Cold Brew Coffee (Recipe & Tips!)

Did you know it’s super easy to make cold brew coffee at home? All you need are coffee beans and water. We will give you tips and tricks to make sure it’s never bitter or watery!

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We are talking all about cold brew coffee today, friends, and I promise you it won’t disappoint! You don’t have to drive to a cafe or buy an expensive bottle of it at the store – you can totally make your own at home.

Coffee is my friend all year – I love a caramel latte, but during the summer this is my favorite way to get a caffeine fix when it’s hot! Sometimes in the afternoon I’ll take a little break with one along with a muffin just like at my favorite cafe, but I don’t have to leave the house. This is a major win for me.

It takes some time, but it’s so easy to make! And once you have a batch on hand you can use it to make all of your favorite cold coffee drinks.

What is Cold Brew Coffee?

It’s just what it sounds like – ground coffee that is brewed in cold water. When you use hot water to brew coffee the process is really quick, but cold brewing is a longer process, but it’s worth the wait. Coffee that has been steeped in cold water has a smooth and less bitter flavor.

Cold Brew vs Iced Coffee

Cold brewed coffee is not the same as iced coffee. The iced version is made by pouring hot espresso over ice. It’s more bitter than cold brew.

Like I mentioned, cold brew is made by steeping ground coffee in water for many hours. The slow brewing process results in a smoother less bitter tasting drink.

It takes longer, but you can make a big batch and have it on hand so whenever you need a cold caffeine boost it’s ready for you!

Steps to Prepare

Ready to learn how to make it? I think you’re going to love it!

It starts with the beans and there’s a lot of debate about what kind of beans are best to use. I think you should choose what you like for regular coffee whether it’s light, medium or dark roast.

Grind the Beans

It’s best to grind your own beans instead of buying them already ground. They will have more flavor and make it the best!

Grind your beans to a medium-coarse consistency. A coarser grind will ensure your coffee is not too bitter when it’s done.

You can brew the grounds in any kind of container, but I like to use a 1-quart mason jar.

Steep

Place the ground beans in the jar and cover them with cold water. For this recipe you will need approximately 1 1/2 cups of ground coffee and 3 cups of water. I like to use filtered water because I think it makes the best.

Stir them together, cover the jar with the lid and keep it in the refrigerator for 18 to 24 hours.

Do NOT let it steep longer than 24 hours or it will become acidic.

Strain the Beans

When it’s brewed all you have to do is strain it. You can use a cheesecloth, coffee filter, or a nut-milk bag to do this. Strain the liquid into a clean container and it’s ready to serve.

Serve

To serve, just pour it over ice and add sweet cream, half and half or milk. I like to sweeten mine with simple syrup, vanilla syrup, pumpkin spice syrup, or other flavored syrups.

Expert Tips!

Here are some of our favorite tips to ensure you get the perfect cold brew at home to enjoy!

Storage

This will last up to two weeks in the refrigerator. Just make sure it’s in a sealed and air tight container.

Strength

You have complete control over the strength of it when you make it at home. You can control it be what beans you use, like light, medium or dark roast. Another way to control it is the steeping time, but I think it’s best to control it by the dilution.

Use Coarse Ground Coffee

It’s best to use coarse ground coffee when making this because it makes the filtration process easier and your coffee will taste better. If you don’t have a coffee grinder at home simply use the one at the grocery store. There should be a coarse or French press option to use.

Yes, it takes a while to wait for it to be ready but it is so worth it to make your own! It’s less expensive but tastes just as good as store-bought or ones served at shops.

Want to join me in sipping on this all summer long!? I know you will love it!

More Ways to Get a Caffeine Fix!

• RumChata Iced Coffee Slush is an amazing frozen treat!
• If you need a warm-up an Irish Coffee is the best way to do it! This spiked drink is perfect when it’s cold out.
• An easy copycat recipe for your favorite Starbucks Java Chip Frappuccino! Coffee, milk, ice, chocolate chips and chocolate syrup are blended into a refreshing frozen drink.

Try it and love it? Rate it, please!!! ? Seriously though a five-star rating below will make my day! If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!!

Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!

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5 from 10 votes

Cold Brew Coffee

Quick and easy way to make cold brew coffee at home that's not watery or bitter!

Prep:10 minutes mins

Steeping Time:12 hours hrs

Total:12 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

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Ingredients

• ▢ 3/4 c. coffee beans about 1 ½ c. coarsely ground coffee
• ▢ 3 c. water we recommend filtered water

Instructions

• Grind your coffee beans to a medium coarse consistency.
• Using a 1 quart Mason jar or other glass storage container, add the water and ground coffee, stir to incorporate.
• Place in the refrigerator and let sit at least 18 hours or up to 24 hours.
• Line a fine-mesh strainer with cheesecloth and set it over a large measuring cup or bowl. Slowly pour the coffee concentrate through the strainer. You could also use a nut-milk bag or coffee filter on top of the sieve.
• Transfer the strained cold brew concentrate back into a clean mason jar and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
• To make your iced coffee, pour the cold brew concentrate over ice and stir to combine. Finish with sweet cream or half and half if desired.

Tips

• If you serve it over ice it’s very strong. If you want to mellow it out simply fill your cup half way with ice and water, then top off with the cold brew concentrate. Mix after you add the concentrate to the glass. 
• Do NOT let it steep longer than 24 hours or it will become acidic.
• You have complete control over the strength of your cold brew when you make it at home. You can control it be what beans you use, like light, medium or dark roast. Another way to control it is the steeping time, but I think it’s best to control it by the dilution.

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Nutrition Information

Sodium: 7mg, Calcium: 4mg

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We are not dietitians and recommend you seek a nutritionist for exact nutritional information. The information in the nutrition box is calculated through a program and there is room for error. If you need an accurate count, I recommend running the ingredients through your favorite nutrition calculator.