How to Make Cold Brew Coffee Easily at Home

Estimated reading time: 11 minutes

Not every coffee needs to be hot to be delicious. Learning how to make cold brew at home is simple and rewarding, offering a smooth, naturally sweet coffee with less acidity. By steeping coffee grounds in cold water for several hours, you can easily prepare a refreshing drink that’s perfect for busy mornings or warm days.

With minimal equipment and a little patience, anyone can enjoy the benefits of homemade cold brew—an easy, convenient way to experience coffee in a whole new way.

What is Cold Brew Coffee?

Cold brew coffee is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in cold or room-temperature water for 12 to 24 hours. Instead of using heat, this slow process gently extracts flavours, resulting in a smooth, mellow drink with less acidity and bitterness than regular coffee.

The cold brew concentrate can be enjoyed over ice and diluted with water, milk, or non-dairy milk for a refreshing, energising beverage. Cold brew is popular in warm weather but is delicious any time of year. Its easy-drinking, less acidic taste makes it a favourite for those looking for a gentler coffee experience at home.

How to Make Cold Brew Coffee

Making cold brew at home is easy and doesn’t require special equipment. All you need is a large jar, a way to filter the coffee grounds, and some patience. As the coffee steeps slowly, it develops a smooth, rich flavour with all the benefits of cold brew.

Getting the right coffee-to-water ratio is key to creating a balanced and delicious drink.

Here is a clear step-by-step recipe guide:

Ingredients and Tools

• 100g of coarsely ground coffee (about 1 cup of a favourite organic blend)
• 400ml of fresh, cold water (use filtered water for improved taste, especially when scaling up for larger batches)
• A large container or jar with a lid (glass is preferred for sustainability)
• A fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth for filtering

If you’re looking for an upgrade, consider investing in the best cold brew coffee maker for a more consistent extraction. This device can simplify your DIY cold brew process, ensuring the cold brew extraction method is optimised every time.

Step by Step Guide

1. Mixing, Not Stirring: Start by placing the ground coffee in the chosen vessel, then gently pour in the water. There is no need to stir vigorously; ensuring contact between the water and coffee is sufficient. Over-mixing can release finer particles, resulting in a cloudier final drink.
2. Cover and Wait: Seal the container and let the mixture rest undisturbed. A 12-hour steep produces a lighter strength, while extending to 24 hours creates bolder flavours. The beauty of cold brew lies in its flexibility: adjust the steeping time to suit personal taste, and with practice, the DIY cold brew recipe consistently delivers excellent results.
3. The Gentle Stir: Once the steeping period is complete, give the mixture a gentle stir to ensure even extraction before proceeding.
4. Filtering: Pour the brew through the sieve lined if possible with cheesecloth or a paper filter. This process removes most of the grounds and results in a clearer cold brew coffee concentrate. Allow gravity to work without haste.
5. Serving Suggestions: Since the result is a concentrate, most people dilute it. Typically using a ratio of one part cold brew to two parts cold, filtered water or milk. Sweeten or flavour to taste, then serve over plenty of ice.

A Few Tips for the Best Cold Brew

• Begin with coarsely ground beans; a finer grind can lead to over-extraction and unwanted bitterness.
• Filter patiently and thoroughly by double-filtering if clarity is desired.
• Avoid plastic containers, which might impart flavours; glass is optimal.
• For those who need a quicker method, some recipes employ a cafetiere or a dedicated cold brew coffee maker for a shorter steeping time, followed by a slow plunge.

Used coffee grounds can be repurposed for composting, gardening, or even as a gentle kitchen scrub, ensuring that nothing goes to waste in a sustainable lifestyle.

Best Coffee Beans for Cold Brew

Choosing the right coffee beans is key to making delicious cold brew. While any coffee can work, medium to dark roasts are often best, as their rich, chocolatey, and nutty flavours shine through the slow steeping process.

Beans from regions like Colombia, Brazil, and Sumatra are especially popular for cold brew because they create a smooth, full-bodied drink with low acidity. If you prefer organic or sustainably grown beans, look for single-origin options that highlight the unique taste of each region.

