Cold Brew Guide & Coffee-to-Water Calculator Instructions
Create smooth, low-acid cold brew coffee with precision using our calculator. Whether you prefer a ready-to-drink strength or a concentrated brew for diluting later, our calculator helps you achieve consistent results every time.
Cold Brew Coffee Calculator
How to Use the Cold Brew Calculator
- Enter your desired final volume
- Select your preferred strength (Mild, Regular, Strong, or Concentrate)
- Review the recommended coffee amount
- Follow the brewing instructions below for best results
Cold Brew Ratio Reference
| Strength | Coffee-to-Water Ratio | For 1L Batch | Steep Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mild | 1:8 | 125g | 12-16 hrs |
| Regular | 1:7 | 143g | 14-18 hrs |
| Strong | 1:5 | 200g | 16-20 hrs |
| Concentrate | 1:4 | 250g | 18-24 hrs |
Note: Concentrate can be diluted with water, milk, or ice to taste. Typical dilution is 1:1 or 1:2.
Essential Equipment
- Large brewing container
- Coffee grinder
- Freshly roasted coffee beans
- Filter bag or paper filters
- Digital scale
- Stirring spoon
- Storage bottles
- Refrigerator
- Strainer or filter system
Step-by-Step Brewing Guide
- Prepare Your Setup
- Grind coffee to coarse consistency (like raw sugar)
- Measure water according to calculator
- Clean all equipment thoroughly
- Prepare filter system
- Combine Ingredients
- Add ground coffee to brewing container
- Pour room temperature or cold water slowly
- Gently stir to ensure all grounds are saturated
- Cover container
- Steep & Wait
- Place in refrigerator
- Let steep for recommended time
- Avoid agitation during steeping
- Filter & Store
- Remove from refrigerator
- Filter through paper filter or cloth
- Store in airtight container
- Keep refrigerated
Serving Suggestions
| Style | Dilution Ratio | Add-Ins | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black | None or 1:1 | Ice | Pure coffee flavor |
| With Milk | 2:1 (coffee:milk) | Milk/Cream | Smooth & creamy |
| Concentrate | 1:1 or 1:2 | Water/Ice | Adjust to taste |
| Sweet | Any | Simple syrup | Add after brewing |
Troubleshooting Your Brew
| Problem | Likely Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Weak flavor | Too much water or too short steep | Increase ratio or time |
| Bitter taste | Too fine grind or too long steep | Use coarser grind or reduce time |
| Cloudy result | Poor filtration | Use finer filter or double filter |
| Sour taste | Under-extraction | Increase steep time |
| Too strong | Concentrate not diluted enough | Add more water or ice |
Pro Tips for Cold Brew Excellence
- Use filtered water for cleanest taste
- Darker roasts typically produce bolder cold brew
- Pre-wet filters to remove paper taste
- Store concentrate up to 2 weeks
- Make ice cubes from cold brew to prevent dilution
- Consider a slow-drip tower for cleaner taste
Customize Your Experience: Cold brew is forgiving and flexible. While the calculator provides excellent starting points, feel free to adjust ratios and steep times to match your taste preferences. Different coffee origins and roast levels may require slight adjustments for optimal flavor.
