Cold Brew Brew Guide

Grind Size: extra course ( if you were to crush up the beans with a rock )

Brew time: varies depending on consumer taste, but 14hrs is a good recommendation to try 

Advantages: Easy to make in large batches,strong, and ice cold without being watered down by ice.

What You'll Need:

  • Coarse ground coffee (preferably freshly ground)
  • Cold or room temperature water (preferably filtered)
  • Large jar or pitcher (with a lid)
  • Coffee filter (or a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth)
  • Spoon (for stirring)
  • Scale or measuring cups (for accuracy)

Step-by-Step Brewing Instructions:

  1. Measure the Coffee and Water:
    • Ratio: Use a coffee-to-water ratio of 1:4 for a strong concentrate, or 1:8 for a ready-to-drink brew. For example, if you want to make a concentrate, use 1 cup (about 85 grams) of coarsely ground coffee for every 4 cups (32 ounces) of water.
    • Grind Size: Use a coarse grind, similar to breadcrumbs. A coarse grind prevents the coffee from becoming too bitter during the long steeping time.
  2. Combine Coffee and Water:
    • Place the coffee grounds in your jar or pitcher.
    • Pour the cold water over the grounds. Stir the mixture gently to ensure all the coffee grounds are fully saturated.
  3. Steep the Coffee:
    • Cover the jar or pitcher with a lid or plastic wrap to prevent any odors from seeping in.
    • Let the coffee steep at room temperature or in the refrigerator for 12 to 24 hours. The longer it steeps, the stronger the coffee will be.
  4. Strain the Coffee:
    • After steeping, strain the coffee to remove the grounds. You can do this by pouring the mixture through a coffee filter, a fine-mesh sieve, or a cheesecloth into another container.
    • If you used a French press for brewing, simply press down the plunger to separate the grounds from the coffee.
  5. Serve the Coffee:
    • If you made a concentrate, dilute it with an equal amount of water, milk, or a milk alternative when serving. Adjust the dilution to taste.
    • Serve over ice for a refreshing cold coffee. You can also sweeten it with simple syrup or flavor it with a splash of vanilla or other syrups.
  6. Store the Coffee:
    • Store any leftover cold brew in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to a week, although it’s best enjoyed within a few days for optimal flavor.

Tips for the Best Cold Brew Coffee:

  • Use Fresh Coffee: Freshly ground coffee beans will give you the best flavor.
  • Adjust Strength: If your cold brew is too strong, dilute it with more water or milk when serving. If it’s too weak, you can adjust the coffee-to-water ratio next time.
  • Experiment with Flavors: Add spices like cinnamon or cardamom to the coffee grounds before brewing, or try different coffee origins for varying flavor profiles.

Want to learn about more brewing methods?