The Beginner Guide to Cold Brew
Cold brew is proof that good coffee doesn’t have to come with heat. By steeping coarsely ground beans in cold water over many hours, the process draws out a different profile—one that’s smooth, mellow, and naturally sweet, with none of the bite or acidity that sometimes shows up in hot brews.
Now that summer is nearly here, an easy iced cold brew is the perfect compliment to pour up and take with you on a morning dog walk. Since it's something you make in bulk, it's easy to store and can be mixed with all sorts of flavors.
What makes cold brew so appealing isn’t just the taste. It’s the simplicity. Once the grounds are in the water, time does the work. There’s no boiling, no blooming, no precise pouring technique. Just patience. And the result is a strong concentrate that can be served over ice, cut with milk or water, or used as the base for creative coffee drinks.
It’s also incredibly versatile. Want something chocolatey and rich? Use a dark roast. Prefer a fruitier, brighter note? Try a natural-processed Ethiopian. Cold brew mutes acidity, which means even beans with sharper edges mellow into something soft and sippable. It stores well in the fridge, making it perfect for batch prep or lazy mornings.
The key is getting the ratio and time right. Because cold water extracts more slowly than hot, the brewing window stretches into hours instead of minutes. Go too short and the coffee tastes thin. Go too long and you risk over-extraction, even in the cold. But hit that sweet spot—and filter it well—and you’ve got a jar of liquid gold that can last for days.
Here's a list of equipment you'll need.
Coarse Coffee Grinder - burr grinder is ideal, and pre-ground coffee would work in a pinch
Large Jar, Pitcher, or French Press
Spoon or Stir Stick - agitating the coffee is crucial for consistency
Fine Mesh Strainer, Cheesecloth, or Coffee Filter
Storage Bottle or Jar - Ideally you'll want something that you can pour out of easily for when you're ready to drink
Digital Scale - Coffee, like baking, is all about exact measurements
How to Make Cold Brew Coffee (Step-by-Step)
Grind the coffee – Use a coarse grind, similar to raw sugar or sea salt. You’ll need 1 cup (about 85–100g) of coffee for every 4 cups (about 950ml) of water.
Mix coffee and water – Combine the grounds and water in a large jar or French press. Stir gently to ensure all grounds are saturated.
Steep – Cover and let the mixture sit at room temperature for 12–14 hours or in the fridge for 16–20 hours, depending on your strength preference.
Strain – Use a fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or paper filter to remove the grounds. If using a French press, just plunge slowly and pour.
Store and serve – Transfer the cold brew to a clean jar or bottle. Keep refrigerated and use within 5–7 days. Serve over ice, with milk, or diluted 1:1 with water if desired.
Cold brew isn’t just summer coffee—it’s anytime coffee. Low-acid, strong, and endlessly customizable, it’s an ideal method for those who want rich flavor with minimal effort. Once you dial it in, it becomes a routine you look forward to—and a fridge staple you’ll always be glad to have on hand.