Making Cold Brew Coffee at Home
Cold brew is a slow extraction of coffee grounds using room temperature water rather than heat. By steeping coarse grounds for twelve to twenty-four hours, you produce a concentrated base that is low in acidity and requires only water or milk to serve.
Consistency is your primary tool
The grind size matters more than the specific beans; ensure your burr grinder is set to a very coarse, sea-salt texture to prevent bitterness and sediment.
- Large glass jar or pitcher
- Fine mesh sieve
- Cheesecloth or paper coffee filter
- Burr grinder
What goes in.
- 1 cupwhole coffee beans, fresh roasted
- 4 cupsfiltered water, room temperature
Saturation and Time
Do not stir the mixture once the water hits the grounds. Let the coffee bloom naturally to ensure even extraction without agitation, which can turn the brew muddy.
The method.
Grind the beans
Pulse your grinder to a coarse setting. It should look like cracked pepper or kosher salt.
Combine
Place grounds in your jar and slowly pour the water over them. Ensure all grounds are wet, but do not stir.
Steep
Cover the jar with a clean cloth or lid. Leave it on your counter, out of direct sunlight, for 12 to 18 hours.
Filter
Line your sieve with cheesecloth or a coffee filter. Pour the liquid through slowly into a clean vessel to catch the sediment.
Store
Keep the concentrate in a sealed bottle in the refrigerator. It remains stable for up to two weeks.
Other turns to take.
Spiced Cold Brew
Add one cinnamon stick or a few cardamom pods to the grounds before pouring in the water.
The Dilution
Serve by mixing one part concentrate with one part water or milk, adjusting to your preference for strength.
When it doesn't go to plan.
Use light to medium roast beans for a cleaner, tea-like profile.
If the final brew tastes thin, increase your steep time by two hours next time.
Do not squeeze the grounds in the filter; let them drip through on their own to keep the concentrate clear.
The ones that keep coming up.
Can I use hot water to speed it up?
No. The flavor profile of cold brew relies entirely on the lack of heat. Adding heat changes the chemical extraction and creates a standard iced coffee, not cold brew.
Why is my coffee bitter?
Bitterness usually comes from over-steeping or grounds that are too fine. Check your grind size and pull the filter earlier.
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