🧊 Cold Brew Guide
Smooth, low-acid, and naturally sweet — brewed overnight
Cold brew steeps coarsely ground coffee in cold or room-temperature water for 12–24 hours, producing a smooth, naturally sweet concentrate with 60–70% less acidity than hot-brewed coffee. No heat means no bitterness extraction — just clean, rich, coffee-forward flavor. It keeps for 2 weeks in the fridge and works beautifully over ice, in lattes, or straight from the jar.
Coffee
70g
freshly ground
Water
1000ml
filtered
Temp
4°C
39°F
Grind
Extra coarse
Like rough breadcrumbs or raw sugar — the coarsest setting on a burr grinder.
Steep Time
12–24 hours
refrigerated
Ready to brew
Grind
Grind 70 g of coffee extra coarse — like rough breadcrumbs or raw sugar. A burr grinder is essential; blade grinders create uneven particles that cloud the brew and introduce bitterness. Grind right before brewing for best flavor.
1:00
☕ Brew complete! Enjoy your Cold Brew.
Recipe Steps
1
Grind 1:00
Grind 70 g of coffee extra coarse — like rough breadcrumbs or raw sugar. A burr grinder is essential; blade grinders create uneven particles that cloud the brew and introduce bitterness. Grind right before brewing for best flavor.
2
Combine 1:30
Add ground coffee to a large glass jar, French press, or pitcher. Pour 1000 ml of cold, filtered water over the grounds. Stir gently to ensure all grounds are fully saturated — dry grounds at the top will under-extract and dull the flavor.
3
Stir & Saturate 0:30
Stir thoroughly once more. Every ground should be coated. If using a French press, press the plunger to 1 inch above the grounds to keep them submerged and lock in place. If using a jar, give it a gentle shake after sealing.
4
Seal & Steep 0:30
Cover tightly and refrigerate. Steep 12 h for a lighter, brighter cup — up to 24 h for deeper, more concentrated flavor. Room-temperature steeping works in 8–12 h but gives a less clean result. Set a phone reminder — the steep is not on this countdown timer.
5
Strain 3:00
Pour cold brew through a fine-mesh strainer lined with a paper filter (or use the French press plunger). Let gravity do the work — pressing the grounds releases harsh compounds. If the result is cloudy, strain a second time through a fresh paper filter.
6
Store & Serve 0:30
Transfer strained cold brew to an airtight jar. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. Serve over ice straight for a concentrated cup, or dilute 1:1 with water for a standard strength. For a cold brew latte: 1 part cold brew to 1 part oat or whole milk over ice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best coffee-to-water ratio for cold brew?
This guide uses 1:14 (70g coffee to 1000ml water) for a ready-to-drink cold brew. For concentrate, use 1:5 to 1:8 (100g to 500–800ml water) and dilute 1:1 with water or milk when serving. Concentrate is more convenient for batch-brewing cold brew lattes.
How long should I steep cold brew?
12–24 hours in the refrigerator. 12 hours gives a lighter, brighter cup. 18 hours is the classic sweet spot: balanced, smooth, and full-bodied. 24 hours yields a bolder, more concentrated brew. Beyond 24 hours the coffee can turn over-extracted and harsh, especially with darker roasts.
Can I steep cold brew at room temperature?
Yes — room-temperature steeping (68–72°F / 20–22°C) extracts in 8–12 hours instead of 12–24. The warmer environment speeds extraction but can produce a slightly murkier result. Always refrigerate immediately after straining. Room-temp steep + fridge rest overnight is a popular hybrid approach.
What coffee roast works best for cold brew?
Medium to dark roasts are the classic choice — their chocolatey and nutty notes shine without heat. Natural and anaerobic-process coffees add fruity, wine-like complexity that makes cold brew exceptionally smooth and sweet. Light roasts can produce thin, sharp cold brew; if you want to use them, steep for the full 24 hours.
Why is my cold brew cloudy or bitter?
Cloudiness usually means fine grounds passed through the filter — strain again through a paper filter. Bitterness usually means the grind was too fine (over-extraction) or steep time was too long. Try a coarser grind, a shorter steep, and filtering twice. Blade grinders are the most common cause of both problems.
How long does cold brew last in the fridge?
Up to 2 weeks in a sealed glass jar. Cold brew concentrate can last up to 3 weeks because the lower water content slows oxidation. Once diluted, drink within 5–7 days. Never leave cold brew at room temperature after straining — it's less acidic than hot coffee and more susceptible to spoilage.