Cold Brew coffee brewing method illustration

How to Brew: Cold Brew

Easy12-24 hours

Coarse coffee steeped in cold water for 12-24 hours. The long, slow extraction produces a smooth, low-acid concentrate that's naturally sweet and refreshing over ice.

What You Need

Large jar or cold brew maker Burr grinder Fine mesh strainer Paper filter or cheesecloth Scale

Step-by-Step Guide

Grind Very Coarse

Grind 100g of coffee to a very coarse consistency, like raw sugar or coarser. This prevents over-extraction during the long steep.

Combine Coffee and Water

Add grounds to a large jar or cold brew maker. Pour 700g of cold or room temperature filtered water over the grounds.

Stir Gently

Give it a gentle stir to make sure all grounds are saturated. No dry pockets.

Steep 12-24 Hours

Cover and refrigerate for 12-24 hours. 12 hours for lighter, 24 for maximum strength. Find your sweet spot.

Filter

Strain through a fine mesh strainer, then through a paper filter or cheesecloth for clarity. This is a concentrate.

Dilute and Serve

Dilute concentrate 1:1 with cold water, milk, or your preferred liquid. Serve over ice. Keeps in the fridge for 2 weeks.

Pro Tips

-Cold brew is a concentrate. Always dilute before drinking unless you want an intense experience.
-Use dark roasts for classic cold brew flavor, or light roasts for fruity and bright.
-Room temperature steeping extracts faster than refrigerated. Adjust time accordingly.
-Cold brew keeps for up to 2 weeks refrigerated. Make a big batch.

Interactive Cold Brew Timer

Step-by-step timer with pour schedule and audio cues.

Open Timer

Other Brewing Methods

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to brew Cold Brew coffee?▼

Cold Brew typically takes 12-24 hours from start to finish, including prep and brewing time. Actual duration varies depending on grind size, water temperature, and your desired strength.

Is Cold Brew hard to learn for beginners?▼

Cold Brew is rated Easy difficulty on CoffeeTrove. It demands precise control over variables like grind, temperature, and pressure, making it rewarding for experienced brewers.

What equipment do I need for Cold Brew?▼

You need Large jar or cold brew maker, Burr grinder, Fine mesh strainer, Paper filter or cheesecloth, Scale to brew with Cold Brew. A quality burr grinder and accurate scale are recommended for consistent results, though not strictly required for getting started.

What grind size works best for Cold Brew?▼

The ideal grind size for Cold Brew depends on your specific recipe and contact time. Follow the step-by-step guide above for recommended settings. Small adjustments make a noticeable difference in flavor.