Cold Brew Recipe

Measure and Grind

Measure 1 cup coarsely ground coffee. Use a burr grinder set to a coarse setting (similar to raw sugar). A medium-dark roast gives a rich chocolatey body; adjust roast to taste.

Combine Coffee and Water

Place the ground coffee in the large jar or pitcher. Pour 4 cups cold filtered water over the grounds, making sure all grounds are saturated. Stir gently for 10–15 seconds to ensure even wetting.

Steep

Cover the jar and steep at room temperature or in the refrigerator for 16–20 hours. Room temp yields slightly faster extraction and brighter notes; refrigeration yields cleaner, less acidic flavor. Do not disturb during steeping.

Strain - First Pass

After steeping, place the fine mesh sieve over a clean container and pour the mixture through to separate the bulk grounds. Press gently on the grounds with the back of a spoon to extract remaining liquid, but avoid forcing sludge through the sieve.

Strain - Fine Filtration

For a clearer concentrate, line the sieve with a coffee filter, cheesecloth, or use a nut milk bag and filter the liquid a second time into a clean jar. This removes fines and reduces sediment. If you prefer a quicker method and don’t mind sediment, one pass with the sieve is acceptable.

Store

Seal the jar and refrigerate the cold brew concentrate. It will keep well for up to 10 days; best within 5–7 days for optimal flavor.

Dilute

Pour 1 cup cold brew concentrate into a serving glass and add 1 cup cold water or milk (adjust ratio to taste; 1:1 is standard, but use more water for milder coffee or more concentrate for stronger).

Sweeten (Optional)

If you want sweetened iced coffee, add about 1 tablespoon simple syrup or another liquid sweetener and stir to combine. Use a liquid sweetener so it mixes easily with cold liquids.

Serve Over Ice

Add ice cubes (about 6 or to taste) to the glass and stir briefly. Garnish with a twist of citrus or a splash of cream if desired. Enjoy immediately.

Discard spent coffee grounds (they're great for compost). Rinse and wash the jar, sieve, and any filters or cloths used. If you used a reusable cloth or nut milk bag, rinse immediately to avoid staining and odors.