Cold Brew Coffee Recipe (DIY Home Brewing Guide)
Cold brew is a smooth, low-acid coffee made by steeping coarse grounds in cold water for an extended time. With simple tools, you can create this refreshing drink right at home—no fancy gear required.
Equipment
- 1 Brewing container – e.g., large mason jar, French press, or cold brew maker (like Toddy or Hario Mizudashi)
- 1 Grinder – burr grinder recommended for a consistent coarse grind
- 1 Filter – fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth, paper filter, or built-in cold brew filter – fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth, paper filter, or built-in cold brew filter
- 1 Stirring spoon
- 1 Airtight storage container or bottle for finished brew
Ingredients
- 100 g coarsely ground coffee (about 1 cup)
- 800 g (800 ml) filtered water at room temperature Optional ratio: 1:8 for a ready-to-drink brew or 1:4 for a concentrate
Instructions
Grind the coffee
- Use a coarse grind, similar to raw sugar or sea salt. This prevents over-extraction during the long steeping process and helps with easier filtering.
Combine & stir
- Add the coffee grounds to your brewing container. Pour in the filtered water and stir gently to saturate all the grounds.
Steep
- Seal your container and let it sit:– At room temperature for 12–18 hours– In the fridge for up to 24 hoursLonger steeping increases strength and depth of flavor.
Strain
- Filter the coffee through a fine mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth or paper filter. If using a cold brew maker with a built-in filter, simply decant.
Store & serve
- Pour the strained coffee into a clean bottle or jar. Store in the fridge for up to 1 week.Serve over ice and dilute to taste with water, milk, or a splash of syrup.
Notes
- Grind Size: Coarse is crucial. Fine grinds lead to bitterness and cloudy brew.
- Equipment Tip: You can start with a basic jar and strainer, or upgrade to systems like Toddy, Hario Mizudashi, or Honour Cold Brew Maker for built-in filtration.
- Ratio Options:
- 1:8 for ready-to-drink
- 1:4 for concentrate (dilute 1:1 when serving)
- Flavor Additions: Add orange peel, cinnamon, or vanilla bean during steeping for custom infusions.
