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How to Make Perfect Cold Brew Coffee

Published: Dec 16, 2025

Cold Brew Coffee - Coarse-ground coffee steeps in cold water for 12-24 hours, resulting in a smooth, less acidic, and highly caffeinated concentrate. This method extracts flavors without the bitterness associated with hot brewing. Diluted with water or milk, it creates a refreshing iced coffee that is perfect for warm weather.

Cold Brew Coffee - I started making cold brew when I realized how much I was spending at coffee shops. The 12-hour steep time is completely hands-off—I just set it up before bed. That smooth, low-acid concentrate keeps for a week, making my mornings effortless. I love having café-quality coffee ready in seconds, without the bitterness or the $6 price tag.

Dietary Notes
  • ✓ Low Acidity
  • ✓ Smooth & Less Bitter
  • ✓ Make-Ahead Convenience
  • ✓ Highly Caffeinated

Why You'll Love This

  • Smooth Flavor: Cold water extraction reduces bitterness.
  • Concentrate Efficiency: Makes multiple servings.
  • Convenient: Ready in the fridge whenever you are.
  • Customizable Strength: Dilute to your perfect taste.
Note Image

Cold Brew Coffee

👩‍🍳 Author: Chef Nour
Prep Time: 10min
❄️ Cool Time: 720
🔥 Cook Time: 0min
🥨 Yield: 4
🍞 Method: Steeping
🌾 Diet: Vegan
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restaurant Ingredients

  • 1 cup coarsely ground coffee beans
  • 4 cups cold, filtered water
  • for serving additional water or milk
  • to taste simple syrup or sweetener
  • for serving ice
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Ingredient Notes:

  • Coarsely ground coffee beans Coarse grind prevents bitterness and makes smoother cold brew. Burr grinder gives consistent grounds and better flavor.
  • Cold, filtered water Filtered water keeps coffee taste clean. Cold water extraction makes cold brew low acidity and smooth.
  • Additional water or milk Dilute concentrate to taste. Milk makes it creamy; water keeps it classic and refreshing.
  • Simple syrup or sweetener Sweetener dissolves best in concentrate. Use syrup for easy mixing without grainy sugar.
  • Ice Serve over ice for a cold, refreshing coffee. Large ice cubes melt slower and dilute less.
  • For serving (optional add-ins) Vanilla, cinnamon, or a splash of cream can make it taste like a coffee shop drink.

list_alt Instructions

  1. 1
    Add the coarsely ground coffee to a large jar, French press, or dedicated cold brew pitcher.
  2. 2
    Pour the cold, filtered water over the grounds. Stir gently to ensure all grounds are saturated.
  3. 3
    Cover and let steep at room temperature or in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours. Steeping at room temperature yields a stronger brew faster; the refrigerator method is slower but may be slightly smoother.
  4. 4
    After steeping, strain the coffee concentrate. If using a French press, press the plunger down slowly. If using a jar, strain through a fine-mesh sieve lined with a coffee filter or cheesecloth into a clean container.
  5. 5
    To serve, fill a glass with ice. Combine equal parts cold brew concentrate and water or milk (e.g., ½ cup concentrate + ½ cup water/milk). Adjust ratio to taste.
  6. 6
    Sweeten with simple syrup if desired, and stir. Add cream or milk as preferred.

Nutrition Facts

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Calories 5
Protein 0g
Carbs 1g
Fiber 0g
Sugar 0g
Fat 0g
Sodium 10mg
Potassium N/A
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Serving Suggestions

Serve over ice in a tall glass. Dilute the concentrate with an equal part water, milk, or your favorite milk alternative. Sweeten with simple syrup (which dissolves easily in cold drinks) and add cream if desired. Garnish with a coffee bean or cinnamon stick.

How to Store?

Store the cold brew concentrate in an airtight container (like a mason jar) in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Do not store it diluted. Always dilute just before serving. The concentrate can be frozen into ice cubes to use in iced coffee without watering it down.

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