Brewing guide
How to Make Cold Brew at Home: Ratio and Filtering
Steep 100 g coarsely ground coffee in 800 g drinking water in a clean, covered container in the refrigerator for 12–18 hours. Filter and add water to taste when serving. This recipe produces a strong starting brew.
Cold brew is not hot coffee chilled with ice: the coffee steeps in cool water for an extended period. Concentrate and ready-to-drink recipes are different too. The 1:8 ratio here refers to water added to the brewing vessel. You will collect less liquid because the grounds retain some water. Test dilution on a small serving first.
Starting recipe
| Coffee | 100 g |
|---|---|
| Water | 800 g |
| Brew ratio | 1:8 |
| Grind | Coarse |
| Steep | 12–18 hours in the refrigerator |
| Serving | Dilute to taste |
Equipment
- Covered, food-safe jar
- Scale
- Strainer and paper filter
- Clean serving bottle
Step by step
1. Combine coffee and water
Put 100 g coffee in the clean vessel. Add 800 g water and stir gently until there are no dry pockets.
2. Steep in the refrigerator
Cover, record the preparation time and refrigerate. After 12 hours, filter a small sample to assess it; continue toward 18 hours if needed.
3. Filter in two stages
Remove larger grounds with a strainer, then pass the liquid through a paper filter. Slow paper-filter flow is normal; forcing the grounds can increase sediment.
4. Dilute a small serving
For example, add 50 g water to 100 g filtered coffee first. Taste and add more water if needed. Allow for dilution as ice melts.
Using a French press instead of a jar
A suitably sized French press can serve as the steeping vessel. After plunging, use a paper filter if you want a clearer drink. Do not confuse this process with the four-minute hot French-press recipe.
Storage and additions
Keep it covered in a clean container in the refrigerator. For best flavour, make small batches and aim to use them within 2–3 days; this is not a validated shelf-life claim. Add milk to the serving rather than the entire bottle.
Troubleshooting
| Too strong | Dilute the serving first rather than changing both steep time and brew ratio. |
|---|---|
| Too much sediment | Try a coarser grind and a paper filter; avoid squeezing the grounds. |
| Weak or hollow flavour | Check weights and wetting; change just steep time or dose for the next batch. |
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same as iced filter coffee?
No. Iced filter coffee is brewed hot and chilled over ice; cold brew steeps at a low temperature.
Does cold brew contain less caffeine?
That cannot be assumed. Dose, brewing and serving dilution affect the result; caffeine has not been measured for this recipe.
Is a paper filter essential?
No, but it is useful if you prefer less sediment and a clearer drink.
Choosing coffee
Compare Brazil and House Blend using the same recipe. Cold brew does not automatically require the darkest roast; choose according to your preferences.
Related guides
- French Press Brewing: Ratio, Time and Less Sediment
- How to Make Japanese-Style Iced Filter Coffee
- Coffee-to-Water Ratio: Calculator and Brewing Table
These measurements are starting suggestions; adjust for your equipment and taste. The image is an AI-generated illustration.