Introduction
Cold brew coffee has taken the coffee world by storm with its smooth, rich, and low-acid flavor profile. If hot, bitter coffee leaves a harsh aftertaste, cold brew coffee might just be the perfect refreshing alternative. This cold brew coffee recipe offers a simple guide to making your own cold brew concentrate at home, requiring just two ingredients and minimal effort. Whether it’s a hot summer day or a daily routine, this versatile coffee method brings delicious, chilled coffee to your glass, naturally less bitter and incredibly smooth.
Table of contents
Table of Contents
What is Cold Brew Coffee?
Cold brew coffee is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in cold or room temperature water for an extended period, usually 12 to 24 hours. Unlike iced coffee, which is brewed hot and then chilled, cold brew uses cold water throughout, resulting in a coffee that is less acidic, smoother, and richer in flavor. This brewing method highlights the coffee’s natural sweetness and reduces bitterness, making it a favorite for many coffee enthusiasts worldwide.
PrintCold Brew Coffee Recipe: Easy Homemade Cold Brew Coffee at Home
This cold brew coffee recipe is a simple, easy way to make smooth, richly flavored coffee at home by steeping coarsely ground coffee in cold water for 12 to 24 hours. The result is a less acidic, less bitter coffee concentrate perfect for diluting with milk or water and serving over ice—a refreshing and flavorful alternative to traditional iced coffee. With just two ingredients and minimal equipment, this method delivers a convenient, homemade coffee that can be stored and enjoyed throughout the week.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Storage time: 12 hours
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 12 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 600 ml 1x
- Category: Beverage, Coffee
- Method: Cold steeping, Filtration
- Cuisine: Coffee-based drink
Ingredients
- 40 grams coarsely ground coffee beans (preferably a medium to dark roast)
- 600 ml cold, filtered water
Instructions
- Coarsely grind the coffee beans. Freshly ground beans yield the best flavor. Avoid fine grinding to reduce sediment in your brew.
- Place the coffee grounds in a mesh strainer or directly into a glass container.
- Pour the cold, filtered water over the coffee grounds. Ensure all grounds are fully saturated.
- Gently stir the mixture to combine.
- Cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap.
- Let the coffee steep in the refrigerator for 12 to 24 hours. The longer the steep, the stronger and more concentrated the coffee will be.
- After steeping, strain the coffee to remove the grounds. Use a fine mesh strainer lined with a coffee filter or cheesecloth for clearer coffee.
- Transfer your cold brew concentrate to a sealed container and store in the refrigerator.
- To serve, dilute the concentrate with water, milk, or your favorite milk alternative according to taste. Enjoy over ice for a refreshing beverage.
Notes
- Use coarsely ground coffee to avoid over-extraction and bitterness.
- Experiment with steeping times: 12 hours for lighter flavor, up to 24 hours for stronger concentrate.
- Store cold brew coffee in the fridge for up to two weeks in an airtight container.
- Dilute as per your preference! Some like it 1:1 with water or milk, others prefer stronger or weaker brews.
- Cold brew concentrate can be used to make iced lattes, mochas, or coffee cocktails.
- If you want a cold brew with less sediment, filter twice or use a French press to strain.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 240 ml serving
- Calories: 5
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 10 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Cold Brew Coffee Recipe
Nutritional Information (per 240 ml serving, diluted)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 5 |
| Sugar | 0 g |
| Sodium | 10 mg |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0 g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 0 g |
| Trans Fat | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 0 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is cold brew coffee?
Cold brew coffee is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in cold water for 12-24 hours, producing a smooth and less acidic coffee concentrate.
How is cold brew coffee different from iced coffee?
Iced coffee is brewed hot and chilled, whereas cold brew is brewed cold over many hours, which reduces bitterness and results in a smoother taste.
How long should I steep cold brew coffee?
Steeping time ranges from 12 to 24 hours; longer steeping results in a bolder coffee concentrate.
Can I store cold brew coffee?
Yes, cold brew concentrate keeps well refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 2 weeks.
How do I serve cold brew coffee?
Dilute the coffee concentrate with water, milk, or milk alternatives to your taste, and serve over ice for a refreshing drink.
Conclusion
Making cold brew coffee at home is an easy and rewarding way to enjoy rich, smooth coffee with minimal bitterness. This cold brew coffee recipe requires just two ingredients but delivers delicious results suitable for daily refreshment or special coffee creations. With simple steps and a long steeping time, cold brew coffee brings convenience and quality together in a refreshing beverage perfect for any season.
