If you're a coffee lover, you probably appreciate the rich and smooth flavor of a well-brewed cup of coffee. But have you ever tried Cold Brew Coffee? It's a refreshing alternative to your usual hot cup of joe, especially during the hot summer months.
Making a batch of cold brew coffee at home is actually super simple and takes just a few simple steps and some patience. (And it's so much cheaper than buying it every day at Starbucks!! Also try this delicious Pink Drink Recipe!)
Why This Recipe Works
Cold brew coffee has gained popularity for several reasons. It offers a unique flavor profile and is less acidic than hot-brewed coffee, making it a great choice for those with sensitive stomachs. Plus, it's incredibly easy to make and can be prepared in advance, saving you time in the morning. Here's why this cold brew coffee recipe works:
- Convenience. Cold brew coffee is perfect for those who need a quick, easy, and convenient way to enjoy their daily caffeine fix. Make a big batch at the weekend and you’ll be able to enjoy a quick coffee fix all week long.
- Customizable. You can adjust the strength and flavor to your taste by diluting it with water or milk. And, adding syrups or flavored creamers gives you even more options.
- Less bitterness. The cold brew method reduces the bitterness of the coffee, making it smoother and more enjoyable. It has a much smoother, softer taste than regular drip coffee.
- Perfect for the hot months. Enjoy a refreshing iced coffee that's perfect for the scorching summer days. Or even better, use this cold brew to whip up a Cold Brew Espresso Martini! Delish!
Ingredients
For this recipe, you'll need just two simple ingredients:
- Whole coffee beans. The type of coffee beans you use will affect the strength and taste of the coffee. Choose your favorite coffee bean, or experiment with different flavors.
- Water. Use cold, filtered water for your concentrate.
How To Make Cold Brew Coffee
Making this refreshing drink is incredibly simple, and only requires a few steps and a small amount of patience.
- Grind the coffee beans. Start by coarsely grinding the coffee beans. You want the grind to be similar to coarse cornmeal, not too fine. A burr grinder is a great tool for this, as it produces a very even grind every time.
- Combine the coffee grinds and water. Next, combine the coarsely ground coffee and filtered water. You can use a mason jar or a large pitcher for this step. Simply add the coffee grounds to the container and pour the water over them.
- Steep. Allow the coffee grounds to steep in the water. This is where the magic happens. Let the mixture sit for approximately 12 hours. You can do this in the refrigerator or on your kitchen counter.
- Strain the coffee. After the steeping time is complete, it's time to strain the coffee. Use a cheesecloth or a fine strainer to separate the coffee grounds from the cold brew liquid. This will leave you with a smooth and concentrated cold brew mixture.
- Note: I used a coffee filter here, but needed to filter it twice as some of the grains did seep through the first time. In a pinch, a coffee filter will work, but it’s a little more tedious than just using a cheesecloth or a flour sack towel.
- Store your cold brew. Transfer the cold brew coffee to a mason jar or a container of your choice. You can keep it in the refrigerator, and it will stay fresh for up to 7 days, making an easy morning treat for the week!
- Serve. It’s finally time to enjoy your homemade cold brew coffee. You can serve it over ice cubes for a refreshing kick or dilute it with water or milk to reach your preferred flavor. Remember, cold brew coffee can be stronger, so it's always a good idea to adjust it to your liking.
Helpful Hints
- Adjusting strength. If you find your cold brew too strong, simply dilute it with more water or milk. The great thing about cold brew is that you can tailor it to your taste.
- Coffee beans. The quality of the coffee beans you use will greatly affect the taste of your the taste. Choose the best coffee beans you can find.
- Steeping time. While the standard steeping time is around 12 hours, you can experiment with shorter or longer durations to adjust the flavor to your liking.
- Grind consistency. Ensure that your coffee beans are coarsely ground to achieve the right consistency for the best results.
(Note: Wondering what the difference between cold brew and nitro cold brew is? Check out this post!)
Frequently Asked Questions
While it's best to grind your coffee beans just before brewing for maximum freshness, you can use pre-ground coffee if that's what you have on hand. Just make sure it's a coarse grind. ( I love using a burr grinder for a super even grind.)
The golden ratio for cold brew is 1:4; for every 1 cup of coffee grounds, you should add 4 of water.
To make your cold brew less strong, simply add more water or milk when serving. Adjust the ratio to find your perfect balance.
Since cold brew is a concentrate, it’s best to add something to cut it just a bit. Cold brew is great over ice. You can also add water, milk, or another creamer or non-dairy creamer for a creamy take on this delicious drink.
No, they are not the same. Cold brew is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in cold water for an extended period, while regular iced coffee is typically brewed hot and then cooled down with ice.
Yes, you can. Cold brew coffee is very versatile. Simply warm it up in the microwave or on the stove if you prefer it hot.
Your cold brew concentrate will last for about 1 week in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Now that you know how to make this delicious coffee at home, you can enjoy a refreshing and convenient caffeine boost anytime you like. Experiment with different coffee beans and steeping times to find your perfect flavor. Whether it's in the morning or on a hot summer afternoon, your homemade cold brew coffee will be a delightful treat.
If you try this delicious Cold Brew Coffee, let me know what you think in the comments below. And don't forget to snap a pic and share it with me @frontrangefed on Instagram - I love to see your creations!
More Delicious Drinks
Recipe
How To Make Homemade Cold Brew Coffee With Ground Coffee
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole coffee beans
- 4 cups filtered water
Instructions
- Coarsely grind the coffee. The grind here matters - you want a rough, cornmeal like consistency, not a fine powder.
- Combine the coffee grinds and the water. Add the coffee grounds to a mason jar or a large pitcher. Pour the water over the top of the grounds and gently stir to combine.
- Allow the grounds to steep overnight (about 12 hours) in the mason jar, either in the refrigerator, or on the counter.
- Strain the coffee. Using a cheesecloth and a strainer, strain the coffee grounds from the cold brew, allowing the cold brew to flow through to a bowl or measuring cup.
- Store. Transfer the cold brew coffee to a mason jar and store in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
- Serve! Serve the cold brew with additional water, milk or cream to help dilute it to your liking. Serve cold.
Mike Cassidy says
Simple, but effective - great high octane to start the day! I've only ever ordered this from local coffee shops and never thought to try it... turns out it's not so hard. Thanks!
Sarah Jenkins says
Thank you Mike!