Cold brew coffee guide
old brew is made by steeping ground coffee in cold water for several hours, then straining it. There’s no hot brewing involved, just a little preparation and time.
This guide shows you how to make a batch with ordinary kitchen equipment, ready to enjoy over ice or with milk.
What you'll need
- Clean, food-safe jar or jug with a lid or cover
- Coarsely ground coffee, similar to cafetière grind
- Fresh, cold drinking water
- Mug for measuring
- Spoon for stirring
- Fine-mesh sieve
- Paper coffee filter and a suitable holder, optional for a clearer drink
- Clean jug or bottle for the strained coffee
- Space in the fridge
Using whole beans? You’ll also need a grinder. No scales or dedicated cold-brew maker required.
A simple cold brew recipe
Use half a mug of coarsely ground coffee to two mugs of cold water, using the same mug for both.
Stir together in a clean jar or jug, cover and leave in the fridge for 12–16 hours before straining.
This makes a stronger brew to adjust when serving. Start with a small glass, then add cold water or milk to suit your taste.
How to brew
Step 1: Add the coffee. Put half a mug of coarsely ground coffee into a clean, food-safe jar or jug. Choose a container with room for the coffee and water, plus space to stir.
Step 2: Add cold water. Using the same mug, add two mugs of fresh, cold drinking water. Stir gently until all the grounds are wet.
Step 3: Cover and refrigerate. Cover the container and leave it in the fridge for 12–16 hours.
Step 4: Strain. Pour through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean jug. For a clearer drink, pass it through a paper coffee filter in a suitable holder afterwards. Let it drain naturally rather than squeezing the grounds or filter.
Step 5: Serve to taste. Pour a small amount into a glass and add cold water or milk until it tastes right to you. Add ice if you like.
Step 6: Keep chilled. Transfer the remaining strained coffee to a clean, covered bottle or jug and return it to the fridge. Add milk only to the portion you’re serving.
Taste and adjust
Too strong? Add a little hot water to your finished cup.
Too weak? Use a little more coffee next time with the same amount of water.
Tastes bitter? Try a slightly shorter brewing time or, if grinding your own beans, a slightly coarser grind.
Tastes sharp or sour? Try brewing a little longer or using a slightly finer grind.
Change one thing at a time. The coffee itself also affects the flavour, so these are starting points, not fixed rules.
