How to Make Cold Brew Coffee at Home (Step-by-Step Guide)
Looking for a smooth, low-acid, and refreshingly bold coffee you can make at home? Cold brew coffee is one of the easiest brewing methods—and once you dial in your ratio and technique, it delivers consistently delicious results every time.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to make cold brew concentrate, including the ideal coffee-to-water ratio, grind size, steep time, and pro tips to elevate your brew.
For this guide, we are using our collection of Cold Brew Blends.
Why Use CoffeeAM Cold Brew Blends?
Not all coffee is created equal—especially when it comes to cold brew.
Our Cold Brew Blend Collection is specifically crafted to deliver the smooth, bold, and low-acid profile that cold brewing is known for.
What makes these blends ideal for cold brew?
- Low acidity beans for a smoother, less bitter finish
- Flavor-forward profiles where chocolatey, nutty, and naturally sweet notes shine through
- Optimized for long extraction so the beans are designed to hold up over 12–16 hour steep times
- Consistent results for balanced flavor whether you drink it black or with milk
Because cold brew extracts differently than hot coffee, using a blend designed for it ensures you get maximum flavor without harshness.
We recommend ordering your Cold Brew Blends with a French Press (coarse) grind. This coarse grind size is ideal for cold brew because it prevents over-extraction, reduces bitterness and makes filtering easier. Finer grinds extract too quickly and can lead to bitterness and sediment.
What Is Cold Brew Coffee?
Cold brew coffee is made by steeping coarse-ground coffee in cold water for an extended period (typically 12–16 hours). Unlike iced coffee, which is brewed hot and then chilled, cold brew is never exposed to heat—resulting in:
- Lower acidity
- Smoother, less bitter flavor
- Naturally sweet, chocolatey notes
Cold Brew Coffee Ratio (The Key to Great Flavor)
The most important factor in cold brew is your coffee-to-water ratio.
For this recipe, use:
1:5 ratio (1 part coffee to 5 parts water)
This creates a cold brew concentrate, which you’ll dilute later when serving.
Example:
- 100g coffee
- 500g water
Using a scale ensures consistency and helps you recreate your perfect brew every time.
What You’ll Need
- Coarse ground coffee (Cold Brew Blends with a French Press grind recommended)
- Filtered water
- Scale (for accuracy)
- Cold brew maker, French press, or container
- Filter (bag, paper filter, or fine mesh strainer)
Step-by-Step: How to Make Cold Brew Concentrate
1. Grind Your Coffee (Coarse is Best)
Grind your coffee beans to a coarse consistency, similar to raw sugar or sea salt.
Why it matters:
- Prevents over-extraction
- Reduces bitterness
- Creates a smoother final cup
2. Combine Coffee and Water
Add your ground coffee to a filter bag or directly into your brewing container.
Slowly pour in your measured water (using your 1:5 ratio), making sure all grounds are evenly saturated.
3. Stir to Fully Saturate
Give the mixture a gentle stir to eliminate any dry clumps. This step is crucial for even extraction and proper concentration.
4. Steep for 12–14 Hours
Seal your container and let it sit at room temperature or in the fridge.
Steep time:
- 12–14 hours = balanced flavor
- Up to 17 hours = stronger, bolder concentrate
5. Filter Your Cold Brew
After steeping, separate the grounds from the liquid:
- Use a built-in filter system (if available)
- Or strain through a paper filter, Chemex, or fine mesh sieve
A double filtration method helps create a cleaner, smoother cup with less sediment.
6. Serve and Enjoy
You’ve made cold brew concentrate—now it’s time to drink it.
Recommended serving ratio: 1:1 (equal parts concentrate and water)
Serve:
- Over ice
- With water (for a classic cold brew)
With milk or cream for a smooth, rich finish
No Cold Brew Maker? No Problem.
You can still make amazing cold brew using:
- French press (great for small batches)
- Mason jar or pitcher
- Any container + filter setup
Just combine, steep, and strain—it’s that simple.
Pro Tips for Better Cold Brew
- Use our Cold Brew coffee collection for best results
- Always grind coarse
- Stick to your ratio for consistency
- Use filtered water for cleaner taste
- Store concentrate in the fridge for up to 7 days
Final Thoughts: Mastering Cold Brew at Home
Cold brew coffee is all about patience and precision. With the right ratio, grind size, and steep time, you can create a smooth, café-quality drink right in your kitchen.
Whether you're using a dedicated cold brew system, a French press, or a simple DIY setup, the process stays the same: measure, grind, steep, strain, and enjoy.
Happy brewing!