Classic Cold Brew Recipe
Make Classic Cold Brew Recipe in just 20h 20m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Cold Brew Concentrate
To Serve (per cup)
Equipment & Optional Extras
Method
Cold Brew Concentrate
Combine coffee and water
Add 1 cup coarsely ground coffee to a large jar or pitcher. Pour 4 cups cold, filtered water evenly over the grounds to saturate them. Stir gently for 10–15 seconds to ensure all grounds are wet.
Steep
Cover the jar with a lid or plastic wrap and let it steep at room temperature or in the refrigerator for 16 to 20 hours. Steeping at room temperature yields slightly brighter flavors; refrigeration produces a smoother profile.
Strain the grounds
After steeping, place a strainer lined with cheesecloth or a coffee filter over a clean container. Pour the coffee+water mixture through the filter to separate the liquid from the grounds. If using cheesecloth, strain once, then strain a second time through a clean filter to remove fine sediment.
Optional second filtration
For a clearer concentrate, pass the liquid through a second fine mesh filter or paper coffee filter. This may be slower but yields a cleaner cup with less grit.
Store concentrate
Transfer the finished cold brew concentrate to a sealed container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 10–14 days; best consumed within 7 days for peak freshness.
To Serve (per cup)
Fill a serving glass with 1 cup ice.
Pour 1/2 cup cold brew concentrate over the ice, then add 1/2 cup water or milk (adjust dilution to taste; typical ratio is 1:1 concentrate to liquid).
Stir in sweetener if desired (about 1 tablespoon simple syrup or to taste). If using a granular sweetener, dissolve it first in a little warm water or use a liquid sweetener.
Top with 1 tablespoon milk foam or cream if desired for a richer mouthfeel. Garnish with a twist of citrus peel for a bright note (optional).
Cleanup & Notes
Discard spent coffee grounds (compost if possible). Rinse and clean the jar, strainer, and filters. If reusing equipment, wash filters and cheesecloth thoroughly to avoid residual oils and flavors.
Concentrate strength: this recipe yields a medium-strength concentrate. For a stronger concentrate, increase coffee to 1.25 cups per 4 cups water; for a lighter concentrate, use 3/4 cup coffee.