Lighter roasts can be used for a brighter, fruitier taste, though they may be more acidic. Trying different beans and blends is a great way to discover your favourite cold brew style.

The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company offers a range of coffees perfect for cold brew, including:

• Colombian Coffee: Smooth and balanced, a classic choice.
• Brazil Santos Coffee: Nutty, chocolatey, and mellow—great for a low-acid brew.
• Sumatra Lintong Coffee: Earthy and full-bodied, ideal for bold flavours.
• Ethiopian Yirgacheffe Coffee: Floral and citrusy, perfect for a lighter, fruitier cup.

Choosing freshly roasted beans from a trusted online store ensures quality and consistency. By selecting beans that match your taste and values, you can enjoy exceptional homemade cold brew every time.

Cold Brew: Calories and Caffeine

Many people wonder if cold brew has as much caffeine as hot coffee. The answer depends on how it’s made. Hot water extracts caffeine quickly, while cold water does it more slowly. So cold brew may have a bit less caffeine per gram of coffee.

However, because cold brew is usually made as a strong concentrate and then diluted, your cup can end up just as strong, or even stronger, than regular coffee, especially if you like a bold brew. This makes cold brew a great choice for anyone looking for a smooth, energising pick-me-up.

When it comes to calories, cold brew is a winner. If you drink it black and unsweetened, it has almost no calories, making it a guilt-free, refreshing option.

Of course, adding milk, cream, or syrups will increase the calorie count, but in its pure form, cold brew is a naturally low-calorie drink you can enjoy any time of day.

Storing and Shelf Life of Cold Brew

Cold brew coffee is not only easy to prepare but also convenient to store, making it a favoured choice for those who prefer to have their drinks ready in advance. Once brewed and filtered, the cold brew concentrate should be transferred to a clean, airtight mason jar, preferably glass. This preserves its freshness and flavour.

Stored in the refrigerator, cold brew concentrate can last for 7–10 days. For the best taste, it is recommended to consume it within the first week while the flavours are at their peak.

If the cold brew has been diluted with water, milk, or a milk alternative, the shelf life decreases to about 2–3 days due to the added ingredients.

To maintain optimal taste

• Use clean utensils and containers to prevent contamination.
• Store the cold brew in the coldest area of the refrigerator.
• Keep the container sealed tightly to avoid absorbing other odours.
• For those using a specialised cold brew coffee maker, ensure it is cleaned thoroughly after each use.

If any sour smell, off taste, or cloudiness is detected, it is best to discard the batch and prepare a fresh one. Incorporating proper cold brew storage techniques helps you enjoy this sustainable treat for longer periods.

Cold Brew vs Iced Coffee

Although cold brew and iced coffee may appear similar when served cold, they offer distinctly different experiences in both flavour and preparation. Understanding these differences enables one to select the perfect chilled coffee for any occasion.

Feature	Cold Brew Coffee	Iced Coffee
Brewing Method	Steeped in cold water for 12–24 hours	Brewed hot, then cooled over ice
Time Required	Slow process, requiring patience	Quick and convenient, ready in minutes
Acidity	Naturally low, gentle on the stomach	Higher acidity, with a brighter taste
Flavour	Smooth, mellow, and less bitter	Crisp, lively, and more pronounced acidity
Caffeine Content	Can be strong, especially as a concentrate*	Typically higher per cup, depending on the brew*
Calories	Almost none unless milk or sweeteners are added	Also very low unless extras are included

*Actual caffeine content depends on brewing ratios and serving size.

Cold brew coffee is made by slowly steeping coffee grounds in cold water, which brings out smooth, chocolatey, and nutty flavours with very little bitterness. It’s gentle on the stomach and perfect for those who enjoy a mellow, easy-drinking cup.

Iced coffee, on the other hand, is brewed hot and then cooled down, preserving the coffee’s natural acidity and brightness for a crisp, refreshing taste.

Both drinks are low in calories when served black, and can be customised with milk, cream, or syrups. Whether you prefer the smoothness of cold brew or the lively kick of iced coffee, both are great ways to enjoy coffee cold, especially on warm days.

