The Ultimate Guide to Cold Brew Coffee
Coffee TalkEverything You Need to Know About Making Cold Brew Coffee
Cold brew coffee isn't just a trend — it's a lifestyle. Whether you're a seasoned coffee lover or a newbie looking to switch up your caffeine routine, cold brew is the ultimate choice for bold flavor, smooth sipping, and serious energy. Let's dive into what cold brew coffee is, why you should be drinking it, and how to master it at home.
What is Cold Brew Coffee?
Cold brew is a coffee brewing method where coarse coffee grounds are steeped in cold or room-temperature water for an extended period — typically 12-24 hours. Unlike traditional iced coffee, which is brewed hot and poured over ice, cold brew skips the heat entirely. This slow process results in a smoother, less acidic coffee concentrate that packs a punch in both flavor and caffeine.
Those asking, “What’s a cold brew?” may also be wondering how to make it. The truth is that you don’t need any special equipment besides a glass jar and a quality filter. And you need patience—lots and lots of patience.
[Photo Credit: Pariwat Pannium via Unsplash]
Why Cold Brew Coffee?
Cold brew isn’t just a sexy fad. In fact, cold brewing is the fourth most popular method of preparing coffee. That’s no real surprise because there are many benefits to cold brew, apart from the delicious and refreshing taste.
Here are some of the highlights:
1. There’s less acidity in cold brew.
Some estimate that there’s around 60% less acid in cold brew versus a regular cup of joe. In a study, cold brew had a pH of 6.31 and hot brew had a pH of 5.48 (with the higher number meaning it has less acid). So yes, cold brew is less acidic because cold water pulls out less of the acid in coffee than hot water does.
2. It’s better for those with sensitive stomachs.
If you have a digestive sensitivity (often because of an illness like IBS or acid reflux), the lower amounts of acid in cold brew can be a much better choice than hot.
3. It has a smooth flavor.
As a result of the acid and other chemical differences, you get less of that sharp, almost vinegar-like taste and end up with something very creamy and calming.
4. It stays good for longer.
Leftover hot coffee goes bad after a few days, but DIY cold brew stays good for up to a week, as that’s how long the flavor of cold brew coffee lasts. The best method for how to store cold brew is to keep it in a covered pitcher in the fridge. Do NOT store homemade cold brew at room temperature!
5. It’s versatile.
You can use it for all kinds of recipes, especially sweet ones.
6. It’s refreshing without being watery.
No drowning in ice cubes for you, beloved coffee!
[Photo Credit: Nathan Dumlao via Unsplash]
The Best Cold Brew Coffee Recipe to Make at Home
Ingredients:
-
Mason jar
-
Coffee filter
-
Ice
Directions:
-
Grind the coffee. Grind fresh coffee coarse (about 6 seconds in your grinder). Coarse coffee will make it taste the absolute best. Pre-ground coffee is too fine for this method.
-
Fill your jar (or any container) about 1/4 to 1/3 with coffee. The best thing about cold brew is that it’s forgiving. Eyeball it—you’re a risk-taker. You’ve got this. (Scaredy-cats, don’t worry: We’re gonna talk more about finding the perfect coffee/water ratio later!)
-
Add water. Fresh, filtered water below 40 F should be used. Fill up the rest of the container. The less water you use, the stronger it will be.
-
Shake it up. Make sure the grounds are fully mixed with the water.
-
Let it steep for 24 hours. Now we wait. Shake it every once in a while to prevent separation.
-
Filter out the coffee. Using a coffee filter, pour your cold brew into a mug or glass. A regular coffee filter will work, but a Chemex filter is best if you have it. If you make enough for more than just one cup, filter it over the container you will be storing it in.
-
Enjoy! (Yes, DIY cold brewing is really that simple.)
Pro Tip: To make that cold brew even stronger (and less watery), freeze Death Wish Coffee in an ice tray overnight to make coffee ice cubes for your cold brew.
Cold Brew Coffee-to-Water Ratios
Getting the right grind-to-water ratio is key to brewing the perfect cold brew. Here are some common ratios to follow based on your taste preference:
-
1:4 Ratio (Strong Concentrate) — Ideal for coffee lovers who prefer a bold, high-caffeine brew that can be diluted with water or milk.
-
1:6 Ratio (Balanced Strength) — Great for those seeking a strong but smooth cup that's ready to drink after straining.
-
1:8 Ratio (Mild & Refreshing) — Perfect for a lighter cold brew that's easy to sip straight over ice.
For each ratio, use coarse ground coffee for the best extraction and minimal sediment. Start with your desired ratio and adjust based on your taste preferences.
Other Cold Brew Methods and Tips
If there’s one thing about people who love coffee, it’s that we love to perfect a process and make it an art form. We should probably mention then that there are multiple methods for cold brewing.
-
Immersion Method: What we’re describing in our recipes is the immersion method for making cold brew. Basically, coffee is immersed in water for a long time—that’s it. We like it because it’s super simple; you only need a jar and a filter.
-
French Press Method: Another legit option is to use a French press. Cold brew coffee French pressed is basically the same as the immersion method, only you’re using a fancier brewing contraption. It requires less time (about 12-15 hours), and people like to use a lighter 1:5 or 1:8 ratio for cold press coffee.
-
Cold Drip Method: Don’t mind more work if it means a quicker cold brew coffee? Drip vs. immersion is a trade-off of time vs. attention. It only takes three to five hours to make cold brew with the drip method, but it requires semi-constant supervision.
So let’s all just chill out—coffee that’s cold can be just as satisfying and delicious as what you might normally pour into that cup. There's not just one way to make cold brew, so if you give it a try, be sure to have fun with it. Even that cold, dead heart of yours will start pumping again for this DIY cold brew coffee.