How to Make Cold Brew Coffee at Home: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Cold brew is an easy and versatile brewing method to try at home. With coarsely ground coffee, water, and time, you can create a smooth, refreshing coffee that can be served over ice or customized with water, milk, or your favorite additions.

What Makes Cold Brew Different?

Cold brew is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee in cold or room-temperature water for an extended period, commonly 12 to 24 hours. Instead of using heat for quick extraction, cold brewing relies on time. Depending on the coffee-to-water ratio, the result can be a ready-to-drink coffee or a concentrate that can be diluted before serving. Cold brew is often enjoyed for its smooth flavor and lower perceived bitterness.

What You'll Need

• Coarsely ground coffee
• Cold or room-temperature filtered water
• A large jar, pitcher, or cold-brew maker
• A fine-mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or paper coffee filter
• A kitchen scale or measuring tools

As a starting point, use a 1:4 coffee-to-water ratio by weight for a strong concentrate or approximately 1:8 for a milder, ready-to-drink cold brew. You can adjust the ratio to match your taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Grind the coffee coarsely. Aim for a texture similar to coarse sea salt. A coarse grind makes the finished coffee easier to filter.
• Combine the coffee and water. Place the grounds in your container, add the water, and stir gently until all the grounds are saturated.
• Steep. Cover the container and refrigerate for 12 to 24 hours. A longer steep generally creates a stronger flavor, so adjust the time according to your preference.
• Strain. Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth or a paper filter into a clean container. If necessary, strain it a second time for a cleaner cup.
• Serve and store. Pour over ice and dilute with water or milk if you made a concentrate. Keep the remaining cold brew covered and refrigerated, and enjoy it within about one week for the best quality.

Best Coffee for Cold Brew

The best coffee for cold brew depends on the flavor you enjoy. Medium and dark roasts can create a richer cup with deeper chocolatey, nutty, or caramel-like notes, while lighter roasts may produce a brighter or fruitier result. There is no single correct choice—experimenting with different coffees is part of finding your preferred cold brew.

Browse our Single Origin collection for distinctive regional flavors or explore our Blends for smooth, balance options. When available, select a coarse grind for easier filtering.

Tips for the Best Cold Brew

• Use filtered water — Water quality can affect the finished flavor.
• Start with fresh coffee — Freshly roasted coffee helps preserve aroma and character.
• Adjust the steeping time — Begin with 12 hours and increase the time if you prefer a stronger result.
• Strain thoroughly — A second filtering can produce a cleaner cup with less sediment.
• Make an appropriate amount — Keep the finished cold brew covered and refrigerated, and enjoy it within about one week for the best quality.
• Experiment with ratios — Use the suggested ratios as a starting point and adjust them to your taste.