Cold brew is coffee at its smoothest—a rich, full-bodied coffee concentrate steeped in cold water for hours, resulting in a naturally sweet, low-acid brew. Unlike iced coffee, which is brewed hot and chilled, cold brew is never exposed to heat, allowing it to develop a mellow, chocolatey, and almost caramel-like flavor.
With its strong yet smooth taste, cold brew is incredibly versatile—served black, with milk, over ice, or even mixed with flavors and sweeteners.
What Makes Cold Brew Different?
🔹 Brewed Cold, Not Hot – Unlike iced coffee, which is brewed hot and then chilled, cold brew is slowly steeped in cold water for 12–24 hours, extracting flavors gently for a smoother, richer profile.
🔹 Naturally Low in Acidity – Since cold brew avoids high temperatures, it produces less acidity than regular coffee, making it easier on the stomach.
🔹 Stronger & More Caffeinated – Cold brew is often made as a concentrate, meaning it’s stronger than regular coffee and diluted with water or milk before serving.
How to Make Cold Brew Coffee
Note: There is a difference between making cold brew concentrate and making ready-to-drink cold brew.
🔹 Cold Brew Concentrate:
- Ratio: Use a 1:4 ratio to make concentrate.
- To serve: Concentrate must be diluted with a 1:1 ratio before serving. For example, mix 1 cup of concentrate with 1 cup of water. Add a splash of milk and some ice.
- Fridge life: Concentrate tastes best within 7 to 10 days, and is safe to drink for 14 days.
🔹 Ready-to-Drink Cold Brew:
- Ratio: Use a 1:8 ratio to make ready-to-drink cold brew. (You can adjust this depending on your preferences, but you can also dilute it when serving. It is always easier to dilute strong cold brew than it is to fix a batch that's too weak!)
- To serve: Pour and enjoy! Dilute if desired. Add a splash of milk and some ice.
- Fridge life: Ready-to-drink cold brew tastes best within 2 to 4 days, and is safe to drink for 7 days.
☕ Ingredients
- 1 cup (4 oz / 113g) coarsely ground coffee
- 4+ cups (32 oz / 950ml) cold, filtered water
🌡 Brewing Guide
- Water temperature: Cold, straight from the fridge or room temperature
- Steeping time: 12–24 hours
Step-by-Step Brewing Guide
1️⃣ Coarsely Grind the Coffee
- Use a coarse grind, similar to raw sugar or sea salt, to ensure a clean, smooth extraction.
2️⃣ Combine Coffee & Cold Water
- In a large jar, pitcher, or French press, mix 1 cup (4 oz / 113g) of coffee grounds with 4 cups (32 oz / 950ml) of cold, filtered water.
- Stir gently to ensure all the grounds are fully saturated.
3️⃣ Steep Slowly for 12–24 Hours
- Cover and let the coffee steep in the fridge or at room temperature for 12–24 hours.
- A longer steep time creates a stronger, more concentrated brew.
4️⃣ Breathe It In
- ☕ Breathe it in. The deep, rich aroma of cold brew is an invitation to awaken—not just the body, but the soul. That’s why we encourage you to take that extra second or two to pause and enjoy your coffee before drinking by smelling it and thinking, “Taste and see that the Lord is good.”
5️⃣ Strain the Coffee
- Use a fine-mesh sieve, coffee filter, or cheesecloth to remove the grounds. Strain twice to remove all the sediment.
- Store the cold brew concentrate in the fridge for up to two weeks.
6️⃣ Serve & Customize
- Dilute the concentrate (1:1 ratio) with water, milk, or a milk alternative.
- Add ice, syrups, or a splash of cream for a more indulgent version.
Cold Brew vs. Other Cold Coffee Drinks
✔ Cold Brew vs. Iced Coffee: Iced coffee is brewed hot and chilled, while cold brew is steeped in cold water, making it smoother and less acidic.
✔ Cold Brew vs. Nitro Cold Brew: Nitro cold brew is infused with nitrogen gas, giving it a foamy, creamy texture, while standard cold brew is still.
✔ Cold Brew vs. Iced Americano: An Iced Americano is espresso diluted with cold water, while cold brew is slow-steeped for a more mellow taste.
Why Choose Cold Brew?
- For a Naturally Sweet, Low-Acid Coffee Experience – Cold brew is rich, smooth, and easy on the stomach.
- Perfect for Batch Brewing – A single batch of concentrate can last up to two weeks, making it great for busy mornings.
- Highly Customizable – Whether you enjoy it black, with milk, or flavored, cold brew is the perfect foundation for countless coffee creations.
☕ Next Up: Affogato – The Perfect Marriage of Espresso & Ice Cream
