Brewing Cold Brew Coffee: Brewing the Perfect Concentrate

Brewing Your Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate

To make a cold brew concentrate, follow these simple steps:

Steps for brewing the perfect cold brew coffee concentrate:

Step 1

Grind the Beans – Use a coarse grind for optimal extraction.

Step 2

Mix Coffee and Water – Use a 1:5 ratio of coffee grounds to water (by weight). For example: 200g of coffee per 1000ml (1L) of water.

Step 3

Steep Time – Let the mixture steep for 15 to 21 hours at room temperature. We recommend starting with 18 hours.

Step 4

Strain the Grounds – Use a fine mesh strainer or coffee filter to separate the grounds from the liquid.

Step 5

Store the Concentrate – Transfer the strained cold brew coffee into the refrigerator immediately.

Diluting and Serving Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate

Mild Strength – 1 part concentrate to 3 parts water (1:3 ratio)
Stronger Flavor – 1 part concentrate to 2 parts water (1:2 ratio)

You can also experiment with adding milk or a milk alternative instead of water.

Your cold brew coffee concentrate will stay fresh in the fridge for up to one week.

Once your concentrate is ready, you can dilute it based on your preference.

Key Brewing Cold Brew Coffee Considerations

Measuring Ratios

We recommend using weight-based measurements for precision. If you prefer using volume:

1 ml of water = 0.033814 ounces
Convert ratios accordingly based on your preferred measuring system.

For liquid-to-liquid dilution (e.g., 1:3 concentrate to water), you can measure by parts, liters, or ounces.

Water Quality Recommendations

Your water affects the flavor of your cold brew. We suggest:

Filtered Water – From a high-quality home filtration system.

Spring Water – Consistently good flavor (e.g., Ice Mountain® or your preferred brand).

Avoid Distilled Water – Lacks minerals, leading to a “flat” or “hollow” taste.

If using a home filtration system, ensure the filter is regularly replaced for consistent results.

Grind Size Matters

For best results, grind your beans to a coarse texture, similar to:

Espresso Grind – Too fine, not suitable

Drip Coffee Grind – Medium, but still too fine

Cold Brew Grind – Coarse and chunky (Recommended)

Using a finer grind can lead to over-extraction, which results in a bitter taste.

grind comparisons recommend cold brew grind

Bean Freshness and Storage

Freshly roasted beans provide the best flavor (AFTER off-gassing for a week).
However, cold brew is more forgiving with older beans than traditional brewing methods.
Store your beans in an airtight container away from heat and moisture.

Steeping Temperature and Refrigeration

You can steep your cold brew at room temperature or in the refrigerator (cold steeping takes longer).
Once brewing is complete, refrigerate immediately to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
For optimal quality, use your cold brew within one week.
If it smells or tastes off, discard it and clean your brewing container thoroughly.

Serving Your Cold Brew Coffee

Cold brew isn’t just for cold coffee! You can enjoy it in different ways:

Iced – Serve over ice for a smooth, refreshing drink.

Hot – Heat gently without boiling to preserve the flavor.

With Milk or Cream – Customize it to your preference.

Sweetened – Add your favorite sweetener or flavored syrup.

If heating, avoid boiling, as high temperatures can alter the flavor profile.

Final Tips

We recommend using weight-based measurements for precision. If you prefer using volume:

Experiment! Find the perfect strength and steeping time that suits your taste.
Use quality beans and water for the best results.
Store properly to maintain freshness and avoid contamination.
Listen to your taste buds! If it tastes “off,” it’s time to brew a new batch.

Happy brewing!

Frequently Asked Questions when brewing cold brew coffee

What’s the best coffee-to-water ratio for cold brew coffee?

We recommend a 1:5 ratio of coffee grounds to water for a strong concentrate. If you prefer a less intense flavor, you can dilute it after brewing using a 1:3 or 1:2 ratio of concentrate to water.

How long should I steep my cold brew coffee?

Cold brew should steep for 15 to 21 hours at room temperature. 18 hours is a great starting point for balanced extraction.

Can I steep my cold brew coffee in the fridge?

Yes, but cold steeping takes longer—typically 20 to 24 hours—since the lower temperature slows the extraction process.

What grind size should I use for cold brew coffee?

Use a coarse grind, similar to coarse sea salt. A finer grind can lead to over-extraction, making your cold brew taste bitter.

What kind of water should I use?

Use filtered or spring water for the best flavor. Avoid distilled water, as it lacks minerals needed for proper extraction, resulting in a “flat” taste.

How long does cold brew coffee last in the fridge?

Cold brew concentrate stays fresh for up to 2 weeks when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Diluted (ready to drink) cold brew coffee usually keeps for up to 1 one week when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Can I drink cold brew coffee hot?

Absolutely! Cold brew coffee can be enjoyed hot or cold. To heat it, gently warm the coffee without boiling to maintain its smooth flavor.

Why does my cold brew coffee taste bitter or sour?

Too bitter? It may have steeped too long or used a fine grind. Try reducing steep time or using a coarser grind.
Too sour? It might be under-extracted. Try extending the steeping time.

Can I sweeten cold brew coffee?

Yes! Since cold brew coffee is naturally smooth, many people enjoy it unsweetened, but you can add simple syrup, flavored syrups, or your preferred sweetener.

Can I make cold brew coffee with decaf coffee?

Yes! Decaf beans work just as well for cold brew coffee, offering a smooth, low-acid option without the caffeine.

What happens if my cold brew smells or tastes off?

If your cold brew coffee develops an unusual smell or taste, it’s best to discard it and clean your brewing container thoroughly before making a new batch.

What’s the difference between cold brew and iced coffee?

Cold brew is brewed without heat over an extended period for a smoother, less acidic taste. Iced coffee is hot-brewed coffee that’s cooled and served over ice, often resulting in a more acidic, bitter flavor. For more information about cold brew coffee vs. iced coffee.

Can I use cold brew concentrate for other drinks?

Yes! Cold brew concentrate is versatile. Try it in:
Lattes (mix with milk)
Smoothies
Cocktails
Baking recipes

Do I need a special cold brew maker?

No! You can make cold brew using a mason jar, French press, or any container with a filter for straining the grounds. We also sell a cold brew coffee kit.

Why is my cold brew cloudy?

Cloudiness usually comes from fine coffee particles that pass through the filter. Try using a double filter (cheesecloth, fine-mesh sieve, or paper coffee filter) for a clearer brew.

These FAQs should help answer common questions and make your cold brew coffee brewing experience even smoother!

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