Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate
A coarse grind and a patient 14-hour steep produce a clean, low-bitterness concentrate that keeps in the refrigerator for an easy iced coffee.
Non-alcoholicMake it like a pro.
- 01
Combine the coarse coffee grounds and two and two-thirds cups cold water in a large jar, stirring until every ground is wet.
- 02
Cover and steep at room temperature for 14 hours, then strain slowly through a fine-mesh sieve lined with a coffee filter or clean cloth.
- 03
For each serving, combine one half cup concentrate with one half cup cold water over ice. Adjust the dilution to taste.
Tools for This Recipe
Helpful equipment for making this recipe at home.
A compact strainer for spices, coffee, and small-batch drink preparation.
View on AmazonKitchen scaleEtekcity Food Kitchen Scale, 11 lbEtekcityA digital scale for repeatable coffee and ingredient measurements.
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Easy swaps
- Dilute with milk or unsweetened plant milk instead of water for a creamier glass.
- Steep in the refrigerator for 18 hours when you prefer to keep the jar fully chilled.
- Use decaffeinated coarse-ground coffee for a lower-caffeine concentrate.
Mixpert tips
- A grind resembling coarse sea salt filters more cleanly than fine coffee.
- Refrigerate undiluted concentrate in a sealed container and use within seven days.
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Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate FAQs
Can I make cold brew with decaf beans?
Yes. Use coarse-ground decaf coffee at the same coffee-to-water ratio and follow the same steeping and filtering method. Dilute the finished concentrate to taste. Decaf still has some caffeine, and exact content depends on the beans and brewing conditions.
What is the best ratio for cold brew coffee?
This concentrate uses one part coffee to five parts water by weight, then dilutes one-to-one for serving. Weighing both ingredients is more dependable than comparing cups of grounds with cups of water.
How long should cold brew steep?
Fourteen hours at room temperature is a reliable starting point. A refrigerated steep generally needs closer to 18 hours.