Cold brew coffee has become a go-to drink for coffee lovers seeking a smooth, less acidic alternative to traditional iced coffee. With its rich flavor and easy preparation, a cold brew coffee recipe is perfect for enjoying at home, saving you money and time. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned coffee enthusiast, this guide will walk you through how to make cold brew coffee with a simple, no-fuss recipe. Let’s dive into creating your own delicious cold brew recipe!
What is Cold Brew Coffee?
Cold brew coffee is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in cold or room-temperature water for 12-24 hours, resulting in a smooth, flavorful concentrate. Unlike iced coffee, which is brewed hot and then chilled, cold brew avoids heat to extract fewer bitter compounds, producing a sweeter, less acidic drink. This cold brew recipe is ideal for hot summer days or a refreshing caffeine boost any time of year.
Choosing the Right Coffee Beans
The foundation of a great cold brew coffee recipe lies in the beans. Here’s what to consider:
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Bean Type: Medium or dark roast beans work best for cold brew, as they deliver bold, nutty, or chocolatey flavors. Light roasts can add fruity notes but may taste too acidic for some. Try single-origin beans like Ethiopian Yirgacheffe for a unique twist.
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Grind Size: Use a coarse grind, similar to coarse sand or French press settings. A coarse grind ensures easy filtration and prevents bitterness. If possible, grind beans just before brewing for maximum freshness.
You can purchase freshly roasted beans from local roasters or use a burr grinder at home for optimal results. Avoid pre-ground coffee, as it’s often too fine for cold brew.
Cold Brew Coffee Ratio
The cold brew ratio is key to achieving the perfect strength. Here are two common options:
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Concentrate (1:5 ratio): Use 1 part coffee to 5 parts water (e.g., 200g coffee to 1 liter water). This creates a strong concentrate that you can dilute with water or milk when serving. Ideal for versatility in recipes like lattes or cocktails.
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Ready-to-Drink (1:15 ratio): Use 1 part coffee to 15 parts water (e.g., 67g coffee to 1 liter water). This produces a lighter brew ready to pour over ice.
For this cold brew coffee recipe, we’ll focus on the concentrate method, which allows you to customize the strength to your taste.
Step-by-Step Cold Brew Coffee Recipe
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious cold brew recipe at home. No fancy equipment is needed—just a Mason jar, a strainer, and a coffee filter or cheesecloth.
Ingredients
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1 cup (about 100g) coarsely ground coffee beans
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5 cups (1.2 liters) filtered water, cold or room temperature
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Optional: Cinnamon stick or vanilla bean for extra flavor
Equipment
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Large Mason jar or pitcher
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Fine mesh strainer
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Cheesecloth or paper coffee filter
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Airtight container for storage
Instructions
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Grind the Coffee: Grind your coffee beans to a coarse consistency. If you don’t have a grinder, ask your local coffee shop to grind beans on a French press setting.
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Combine Coffee and Water: Place the coarsely ground coffee in a Mason jar or pitcher. Pour 5 cups of filtered water over the grounds. Stir gently to ensure all grounds are wet.
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Steep: Cover the jar and let it steep at room temperature for 12-18 hours. For a stronger brew, extend to 24 hours, but avoid going beyond to prevent bitterness.
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Filter: After steeping, strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a clean container. For a smoother result, filter a second time through cheesecloth or a paper coffee filter to remove fine sediment.
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Store: Transfer the cold brew concentrate to an airtight container and refrigerate. It stays fresh for up to 7 days.
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Serve: Dilute the concentrate with water or milk (1:1 or 1:2 ratio, depending on preference). Serve over ice for a refreshing drink.
Tip: Add a cinnamon stick or vanilla bean during steeping for a subtle flavor twist.
Serving Suggestions
Your cold brew coffee recipe is versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:
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Classic Cold Brew: Dilute 1 part concentrate with 1 part water, pour over ice, and enjoy black for a bold, smooth flavor.
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Cold Brew Latte: Mix 1 part concentrate with 2 parts milk (dairy or plant-based, like almond or oat). Add a touch of sweetener like honey or simple syrup for extra indulgence.
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Cold Brew Tonic: Combine 1 part concentrate with 2 parts tonic water and a splash of lemon or orange zest for a fizzy, refreshing twist.
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Dessert-Inspired: Add a drizzle of chocolate syrup and top with whipped cream for a mocha-inspired treat.
Experiment with ratios and add-ins to find your perfect cold brew coffee ratio and flavor profile.
Storage Tips
To keep your cold brew fresh:
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Store the concentrate in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
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Avoid frequent opening to maintain freshness. If diluted with milk, consume within a few days.
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Use a glass container to prevent flavor absorption from plastic.
Conclusion
Mastering how to make cold brew coffee is easier than you think. With this cold brew coffee recipe, you can enjoy a smooth, refreshing drink at home without breaking the bank. The cold brew ratio allows you to customize the strength, and the simple process requires minimal equipment. Try this recipe today and elevate your coffee game with a batch of homemade cold brew!
