Making your own cold brew is easy, and you don’t need to buy expensive special equipment or coffee to do so! We make it using regular ground coffee and a large mason jar. Simply add water to pre-ground coffee, let it steep overnight, and strain the mixture.
This cold brew coffee concentrate is perfect for making your favorite frozen or iced coffee drinks at home, offering a smooth and rich flavor that’s refreshing and convenient. Enjoy barista-quality coffee without leaving your house!
Jump to:
- Ingredients
- Ingredient Notes
- How to Make
- Tips
- Can you heat up cold brew coffee?
- Can you make cold brew coffee with ground coffee?
- Can you freeze cold brew coffee?
- How much coffee to use for cold brew?
- Is cold brew just black coffee?
- How long does cold brew last?
- Delicious coffee recipes to use your cold brew in!
- How to Make Cold Brew
The cold brewing process results in a less acidic and smoother beverage than regular drip coffee because the cold water extracts fewer bitter compounds and acids from the coffee grounds. It can be served cold or hot and be flavored just like you would your normal hot or iced coffee.
We drink it with milk, sugar, and other flavorings like maple syrup or chocolate sauce. We also use it in our Copycat Chick-fil-A Frosted Coffee, Iced Caramel Coffee, and many other flavored coffee drinks.
Ingredients
See recipe card for exact amounts.
Ingredient Notes
coffee – use what you already have. If you typically use a coffee grinder to grind whole beans then go ahead and use your own coarse ground coffee. But, if you’re like me and buy ground coffee then you can use it.
water – I use the filtered water from the dispenser in my refrigerator, tap water is fine.
How to Make
- Place ¾ cup of ground coffee and 3 cups of room temperature water in a 1 quart mason jar, place the lid on tightly and shake to distribute the grounds. Let the coffee steep at room temperature for 12-18 hours. For me, the perfect cold brew takes about 18 hours.
- Place 4 layers of cheese cloth in a mesh strainer and pour the coffee through it. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- To serve: it can be served as is, if you like a stronger brew. We mix it with water 1:1, so a ½ cup of cold brew with ½ cup of water for 1 cup of coffee.
Tips
- The strainer I use is just a regular wire strainer. While researching this I see that many people say you can use a paper filter also, but I haven’t tried it. Cheese cloth is affordable at just under $4 for a package so I just use it. It can be found at Walmart, and the grocery store, on the aisle with the kitchen gadgets.
- The best brew time is somewhere between 12 and 24 hours, depending on how strong you want it to be. It’s not recommended to let it brew longer than 24 hours because it could become bitter.
- Steeping in the refrigerator will slow down the extraction process. If you aren’t able to tend to it within 24 hours it can steep in the fridge for a bit longer. It shouldn’t steep for more than 48 hours.
Can you heat up cold brew coffee?
Yes, you can heat up cold brew coffee! Cold brew is traditionally served cold, but it can be warmed up if you prefer a hot drink. Simply pour the desired amount of cold brew concentrate into a mug or saucepan, add the desired amount of water or milk, and heat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until it reaches your preferred temperature. This method maintains the smooth, less acidic taste of cold brew while giving you a hot coffee experience.
Can you make cold brew coffee with ground coffee?
Absolutely! You just need to strain it using a fine mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth after is steeps for 12-18 hours.
Can you freeze cold brew coffee?
Yes, cold-brewed coffee can be frozen. The easiest way is to freeze it into ice cubes and then take them out of the ice cube trays and store them in an airtight container once frozen. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature, then give it a good stir to mix up any settled grounds.
How much coffee to use for cold brew?
The coffee to water ratio is 1:4, so for every ¼ cup of ground coffee you will need 1 cup of water.
Is cold brew just black coffee?
It is not, cold brew is a brewing method where coffee grounds are soaked in water for an extended period, typically 12-24 hours. This process results in a strong coffee that is less acidic than hot brewed coffee. While cold brew can be enjoyed black, it can also be customized using milk, cream, or other flavorings after diluting it with water.
How long does cold brew last?
If stored properly, in an airtight container, cold brew can last up to 2 weeks.
Delicious coffee recipes to use your cold brew in!
Looking for some hot coffee drinks? Check out my Copycat Starbucks Tuxedo Mocha or my Starbucks Sugar Cookie Latte recipe. They are easy and delicious!
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How to Make Cold Brew
Equipment
- 1 jar with a lid
- cheesecloth
- strainer
Ingredients
- 3 cups water
- ¾ cup ground coffee
Instructions
- Place ¾ cup ground coffee and 3 cups water in a 1 quart mason jar, place the lid on tightly and shake to distribute the grounds.
- Let coffee steep at room temperature for 12-18 hours.
- Place 4 layers of cheese cloth in a mesh strainer and strain coffee.
- To serve mix with water 1:1.
About Mindy
Mindy has been cooking for over 30 years, starting as a young mother who learned how to create delicious meals on a budget. Today, she shares approachable recipes made with everyday ingredients that are easy, affordable, and family-friendly. Her goal is to show that great food doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive.