Cold brew coffee has taken the coffee world by storm — and for good reason. It's smooth, low-acid, naturally sweet, and incredibly refreshing. Best of all, you don't need any fancy equipment to make it at home. All it takes is good coffee, cold water, and a little patience.
What Is Cold Brew Coffee?
Cold brew is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee in cold or room-temperature water for an extended period — typically 12 to 24 hours. Unlike iced coffee (which is just hot-brewed coffee poured over ice), cold brew is never exposed to heat. The result is a concentrate that's naturally sweeter, less bitter, and much lower in acidity than traditional hot-brewed coffee.
What You'll Need
- 1 cup coarsely ground coffee (we recommend a medium or dark roast for rich, chocolatey notes)
- 4 cups cold, filtered water
- A large jar or pitcher
- A fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or a coffee filter
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Grind your coffee coarsely. A coarse grind is key — it prevents over-extraction and keeps your cold brew smooth. Think sea salt texture, not fine powder.
- Combine coffee and water. Add your ground coffee to a large jar or pitcher, then pour in the cold filtered water. Stir gently to make sure all the grounds are saturated.
- Steep in the fridge. Cover and refrigerate for 12–24 hours. The longer you steep, the stronger and more concentrated your cold brew will be. We recommend starting with 18 hours.
- Strain the coffee. Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean jar. This removes all the grounds and leaves you with a smooth concentrate.
- Serve and enjoy. Dilute your concentrate with water or milk at a 1:1 ratio, pour over ice, and enjoy. Add a splash of cream or your favorite syrup for a little extra indulgence.
Tips for the Best Cold Brew
- Use freshly roasted beans. The quality of your coffee matters more in cold brew than almost any other method. Freshly roasted, high-quality beans make a noticeable difference.
- Filter water is your friend. Tap water with strong mineral flavors can affect the taste. Use filtered water for the cleanest cup.
- Experiment with ratios. Prefer a stronger concentrate? Use a 1:3 ratio (1 cup coffee to 3 cups water). Like it lighter? Go 1:5.
- Store it properly. Cold brew concentrate keeps in the fridge for up to two weeks in a sealed container.
Why Freshly Roasted Coffee Makes All the Difference
Cold brew is a showcase for your coffee's natural flavor — there's nowhere to hide. That's why starting with freshly roasted, specialty-grade beans from Brew Buddy Roast gives you a cold brew that's genuinely exceptional. Our medium and dark roasts are especially well-suited for cold brew, delivering rich notes of chocolate, caramel, and brown sugar without any bitterness.
Ready to brew? Grab a bag of your favorite Brew Buddy Roast beans and give it a try this weekend. Your future self — sipping a perfectly smooth cold brew on a hot afternoon — will thank you.