How to Make Cold Brew Coffee

Showing you how to make cold brew coffee at home, using a few basic kitchen items! So easy, you’ll never buy coffee shop cold brew again!

“That’ll be $4.75”.

“Cold brew again? $4.75”.

“Hey! Your usual?….$4.75”.

Has anyone else had a similar series of conversations with their favorite coffee shop barista, or is that just me? I’m pretty sure a large chunk of my paychecks have just gone straight to cold brew coffee purchases week after week. I mean, there was one week that I went EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. to get one. And at $4.75 an order, that’s a whopping $23.75 in one week. Just on coffee. I can’t even bring myself to calculate up a tally for the whole month, or even worse, the whole year….

Wondering what the difference between cold brew coffee and iced coffee is? Cold brew is ground coffee that is steeped in water before being strained, while iced coffee is typically brewed hot and poured over ice. It’s that simple! Cold brew boasts a sweeter, less acidic, and slightly chocolate-y flavor compared to iced coffee.

So, why did I finally bite the bullet and make it myself? A few reasons:

1. MONEY. I mean, obviously. If I can consistently save $15-20 a week, I’m willing to at least give it a shot.
2. EASE. Once I did some research (aka, skimming 3 blog posts) on how to make it at home, I practically had to pick my jaw up from the floor. I mean, it’s SIMPLE, guys. You more than likely already have the tools and supplies needed.
3. WOW FACTOR. Because, how cool is it when you can tell someone you made your own cold brew? Pretty cool, in my opinion. (So yes, I think I’m cool).
4. EFFICIENCY. What’s better than making something one time (and in the span of 5 minutes) that will last you the whole week? Not much, in my opinion. Especially when it eliminates an extra step in my early morning routine!! You can make a big batch of cold brew one time and have it for the WHOLE week! 

While you can certainly buy equipment and gadgets made specifically for making cold brew (such as this super sweet kit my cousin gifted me!), or even use a French press, you more than likely already have some tools and supplies that will work…without spending a dime! #frugalfoodfitnessandfaith

Yep, that’s it!! To prove that you don’t need much to make your own cold brew, the following method, “recipe” if you will, will use the above tools. Keep in mind if you buy a specific cold brew making kit, that makes it even easier!

Common Questions About Making Cold Brew:

Is there a “right” coffee to water ratio? There isn’t a “right” vs “wrong” ratio, but it can definitely vary based on your preferences! I prefer a coffee to water ratio of 1:4, which means 1 cup of ground coffee beans to 4 cups water. If you want a final product that’s a bit stronger, decrease the ratio to 1:3, and if you want it lighter, up the ratio to 1:6. I recommend using filtered water for the best flavor. 

What type of beans to use? I recommend buying whole beans at the store and coarsely grinding them either using the machine at the store or at home. If using the store’s grinder, I choose the setting for the French press. You want the grounds to still be coarse, not super fine! I compare coarse ground to roughly the size of quinoa or couscous.

You can use any variety of beans you want. I use a local organic variety!

What happens if I steep it too long?! I aim to steep my cold brew anywhere from 18-24 hours. I found that if it steeps for longer than 24 hours it is pretty bitter (though, easily masked with some almond milk and creamer, right!?). If you’re short on time, 12 hours is another option, the end product just won’t be as strong. 

So, without further adieu, let’s figure out how to make cold brew coffee at home!

COLD BREW COFFEE

INGREDIENTS 

1 cup fresh, coarsely-ground coffee
4 cup filtered water 

INSTRUCTIONS 

1. In a large bowl, mason jar or pitcher, add both the coffee grounds and water. Stir to combine.
2. Cover bowl/mason jar/pitcher and allow to sit and steep for 18-24 hours, either on the counter or in the fridge.
3. To strain, pour contents from your bowl/jar with coffee and water through a fine mesh strainer into another jar or pitcher, separating the cold brew from the grounds. If you have a cheesecloth, you can also use this in additional to the fine mesh strainer to ensure grounds do not get into final product. 
4. To serve, pour 1/2 cup cold brew into a glass with ice, with an equal amount of water and/or almond milk and creamer. 

…And if you’re looking for a healthy breakfast to go along with this fabulous, homemade cold brew coffee, might I suggest my famous baked oatmeal, or this veggie egg casserole? Both are just as efficient and tasty as the cold brew, promise!