Iconik Coffee Recipe

Combine coffee and water

In a clean 1-quart jar or container, combine 1 cup coarsely ground dark-roast coffee with 4 cups cold filtered water. Stir gently to ensure all grounds are saturated.

Steep

Cover the container and steep at room temperature or refrigerated for 16 to 20 hours. For a slightly brighter flavor, steep 12–15 hours; for deeper, smoother body, aim for 18–20 hours.

Strain

After steeping, pour the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth (or a coffee filter) into a clean container. Let it drain naturally; do not press the grounds. If clarity is desired, strain a second time through a fresh filter.

Store concentrate

Refrigerate the cold brew concentrate in a sealed container for up to 7 days. This yield will be a concentrate approximately 1:4 coffee to water strength.

Prepare glass and ice

Fill an 8-ounce serving glass with 1 cup ice cubes.

Dilute and sweeten

Add 1 cup cold brew concentrate to the iced glass, then add 1 cup cold water or milk to dilute to preferred strength. Stir once. Taste and add 1 tablespoon simple syrup (or sweetener) if desired; stir to combine.

Finish with cream (optional)

If using cream, gently pour 2 tablespoons heavy cream or half-and-half over the top for a layered effect, then stir to integrate for a richer mouthfeel.

Garnish and serve

Express an orange or lemon peel over the glass to release oils, rim or drop it in. Add a mint sprig if desired. Serve immediately.

Adjust concentrate dilution to preference. For a stronger cup, use a 1:1 concentrate-to-water ratio; for a milder drink, increase dilution. Use freshly ground coffee and cold filtered water for best flavor. Simple syrup can be flavored (vanilla, cinnamon) for variation.