Cold Brew Coffee Recipe
Introduction
Cold brew coffee is a smooth, refreshing way to enjoy your caffeine fix. Made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for several hours, it offers a less acidic and naturally sweet flavor perfect for hot days or anytime you want a chilled coffee treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup ground coffee
- 4 cups water
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 1 cup of ground coffee into a large bowl.
- Step 2: Add 4 cups of cold water to the bowl.
- Step 3: Stir gently to combine the coffee and water.
- Step 4: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 12 hours, up to 24 hours.
- Step 5: After steeping, set a strainer lined with cheesecloth over a second bowl.
- Step 6: Pour the coffee mixture through the strainer to filter out the grounds. Allow a couple of minutes for the liquid to pass through. Discard the used grounds and remove the strainer.
- Step 7: Serve the cold brew over ice, diluting with water to taste—typically a 1:3 or 1:2 coffee-to-water ratio.
- Step 8: Add your favorite creamers, syrups, or milk, then enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Use a coarse grind to prevent coffee grounds from slipping through the cheesecloth and to ensure a cleaner brew.
- For a stronger concentrate, use less water or steep longer, then dilute when serving.
- Try adding a cinnamon stick or vanilla bean during steeping for added flavor.
Storage
Store cold brew coffee in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Stir well before serving and add ice or water to dilute as desired. Reheat gently if you prefer a warm cup, but cold brew is best enjoyed chilled.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular coffee grounds for cold brew?
While you can, coarse coffee grounds are best because they reduce sediment in the final brew and make filtering easier.
How long can I steep cold brew coffee?
Steeping between 12 to 24 hours works well. Longer steeping results in a stronger and more concentrated flavor, but exceeding 24 hours might cause bitterness.
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Cold Brew Coffee Recipe
- Total Time: 12 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 cups of cold brew concentrate 1x
Description
A refreshing and smooth Cold Brew Coffee recipe that is easy to make at home. Steep coarse ground coffee in cold water for 12 to 24 hours to create a low-acidity, flavorful coffee concentrate that can be served over ice and customized with your favorite add-ins.
Ingredients
Cold Brew Coffee Ingredients
- 1 cup ground coffee (preferably coarsely ground)
- 4 cups cold water
Instructions
- Combine Coffee and Water: In a large bowl, add 1 cup of ground coffee and pour in 4 cups of cold water. Stir gently to combine the coffee grounds thoroughly with the water.
- Steep the Coffee: Cover the bowl and refrigerate it for at least 12 hours, or up to 24 hours. This slow steeping process allows the coffee to infuse the water without bitterness.
- Strain the Coffee: After steeping, place a strainer lined with a cheesecloth over a second bowl. Slowly pour the coffee mixture through the strainer to separate the grounds from the liquid.
- Filter and Discard Grounds: Allow the coffee concentrate to fully filter through the cheesecloth. Discard the used coffee grounds and remove the strainer carefully.
- Serve: Serve the cold brew coffee over ice. Dilute the concentrate with water in a ratio of 1:3 or 1:2 (coffee to water) depending on your preference for strength.
- Customize: Add your favorite coffee enhancements such as milk, cream, sugar, flavored syrups, or spices to taste and enjoy your refreshing cold brew coffee.
Notes
- Use coarsely ground coffee to prevent bitter over-extraction and to make straining easier.
- Cold brewing drastically reduces acidity, making it a good option for people sensitive to acidity.
- The cold brew concentrate can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Adjust the coffee-to-water ratio depending on desired strength.
- If you do not have cheesecloth, use a fine mesh coffee filter or nut milk bag to strain.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 hours (steeping time)
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cold brew coffee, cold brew, iced coffee, coffee concentrate, homemade coffee, cold steep coffee
