Cold Brew Recipe

Combine coffee and water

Place 1 cup coarsely ground coffee in a large jar or pitcher. Pour 4 cups cold filtered water over the grounds, ensuring all grounds are saturated. Gently stir once or twice to make sure there are no dry pockets.

Steep

Cover the jar or pitcher with a lid or plastic wrap. Let the mixture steep at room temperature or in the refrigerator for 12 to 18 hours (12 hours produces a lighter concentrate; 18 hours extracts more flavor and body).

First strain

After steeping, place a fine mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth or a coffee filter over a clean container. Slowly pour the coffee and grounds through the sieve to remove the bulk of the grounds. Allow the liquid to drain; gently press the grounds with a spoon to extract more liquid but avoid forcing bitter solids through.

Second strain (optional, for clarity)

For a clearer concentrate, pour the strained cold brew through a second filter (a fresh coffee filter or fine cheesecloth) into another clean pitcher. This removes fine particles and yields a smoother cup.

Store concentrate

Seal the container and refrigerate the cold brew concentrate. It will keep fresh for up to 7–10 days; best within the first 5 days.

Fill a glass with 1 cup ice (about 1 cup by volume).

Add 1 cup cold brew concentrate to the glass.

Top with 1 cup cold water or milk (use less milk/water for a stronger drink). Stir gently to combine.

Taste and add simple syrup or sweetener if desired (about 1 tablespoon per glass). Adjust to taste and stir until dissolved.

Serve immediately over ice. Store any unused concentrate refrigerated and dilute when serving.