Cold Brew Coffee: A Smooth and Simple Guide for Beginners

Cold brew coffee is your ticket to a refreshing, low-acidity caffeine fix that’s perfect for hot days or anytime you crave a silky-smooth cup.

Unlike iced coffee (which is just hot coffee poured over ice), cold brew is steeped in cold water for hours, resulting in a naturally sweeter, less bitter flavor.

Best of all, it’s ridiculously easy to make at home with minimal equipment. Let’s dive in!

What You’ll Need

• Fresh coffee beans: 1 cup of whole beans (light, medium, or dark roast, your choice!).
• Water: 4 cups of filtered water (tap water can add funky flavors).
• Grinder: A burr grinder for consistent coarse grounds (think sea salt chunks).
• Container: A large jar, pitcher, or French press.
• Strainer: A fine-mesh sieve, cheesecloth, or a clean cotton napkin.
• Patience: 12–24 hours for steeping (perfect for overnight prep!).

Step 1: Grind Those Beans

Coarse grinding is non-negotiable. Fine grounds turn cold brew bitter, like overstepped tea. Aim for chunks you can see, similar to breadcrumbs.

If you don’t have a grinder, ask your local coffee shop to grind beans for cold brew (they’ll know what to do).

Step 2: Mix Coffee and Water

Add your grounds to your container and pour in the water. Stir gently to ensure all the coffee is soaked, no dry patches allowed.

The ratio here is flexible: a 1:15 coffee-to-water ratio makes a ready-to-drink brew, while 1:4 creates a concentrate (ideal for mixing with milk or water later).

Step 3: Steep Like a Pro

Cover your container and let it sit at room temperature or in the fridge.

Room temp = 12–16 hours.

Fridge = 18–24 hours.

Longer steeping = stronger flavor, but don’t exceed 24 hours, or it’ll taste like over-extracted regret.

Step 4: Strain It Right

Line your strainer with cheesecloth or a napkin and slowly pour the mixture through. Squeeze the cloth gently to extract every last drop.

For ultra-smooth results, strain twice, first through a sieve, then through a paper filter.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Dilute concentrate with equal parts water or milk (if using), essentially a 1:1 ratio.

Pour over ice, add a splash of vanilla, or enjoy it black.

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Video Tutorial: Modern Cold Brew Basics

For a visual guide, check out the above video. Their tips on ratios and steeping apply to any method!

Pro Tips

• Experiment: Try adding cinnamon or cocoa nibs during steeping for a flavor twist.
• Go green: Compost your used grounds, they’re great for plants!
• Strength test: If your brew tastes weak, use more coffee next time. Too strong? Add water. Use The Coffee Calculator to get the best measurements to ensure your cold brew tastes its best every time!

Cold brew is forgiving, so don’t stress. Now go forth and caffeinate smoothly! ☕❄️