This recipe is the easiest way to make cold brew coffee at home with your favorite ground coffee and no special equipment!
Anytime the weather is over 70 degrees, my craving for cold brew coffee comes out! Instead of breaking the bank buying cold brew every morning, I make a big pitcher of this cold brew with my favorite coffee grounds and keep it in the fridge all week! Not only is it more affordable, but it’s more delicious and customizable!
Just give me a glass of cold brew, and Banana Bread Muffins or Over Easy Eggs and the morning is complete.
What is Cold Brew Coffee?
Cold brew coffee is made from steeping ground coffee beans in cold water for several hours, before straining out the grounds and serving it over ice, or diluted with water or a splash of your favorite milk.
Iced coffee, on the other hand, is made by brewing hot coffee and serving it over ice.
Cold brew typically has a richer, smoother flavor, without the acidity or bitterness that iced coffee can have.
How to Make Cold Brew Coffee
Learning how to make cold brew coffee at home is life-changing! The full recipe with step-by-step instructions is in the recipe card (this is just an outline!).
- Prepare & chill cold brew.
In a pitcher or other large container, add water. Add in your favorite coffee grounds. Stir.
Cover your container and place in the fridge for 12-24 hours.
- Filter it.
Place a paper coffee filter inside a pour-over coffee maker, a sieve, or a funnel. Pour unfiltered cold brew through the paper filter into another pitcher or large container.
- Serve it.
Serve as-is, with ice, or diluted with a splash of water or milk.
Cold Brew Coffee Recipe Tips
- The only equipment needed to make this cold brew coffee is a few paper coffee filters, a pour-over coffee maker, sieve OR funnel, and 2 pitchers or other large containers.
- If you like your cold brew coffee less intense, add a splash of water before serving.
- Want to flavor or sweeten cold brew? Add your milk of choice, Whipped Cream, a dash of cinnamon, pumpkin spice, cocoa powder, chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, butterscotch, or flavored syrup!
- Spiked? Yes, cocktail cold brew! Turn your cold brew into a cocktail with vanilla vodka, coffee liquor, orange liquor or bourbon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, cold brew coffee is less acidic than hot coffee because the grounds are never exposed to heat which releases these acids. Therefore, cold brew may be a friendlier option for anyone whose stomach is sensitive to coffee!
Yes, you can absolutely use decaffeinated coffee grounds!
Of course! Feel free to grind your own coffee.
Yes! If your favorite coffee grounds are flavored, use them!
If you have two containers that can hold a double batch, you can absolutely double the recipe.
Cold brew is best enjoyed within 10 days. Store, covered, in the fridge.
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How to Make Cold Brew Coffee
Equipment
- A few paper coffee filters
- A pour-over coffee maker, sieve, OR funnel
- 2 Pitchers or other large containers (that can hold just over 8 cups)
Ingredients
- 8 cups room temperature or cold water
- 1 ⅔ cups ground coffee, whatever kind is your favorite
Instructions
- In a pitcher or other large container, add water. Add in your favorite coffee grounds. Stir.
- Cover your container and place in the fridge for 12-24 hours, depending on how concentrated you like your cold brew.
- Place a paper coffee filter inside a pour-over coffee maker, a sieve, or a funnel. Pour unfiltered cold brew through the paper filter into another pitcher or large container. You may need to replace the paper filter a few times.
- Keep cold brew, covered, in the fridge for up to 10 days. Serve as-is, with ice, or diluted with a splash of water or milk.
Video
Notes
- View other serving ideas and flavor variations in the post above!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Can you use cold foam in this as well?
Hi Kimberly,
While I haven’t tried, I think cold foam would work well!
Grace
What cofee grind are we using with this?
Hi Brian,
You can use whatever grinds you have! Just a standard drip coffee machine grind is what I use.
I hope this helps.
Grace
Love this recipe!
Hi Judy,
So happy to hear!!
Grace