How to Make Cold Brew Coffee at Home: A Step-by-Step Guide

Make Your Own Cold Brew at Home

Cold brew isn’t just a trend—it’s a lifestyle choice for coffee lovers who crave a smooth, rich, and less acidic cup. Whether you’re new to cold brew or just want to perfect your homemade recipe, this guide has got your back (and your beans).

Let’s deep dive into everything cold brew—what it is, how to make it, and how to drink it without feeling like you’re decoding a science experiment.

What is Cold Brew Coffee?

Cold brew is coffee brewed with cold or room-temperature water over an extended period—typically 12 to 24 hours. Unlike iced coffee, which is brewed hot and then chilled, cold brew is never heated, which gives it its signature smooth, mellow taste and lower acidity.

Quick Difference: Cold Brew vs. Iced Coffee

• Cold Brew: Slow-steeped in cold water.
  
• Iced Coffee: Brewed hot, then cooled down.
  
• Taste: Cold brew = smoother & bolder; iced coffee = brighter & more acidic.

Is Cold Brew Stronger Than Regular Coffee?

Short answer: Yes—kind of.
Cold brew concentrate is stronger than regular drip coffee, but it’s often diluted before serving. So if you’re sipping it straight without adding water or milk, buckle up.

Is Cold Brew Healthy?

Cold brew is:

• Lower in acidity (gentler on the stomach).
  
• Slightly less bitter than hot brewed coffee.
  
• Naturally sugar-free—unless you jazz it up with syrup, cream, or unicorn dust.

Bonus: Some studies suggest cold brew retains more antioxidants due to its brewing process. So yes, it can be part of a healthy lifestyle—as long as you’re not turning it into a milkshake.

How to Make Cold Brew Coffee at Home (Step-by-Step)

What You’ll Need:

• Fresh coarsely ground coffee (preferably specialty beans—may we suggest something from BrewClan?)
  
• Cold or room-temperature filtered water
  
• A jar, French press, or dedicated cold brew maker
  
• A fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth

The Cold Brew Ratio:

Start with a 1:4 ratio of coffee to water for a concentrate. That’s 1 cup (100g) of coarsely ground coffee to 4 cups (1 litre) of water.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Measure & Grind

Use a coarse grind—think breadcrumbs, not powdered sugar. A consistent grind helps avoid over-extraction (and sludge).

Step 2: Combine Coffee and Water

Place the coffee in your jar/French press/cold brew maker. Add water slowly, ensuring all the grounds are soaked. Stir gently.

Step 3: Steep

Cover and let it steep at room temperature or in the fridge for 12 to 24 hours. Longer brew time = bolder taste.

Step 4: Strain

After brewing, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean container. Discard the grounds.

Step 5: Serve or Store

You’ve now got cold brew concentrate! Dilute it with water, milk, or alt-milk at a 1:1 ratio (or to taste). It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 7–10 days.

How to Drink Cold Brew

Cold brew is a blank canvas. Here are a few delicious ways to enjoy it:

• Black & Bold: Add ice and sip it straight (for the purists).
• With Milk or Cream: A classic café-style cold brew.
• Sweetened: Add simple syrup or vanilla essence for a twist.
• With Tonic or Citrus: For the adventurous palate.
• Protein-Powered: Blend with a protein shake for a pre-gym boost.

Best Coffee for Making Cold Brew

Look for:

• Medium to dark roasts – They give a rich, chocolaty flavor.
• Single-origin beans – Great for unique tasting notes.
• Freshly roasted beans – Like the ones we sell at BrewClan ( 😉).

Ready to Brew?

Check out our range of specialty coffee beans perfect for cold brew. You bring the ice, we’ll bring the beans.

Common Questions Answered

What’s the best cold brew recipe?

The one above—it’s simple, scalable, and delicious.

What to add to cold brew coffee?

Flavor it with cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, or even a splash of orange zest.

How much caffeine is in cold brew?

More than drip coffee, but less than espresso (unless you chug the concentrate).