Cold Brew Recipe


Chill out with the ultimate cold brew recipe! Smooth, strong, and ready to sip in just a few simple steps.


Published: May 14, 2025 · Modified: May 14, 2025 by Jennifer Ryan


Cold Brew

My Favorite Way to Brew Coffee

I’ll be honest: I didn’t always love cold coffee. But the first time I tried a smooth, bold glass of cold brew, I was hooked. There’s something special about it, the low acidity, the rich, chocolaty notes, and the fact that you can make it ahead and enjoy it all week. It quickly became a ritual for me, and now, I never go a summer without a steady supply in my fridge. If you’ve ever wondered how to make your own cold brew recipe at home, this is the guide for you.

Cold Brew

What Makes Cold Brew So Different?

Unlike iced coffee, which is brewed hot and chilled, cold brew is steeped slowly with cold water. That difference changes everything, from taste to texture. You won’t get bitterness or acidity here. Instead, you’ll enjoy a mellow, full-bodied flavor that’s incredibly versatile. I love it over ice on hot afternoons, but it’s also a secret weapon in smoothies, desserts, and even cocktails.

How Do I Make Cold Brew at Home?

It’s way easier than you think. All you need are two ingredients, coffee beans, water, and a little patience. Here’s my go-to Cold Brew Recipe, the one I’ve tested and refined over time:

  • Grind your beans: I use a coffee grinder on the coarsest setting. You want the grounds to resemble breadcrumbs or coarse cornmeal, this helps with flavor and straining later.
  • Mix and steep: Combine 1 cup of ground coffee with 1 liter of water in a large jar. Stir, cover, and let it steep. I usually go for 12 hours, overnight is perfect.
  • Strain: Use a mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth or a clean towel to filter out the grounds. It’s a little messy, but so worth it.
  • Serve: Pour over ice, dilute if needed, and enjoy. You can even heat it up in the winter.
Cold Brew

Pro Tips for Better Cold Brew?

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that take this from good to great:

  • Filtered water makes a noticeable difference.
  • Steeping at room temperature gives a bolder brew; in the fridge, it’s smoother.
  • Want a stronger cup? Just use more coffee next time.
  • A French press is my favorite no-fuss method for brewing and straining.
  • Don’t throw away the concentrate, it’s amazing in chocolate cakes or mocha smoothies.
Cold Brew

Why Should You Try This Cold Brew Recipe?

Because you deserve café-quality coffee at home, without the cost or the hassle. Making your own cold brew is empowering, it’s easy, adaptable, and lets you take control of your morning. Plus, once you try it, you might never go back to buying those overpriced bottles again.

Cold Brew

Cold Brew

Jennifer Ryan
Brew like a barista! This easy cold brew coffee is smooth, bold, and perfect for hot days or chilled caffeine cravings.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 10 minutes
Steeping Time 12 hours
Total Time 12 hours 10 minutes
Course Beverage, Drinks, Vegan
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 2 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

Instructions
 

  • Grind your coffee beans using the coarsest setting on your grinder (or pulse in a blender until they resemble coarse cornmeal). You’ll want just under 1 cup of ground coffee.
    1 Cup whole coffee beans
    Cold Brew
  • Add the ground coffee to a large jar or container. Pour the water over the coffee grounds and give it a gentle stir to make sure all the grounds are soaked.
    1 Liter water
    Cold Brew
  • Cover the container with a lid or a small plate. Let the coffee steep at room temperature or in the fridge for about 12 hours.
    Cold Brew
  • After steeping, line a fine mesh strainer with cheesecloth or a clean flour sack towel and place it over a large measuring cup or bowl. Slowly pour the coffee through to strain out the grounds.
    Cold Brew
  • Transfer the strained cold brew to a clean jar or bottle. Store it in the fridge and use within 7 days.
    Cold Brew
  • When ready to serve, pour over ice and dilute with water, milk, or your favorite dairy-free alternative. You can also warm it up if you prefer it hot!
    Cold Brew

Notes

Tips for the Best Cold Brew:
  • Use filtered water for the cleanest taste.
  • Steeping on the counter gives a slightly stronger brew; in the fridge is milder and more refreshing.
  • Want it stronger or weaker? Just adjust the amount of coffee to water next time to suit your taste.
  • A French press works perfectly for steeping and straining, just press and pour!
  • Cold brew concentrate is great for mixing into smoothies or even baking recipes.

Nutrition

Calories: 2kcalSodium: 13mgCalcium: 8mg
Keyword americano coffee, best coffee recipe, Coffee, coffee beans, coffee cocktails, cold brew, easy coffee recipe, iced coffee recipe, iced drink, summer coffee
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While you’re here, don’t miss our full collection of refreshing iced coffee recipes, they’re the perfect companions for your new cold brew habit. You’ll also find plenty of delicious ideas to pair with your coffee, from coffee cupcakes to Dalgona cookies, and even creamy homemade coffee creamers to add in.
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Try the recipe and tell me how your cold brew turns out, I think you’ll be surprised at how easy (and addictive) it is to make at home.