How to Make Cold Brew Coffee at Home (Simple Steps and Ratios)

Cold brew is smooth, low on bitterness and easy to make. You don't need a barista's training, just coarse coffee, cold water and a little patience. This guide covers the ratio, the steeping time and how to store it.

What you need

• Coarsely ground coffee (a coarse grind keeps the coffee from turning cloudy and bitter)
• Cold, filtered water if you can
• A pitcher with a fine mesh filter, such as our cold brew coffee and tea maker
• A fridge shelf or fridge door

The ratio

A good starting point is 1 cup of coarse grounds for every 4 cups of water. That makes a smooth, fairly strong brew you can drink as it is or dilute with water or milk.

For our 1.5 quart pitcher (about 6 cups), that's roughly 1½ cups of grounds and 6 cups of water. Use less coffee for a milder brew and more for a stronger one. Make a note of what you like, so you can repeat it.

Step by step

1. Add the grounds to the mesh basket.
2. Fill with cold water. Pour slowly so all the grounds get wet.
3. Put the lid on and place the pitcher in the fridge.
4. Wait 12 to 18 hours. Overnight works for most people. Shorter gives a lighter brew, and longer can taste harsher.
5. Lift out the filter and let it drain.
6. Pour over ice and add water, milk or a sweetener if you like.

Tips for better cold brew

• Grind size matters. If your coffee tastes bitter or looks muddy, your grind is probably too fine.
• Start with fresh beans. Cold brew shows off the coffee, so use beans you enjoy.
• Keep it cold. Brewing in the fridge is the easy, safe way to do it.
• Try tea. The same pitcher and filter work for iced tea. Use loose leaf tea in the basket and steep it for a few hours.

How long does cold brew keep?

Keep it covered in the fridge. Most people finish a batch within about a week. If you're unsure, go by smell and taste, and throw out anything that seems off.

Why use a pitcher with a filter?

A filter keeps the grounds contained, so there's no straining through paper or cloth. A pitcher that fits in the fridge door saves shelf space, and a leakproof lid means you can lay it down or carry it without spills. Our 1, 1.5 and 2 quart sizes cover a household of one to several coffee drinkers.

Ready to try it?

Pick a size here: Manual Cold Brew Coffee & Tea Maker. New here? Join our email list for 10% off your first order.