How to Make Cold Brew Coffee
Smooth, sweet, low-acid — the slow extraction method
To make cold brew coffee, steep coarsely ground coffee in cold or room-temperature water for 12–24 hours, then strain. A 1:5 ratio makes a concentrate you dilute to taste; 1:8 makes it ready to drink. The slow, cold extraction yields a smooth, naturally sweet, low-acid coffee.
What is Cold Brew
Cold brew is coffee brewed with cold or room-temperature water over 12-24 hours. The low temperature extracts sweetness and body while leaving behind much of the acidity and bitterness. The result is a smooth, naturally sweet concentrate that can be served over ice or diluted.
Ratio: Concentrate vs Ready-to-Drink
Cold brew is usually made as a concentrate and diluted to taste. Here are both approaches.
| Concentrate (dilute 1:1) | 1:5 ratio — 100g coffee / 500g water |
| Ready-to-drink | 1:8 ratio — 100g coffee / 800g water |
| Light & refreshing | 1:12 ratio — 100g coffee / 1200g water |
Step-by-Step
- 01Coarsely grind your coffee (coarser than French press — think raw sugar).
- 02Combine coffee and room-temperature or cold filtered water in a jar, pitcher, or cold brew maker.
- 03Stir to ensure all grounds are saturated.
- 04Cover and refrigerate for 12-18 hours (or room temp for 12 hours).
- 05Strain through a fine-mesh sieve, then through a paper filter or cheesecloth for clarity.
- 06Store concentrate in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Dilute with water, milk, or ice to serve.
Best Beans for Cold Brew
Medium to dark roasts with chocolate, caramel, and nutty profiles work best for cold brew. The long extraction amplifies sweetness and body while the cold water suppresses brightness. Avoid very light roasts — they can taste grassy or sour when cold-brewed. Brazilian, Guatemalan, and Colombian beans are excellent choices.
Gear for this brew
The tools this method actually needs — our pick in each category. See all brewing gear →
OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker
A countertop brewer with a Rainmaker lid and built-in filtration that yields smooth, low-acid concentrate that keeps up to two weeks.
Check price on Amazon →TIMEMORE Chestnut C3 Manual Coffee Grinder
A CNC stainless conical-burr hand grinder widely regarded as the best entry-level manual grinder for pour-over and French press.
Check price on Amazon →Prices and availability are shown on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, Premium Roast earns from qualifying purchases — at no extra cost to you. We pick gear on the merits; affiliate links never influence what we recommend.
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Frequently Asked
- How long should cold brew steep?
- 12 to 24 hours. Around 16-18 hours in the fridge is a reliable sweet spot; past 24 hours it can turn bitter.
- Is cold brew less acidic than hot coffee?
- Yes. Cold water extracts far less acid, which is why cold brew tastes smooth and sweet and is gentler on sensitive stomachs.
- Can I use any coffee for cold brew?
- Medium to dark roasts with chocolate or nutty notes work best. Very light roasts can taste grassy or sour when cold-brewed.
Find the Right Beans
Explore our directory of roasters matched to this guide.
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