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Tall glass of iced cold brew coffee with a visible swirl of oat milk being poured into it, set on a bright white counter.
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How to Make Cold Brew Coffee

A simple, foolproof method for creating a rich, ultra-smooth cold brew coffee concentrate at home. Perfect for a less acidic, flavorful cup every time.
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Keyword how to make cold brew coffee
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 12 hours
Total Time 12 hours 5 minutes
Servings 8 (makes 32 oz of concentrate)
Calories 5kcal
Author C. Sophie

Ingredients

  • 1 cup coarsely ground coffee beans medium to dark roast recommended
  • 4 cups filtered water
  • Optional: Additional filtered water milk (dairy or non-dairy), or creamer for dilution
  • Ice for serving

Instructions

  • Combine & Saturate: In your large pitcher or jar, combine the 1 cup of coarse coffee grounds and 4 cups of filtered water. Stir gently to ensure all the grounds are thoroughly wet.
  • Steep Patiently: Cover the container and let it steep for 12 to 18 hours. You can leave it on the counter at a cool room temperature or place it in the refrigerator.
  • First Strain (The Big Stuff): Slowly pour the steeped mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl or another pitcher. This will remove the bulk of the coffee grounds.
  • Second Strain (The Secret to Clarity): Line the sieve with a paper coffee filter and place it over your final storage container. Slowly pour the coffee through this second filter. This crucial step removes the fine sediment (silt) and guarantees a crystal-clear, grit-free concentrate.
  • Store: You now have a beautiful cold brew concentrate! Store it in a sealed, airtight container in the refrigerator. For the best flavor, enjoy it within one week, but it will last for up to two weeks.
  • Serve: To serve, fill a glass with ice. Pour in the concentrate and dilute it with a 1:1 ratio of water, milk, or creamer. Taste and adjust the ratio until you find your perfect strength.

Notes

Nutrition information

  • Calories: 5kcal
  • Protein: 0g
  • Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 1g
  • Sodium: 0mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.