The Ultimate Cold Brew Recipe

Start by grinding your coffee beans to a coarse texture, similar to breadcrumbs or sea salt. This grind is essential because it helps prevent over-extraction, which can make your cold brew bitter. Freshly ground coffee beans will give you the best results, so if possible, grind just before brewing.

In a large jar or pitcher, combine the coarsely ground coffee with the cold, filtered water. Use a ratio of 1 cup of coffee grounds to 4 cups of water for a balanced flavor. You can adjust the ratio if you prefer a stronger or weaker brew.

Stir the coffee-water mixture well to ensure all the grounds are evenly saturated. This helps extract the best flavors from the coffee during the steeping process. The coffee will float at the top initially, so give it a few good stirs to make sure everything is mixed properly.

Cover the jar or pitcher with a lid or plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Let the coffee steep for 12 to 24 hours. The longer it steeps, the stronger and richer the coffee concentrate will become. For a smooth, mellow flavor, 16 hours is typically the sweet spot.

After the steeping period, it’s time to strain out the coffee grounds. Place a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth over a clean pitcher or bowl and slowly pour the coffee through. If you want to ensure an even cleaner brew, you can strain it twice, once through a fine mesh strainer and then through a coffee filter to remove any remaining small particles.

Cold brew concentrate is typically strong, so you’ll want to dilute it with water, milk, or a milk alternative before drinking. Start by adding an equal amount of water or milk to your cold brew, then adjust to your taste. Some people like it stronger, while others prefer it milder. You can also sweeten your cold brew with simple syrup, flavored syrups, or a splash of milk or cream.