What is Cold Brew

What is cold brew, and why do I swear by it?

If you’ve ever asked yourself, what is cold brew, let me tell you, it’s more than just chilled coffee. To me, it’s a daily ritual, a smoother, gentler way to ease into the morning. Unlike traditional iced coffee, which is simply hot coffee poured over ice (and often diluted), cold brew is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in cold water for 12 to 24 hours. The result? A mellow, bold, and low-acid brew that’s incredibly easy to fall in love with.
I discovered cold brew years ago while trying to reduce the acidity in my daily caffeine fix. What started as curiosity quickly became habit. Once you taste the silky texture and deep flavor of a well-made batch, it’s hard to go back.

Why does cold brew taste so different from regular coffee?

This was one of my first questions, too. The secret lies in the process. Steeping coffee grounds in cold water extracts fewer of the bitter compounds and oils you usually get from hot brewing. That means no harsh bite, just pure, rounded flavor.
Cold brew has this almost chocolatey depth, a subtle sweetness, and a naturally smooth finish. I often drink it black, which I never did with hot coffee. And if I’m feeling indulgent, I’ll add a splash of oat milk or homemade cashew creamer for something more decadent.

Is making cold brew at home really that easy?

Yes. And once I figured that out, my café visits drastically decreased. All you need is coffee, water, a jar, and some patience. I use a ratio of 1 cup of coarsely ground beans to 1 liter of water. After combining the two, I let it steep in the fridge overnight, then strain it through a fine mesh or cheesecloth. That’s it.
What’s great is that you’re left with a concentrate that can be enjoyed over ice, diluted with water or milk, or even heated up on colder days. It keeps in the fridge for about a week, though mine rarely lasts that long.

Can cold brew really be part of a healthy lifestyle?

In my opinion, absolutely. For starters, cold brew tends to be lower in acidity, which can be gentler on the stomach. It’s also easy to customize. If you’re watching sugar or dairy, you’re in full control. Plus, cold brew gives me the energy boost I need without the jittery spike I sometimes feel from hot espresso drinks.
I’ve also started using cold brew in other recipes, think smoothies, overnight oats, or even desserts like coffee popsicles. It’s incredibly versatile and, honestly, kind of addictive (in the best way).

How did cold brew change my relationship with coffee?

It simplified it. It elevated it. Cold brew is now the foundation of my morning routine, especially in warmer months. But even beyond that, it helped me slow down, savor the process, and reconnect with the ritual of making something for myself.
If you’ve ever wondered what is cold brew, now you know, it’s more than just coffee. It’s a smoother sip, a mindful moment, and the reason I wake up just a little bit happier in the summer months. And if you love cold brew like I do, don’t miss our celebration of National Cold Brew Day – find inspiration, recipes, and more on the site!

Ready to make your own?

I’ve put together a simple cold brew recipe that’ll walk you through the process step-by-step, no fancy equipment needed. And while you’re there, explore our growing collection of iced coffee recipes, such as our very popular affogato coffee recipe, and iced caramel coffee, Dalgona cookies, and homemade dairy-free creamers. You can also join me on social media for daily coffee ideas, kitchen experiments, and some behind-the-scenes coffee talk.
Let me know how your first batch turns out, I truly think you’ll taste the difference.