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Summary
The smoothest cold brew you’ll ever make.
This cold brew recipe is all about balance—bold, smooth, and never bitter. After rounds of testing, we’ve dialed in the perfect coffee-to-water ratio and filtration method to create a rich, satisfying brew. Whether you’re a cold brew connoisseur or just trying it for the first time, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers café-quality results at home.
6
5
minutes2
kcal12
hours12
hours5
minutesLuxurious, smooth hot cocoa that feels like a hug in a mug.
Ingredients
143 g 1 1/2 cups coarse ground medium roast coffee
1000 g 4 1/4 cups filtered water 65–75°F (room temperature)
Equipment
Directions
Before We Start
Coffee Grind: Use a coarse grind, similar to sea salt. Too fine, and your brew will over-extract and clog the filter.
Water Temperature: Room temperature water (65–75°F) is ideal for extracting the coffee’s flavor without bitterness.
Filtration Options: If your grinder produces a lot of fines, consider using a fine mesh strainer to remove 20 g of fines before steeping. Alternatively, invest in thinner cold brew filters for easier straining.Combine Coffee and Water
In a large jar or pitcher, add 143 g of coarse ground coffee. Pour 1000 g of filtered room-temperature water over the grounds. Stir gently to ensure all grounds are saturated.
Steep
Cover the jar or pitcher and let it steep at room temperature for 12–16 hours. For a stronger brew, aim for the longer end of the steeping time.
Strain
After steeping, strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer to remove the larger grounds. Then, filter the brew through a wetted coffee filter or specialized cold brew filter to remove finer particles. This step ensures a smooth, grit-free coffee concentrate.
Serve or Store
Dilute the concentrate with water, milk, or your favorite milk alternative at a 1:1 ratio (or adjust to taste). Serve over ice. Store any unused concentrate in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days.
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Additional Details About This Recipe
Can I use pre-ground coffee?
Yes, but freshly ground coffee yields better flavor. If using pre-ground, ensure it’s coarse.
What if my filter clogs?
If filtering takes too long, next time, try grinding courser, removing fines before steeping or using specialized cold brew filters.
How do I make it stronger or weaker?
Adjust the coffee-to-water ratio. For stronger coffee, use less water or steep longer. For weaker coffee, dilute the concentrate further.
Can I flavor it?
Absolutely! Add vanilla extract, cinnamon sticks, or even orange peel during steeping for a unique twist.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, freeze the concentrate in ice cube trays for a quick cold brew fix.
Nutritional Facts (per 8 oz serving of concentrate)
Values are estimates based on black coffee without additives.
- Calories: 2 kcal
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Sugars: 0 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Sodium: 5 mg