newdirections.com.au/epages/newdirections.sf/en_AU/?ObjectPath=/Shops/newdirections/Categories/16/141/2037/10360)). This way, you can prep a whole batch ahead of time. When the rush comes, customers can just grab and go - oh, and it looks cool tooâŚ

### Cold Brew vs Cold Drip
Let's clear up some confusion. When people talk about "cold drip," they're usually referring to the fancy glass towers by brands like Yama & Hario. With these devices, cold water drips through the grounds over a number of hours into a glass vessel at the bottom. While they look cool (and can be breathtakingly expensive) Iâm not a big fan. Why? To be honest, I just donât think the coffees tastes very good when brewed with these devices. The finished product is often under-extracted, watery and just generallyâŚflavourless. On the other hand "Cold Brew" typically refers to devices where the coffee grounds are fully immersed in cold water. Yes, I'll admit these devices are unlikely to end up on a foodie's Instagram feed - but they can deliver cold-brew that is simple to make, cheap, and genuinely tasty when it's done well.
### Nitro cold brew
Nitro Cold Brew has become a phenomenon of its own. The creamy texture and Guinness-like visual effect of injecting nitrogen gas into the brew is a real crowd pleaser. Of course, if you want to serve cold brew on tap, you going to need to get some extra equipment. The easiest option is to grab an all-in-one benchtop unit, like the creatively named âNitro Cold Brew Coffee Systemâ. With a system like this, you plug it in, drop the hose into a container of cold brew and pull the handle. If you like a more hands-on approach, you can search through your local home brew shop (beer, not coffee) and put together a kit of kegs, nitrogen gas cylinders & Stout taps. It takes a bit more know-how, but a keg system will allow for larger capacity if you need to go big In my opinion, you really need to be moving a *lot* of cold brew for this to be a desirable setup. After all, fresh is best...
### Even more ways to serve Cold Brew
Once youâve locked down the basics, then here are a few more recipes for serving cold brew.

## Cold Brew Macchiato
Cold Brew with salted whipped cream The whiskey-like intensity of cold brew concentrate is balanced by the richness of the cream. The pinch of salt helps bring the coffee flavour to life. Itâs also virtually zero carbs.
##### Ingredients
- Cocktail shaker
- 60 ml cold brew concentrate
- 30 g pure cream
- Pinch of fine pink salt (or whatever colour you prefer)
##### Method
1. Add cream & salt to a cocktail shaker
2. Shake well for 5 seconds to lightly aerate the cream
3. Pour cold brew concentrate in a small glass
(90ml piccolo glass or 120ml gibraltar glass)
4. Float salted cream onto the cold brew over the back of a spoon to form clean layers
5. Drink through the cream for most delicious results

## Cold Brew Frappe Recipe
Frappes have been out of fashion since the 90âs. Perhaps this can turn things around. Every bit as thick and creamy as the classic-versions-from-unnamed-multinational-chains, but with a fraction of the sugar and without all the extra additives.
- A blender that can crush ice
- 200 g ice cubes
- 160 ml cold brew concentrate
- 140 ml milk
- 60 ml pure cream
- 1 tbsp (7g) rice malt syrup (or other liquid sugar)
- Âź tsp (1g) xanthan gum\*
1. Add ingredients to a blender
2. Blend until the ice is smooth
3. Pour into a tall glass (400-500ml)
4. Top with whatever your heart desires, we used chocolate...
*\*Xanthan Gum can be found in the health food / gluten free section of the supermarket. Itâs the magic ingredient to stop the ice separating into layers.*
**
## Cold Brew Negroni Recipe
The classic Italian cocktail, the Negroni is hot right now. So weâve given it a cold brew coffee twist, by substituting some of the Campari for cold brew concentrate. Of course, to serve this youâll either need a liquor licence, or perhaps save this one for after hours
- Cocktail Shaker
- 30 ml Cold Brew Concentrate ((1:4 brew ratio))
- 30 ml Semi-dry Vermouth
- 30 ml Gin
- 15 ml Campari
- Ice Cubes
1. Add all to boston shaker
2. Shake well
3. Strain into an 8oz glass (240ml) half filled with ice
4. Garnish with orange peel
 Ben Irvine From owner / operator of his own coffee business, to product development for a coffee multinational, to consulting with independent cafe owners, Ben has been involved across a wide range of the industry over the last 20 years. When he isnât brewing coffee, or writing about it, Ben is likely to be annoying his kids with 90âs music trivia. |
| Shard | 93 (laksa) |
| Root Hash | 5990174784048920493 |
| Unparsed URL | au,com,sevenmiles!www,/blogs/editorial/cold-brew-coffee-guide s443 |