Cold Brew Coffee for Different Diets

Cold brew coffee is remarkably versatile and integrates well into various dietary lifestyles, making it a popular choice for those following vegan, keto, or low-calorie diets.

Vegan Diet

Cold brew coffee is entirely plant-based when consumed black. For a creamier version, dairy milk can be replaced with plant-based alternatives like almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk, ensuring a dairy-free cold brew experience that aligns with vegan principles.
Keto Diet

When served plain, cold brew coffee is free from carbohydrates and sugar, making it an excellent option for individuals on a keto diet. To enhance richness without adding extra carbs, consider using unsweetened almond or coconut milk, or a splash of heavy cream. For a touch of sweetness, keto-friendly sugar substitutes such as stevia, erythritol, or monk fruit can be included.

Low-Calorie Diet

Plain black cold brew contains virtually no calories, making it an ideal guilt-free beverage. To keep the drink low in calories, it is advisable to avoid the addition of sugar or high-calorie creamers. Instead, flavourings like a dash of cinnamon, vanilla extract, or a few drops of sugar-free syrup can be used to create a satisfying low-calorie treat.

Tips for All Diets

• Experiment with various plant-based milks and sugar-free syrups to discover preferred combinations.
• Prepare cold brew in batches and store it in the refrigerator for a diet-friendly beverage at any time.
• Enhance the flavour naturally by adding spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom without adding extra calories.
• Utilize flavoured ice cubes made from coffee or milk alternatives to keep the drink cold while enriching the taste as they melt.
• Blend cold brew with ice and a splash of milk alternative for a refreshing, café-style frappe at home.

With its adaptability, organic credentials, and naturally low-calorie profile, cold brew coffee represents an excellent choice for anyone seeking a refreshing and customizable beverage that suits their lifestyle.

Troubleshooting Common Cold Brew Issues

While cold brew coffee is easy to prepare, a few common issues can affect the final result. Here are solutions and tips to help perfect your DIY cold brew coffee experience every time:

1. Too Bitter:

• Use a coarser grind, as finer grounds may lead to over-extraction and bitterness.
• Shorten the steeping time by choosing a 12–16 hour period instead of 24 hours.
• Use filtered water to prevent unwanted flavours.
• Consider using a specialised cold brew coffee maker for a more controlled extraction process.

2. Too Weak:

• Increase the amount of coffee grounds or extend the steeping time.
• Verify that the correct coffee-to-water ratio is being used.
• Assess whether the grind might be too coarse, which could result in under-extraction.

3. Cloudy Brew:

• Ensure thorough filtering using a fine mesh sieve, cheesecloth, or a coffee filter.
• Minimise shaking or stirring during steeping, as this may release fine particles.
• Double-filtering can be beneficial for achieving a crystal-clear cold brew coffee concentrate.

4. Sour or Off Flavour:

• Use fresh, high-quality, organically produced coffee beans.
• Store cold brew in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Avoid over-steeping, as this can cause over-extraction and result in sourness.

5. Not Strong Enough:

• Remember that cold brew is typically prepared as a concentrate. If the flavour seems weak, try diluting less or using more coffee grounds in future batches.
• Experiment with the DIY cold brew recipe until you achieve the perfect extraction.

Conclusion

Cold brew coffee offers a refreshing and versatile way to enjoy your favourite beans. It delivers a smooth, mellow flavour with less acidity and bitterness than traditional hot brews.

With just a few simple tools, quality ingredients, and attention to cold brew storage, anyone can learn how to make cold brew at home, customise each batch to suit personal taste, and highlight its many cold brew coffee benefits.

By choosing the right beans, experimenting with ratios, and following sustainable practices, coffee lovers can create a delicious, café-quality drink that’s both convenient and satisfying.

Whether enjoyed black, with milk, or flavoured to your liking, homemade cold brew is a delightful addition to any coffee routine, perfect for busy mornings, warm afternoons, or whenever you crave a cool, energising pick-me-up.

Cold Brew Coffee FAQs