Give your day a little extra kick in the pants with this strong Cold Brew Coffee Recipe! No special equipment required!
Brewing your own cold brew means you can be sipping on rich, smooth, and totally irresistible cold brewed coffee any time you want!
Then… take your love of chilled coffee one step further when you make this velvety smooth Coffee Slush or this heavenly Mocha Frappe!
Cold Brew Coffee Recipe
Did you know you can make a totally groovy batch of cold brew coffee… without any special equipment?
With this easy recipe, I’m going to show you how to strain your grounds and masterfully make cold brew coffee concentrate… without a hitch!
K.D. writes: “I had never made cold brew coffee before, wanted to so badly but was nervous to. This looked easy enough. I tried it and LOVED it! It’s a weekly staple in my house now!”
I am always looking for fun new ways to enjoy my favorite beverage in the whole world… yes ~ I’m talking about Coffee!!
Oh I admit my love for coffee is a little extraordinary. How could it not be, though… it’s a full on love affair! 😉
Growing up in Seattle coffee culture, and then working an internship at the Starbucks Headquarters kind of set me up for a full blown coffee obsession.
And now that I’m living in sunny Arizona, I’m all about iced coffee.
When it comes to chilled drinks with a kick of caffeine, this cold brew coffee is such a delicious way to cool down on a hot day!
It’s strong, refreshing, and the perfect boost provider for those afternoon slumps.
Plus… no fancy equipment is required. The only cold brew coffee device you’ll need is your pitcher and a colander… and you’re set!
Who needs cold brew coffee from Starbucks?
Thanks to this EASY hack, now you can make perfectly rich, strong cafe style coffee at home!
Trust me, this is going to be so much easier than you think…
Related: 20 Easy Coffee Recipes You Need To Try!
Do You Need A Machine For Cold Brew Coffee?
Thanks to my simple brewing hack for cold brew coffee, you won’t need any machine for cold brew coffee.
You’ll just need an air tight pitcher, a coffee filter… and a small colander.
Cold Brew Coffee Ingredients
You’ll just need two simple ingredients to make delicious cold brew coffee at home!
- Ground Coffee (your favorite blend)
- Cold Water
That’s it. So simple!
The Perfect Cold Brew Coffee Ratio
Now there’s a LOT of talk about what is the perfect cold brew coffee ratio.
After a lot of trial and error, I’ve found the perfect ratio to be: 1:4. As in… 1 cup Ground Coffee to 4 cups of Water. This will make the BEST, STRONG cold brew cup of coffee you’ve ever had!
This is of course easily scaleable, so if you’d like to make more… increase it, and if you’d like to make less, just cut it in half.
And when all is said and done… I honestly wouldn’t get too hung up on the ratio. Yes, this is coming from a girl who worked at the Starbucks headquarters. Because guess what… it truly is up to you!
This is the perfect ratio for a STRONG cold brew, but if you like it less strong, just add more water. It really is that simple to tailor it to your preferences! In the end… it’s about creating a cup of coffee you love!
How to Make Cold Brew Coffee Stronger
Here’s a pro tip for you! Want to make your cold brew coffee even stronger?
Make up a second batch and freeze it in ice cube trays!
You see, when you sip on your coffee slowly… regular ice cubes can water it down. No thanks. We’re all here for the strong coffee, am I right?
That’s where these Cold Brew Iced Coffee Cubes come into play!
Simply pour brewed some cold brew coffee into an empty ice cube tray.
Then pop the tray in the freezer to freeze up those little coffee cubes!
When you’re ready to enjoy your cold brew later, pop some coffee cubes in your glass, then fill with your cold brew. Problem solved!
How to Brew Cold Brew Coffee at Home
So are you ready to whip up some deliciously strong cold brew?
It’s so much easier than you think!
Here’s how to make cold brew coffee concentrate…
1. Start by soaking your coffee/water mixture in the refrigerator as specified.
2. Next, place a coffee filter in your colander. Then have your colander rest inside the pitcher for extra stability.
3. Finally, use my tips in the recipe card below for how to strain your coffee grounds.
The process of straining your grounds can take several minutes, so give yourself plenty of time.
Once done, your cold brewed coffee is ready to serve & enjoy!
Just pour into your favorite glass or Mason Jar, add a little cream, and sip away!
Scroll down for the printable recipe card with detailed, step-by-step instructions.
Cold Brew Coffee Reviews
Here’s What Your Frugal Friends Are Saying About This Cold Brew Coffee Recipe…
One reader writes: “Followed all the directions and it worked great. Coffee was soo good”
Sherri writes: “Awesome way to make cold brew at home!”
Mo writes: “I will never make cold brew coffee any other way. Thank you!”
Dawn writes: “So much better (and cheaper) making it at home, and so much better than store-bought!!”
Shirley writes: “I So love this. It is so good.”
Liz writes: “I love this method!! So easy! So easy! I highly recommend using a strainer and a coffee filter!”
Rebecca writes: “Such an easy hack! I absolutely love this! Love the lower acidity of cold brew.”
K.D. writes: “I had never made cold brew coffee before, wanted to so badly but was nervous to – that I would waste the coffee. This looked easy enough. I tried it and LOVED it! It’s a weekly staple in my house now (while it’s still warm outside)!”
Rosie writes: “We used to make cold brew using special filters, but then found a pitcher with the filter inside for making cold brew. The best part is how easy it is to double brew and make some really strong espresso concentrate, instead of just drip coffee! If you love cold brew, it’s a game changer!”
Cold Brew Coffee Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup Ground Coffee
- 4 cups Cold Water, (use filtered water for best flavor)
Instructions
- Gather your ingredients and supplies.
- Add coffee grounds and water to an airtight pitcher, stir, and place in the refrigerator overnight to steep. For the smoothest flavor, you'll want to steep around 18 - 20 hours.
- After your coffee has finished steeping, pour Coffee slowly through Coffee Filter before serving. This process will take several minutes… but I promise it’s worth it!!
- For stability, I placed my Coffee Filter in a small colander. You could also use a metal strainer instead of a coffee filter.
- Once the coffee has dripped through, you're ready to enjoy!
- To serve, just pour into your favorite glass or Mason Jar, add a little cream, and sip away!
Notes
- Simply pour brewed some cold brew coffee into an empty ice cube tray.
- Then pop the tray in the freezer to freeze up those little coffee cubes!
- When you're ready to enjoy your cold brew later, pop some coffee cubes in your glass, then fill with your cold brew. Problem solved!
Like this recipe? Rate & comment below!More Energizing Coffee Recipes
Now that was easy, wasn’t it?
Are you still thirsty? Don’t worry… I’ve got you covered!
I know you’re going to LOVE these fun Coffee Recipes and fun Beverage Recipes, too!
You can never have enough inspiration for fun drinks…
Mocha Frappe Recipe (Easy Copycat Frappuccino)
Enjoy your favorite frappe beverage at home when you make this super easy Mocha Frappe Recipe.
Easy Coffee Slush Recipe
Add a little spring to your step and some chillax to your summer with this Coffee Slush Recipe!
Easy Mocha Shake Recipe
Cool off on a hot day with this Easy Mocha Shake Recipe! It’s rich, creamy, and ridiculously delicious!
Easy Coffee Punch Recipe
Keep your party energized with this delicious, Easy Coffee Punch Recipe!
How to Make Espresso at Home Without a Fancy Machine!
Get ready for the best espresso of your life!. I’m going to show you how to make the perfect cup of espresso, how to create copycat versions of your favorite coffee shop drinks, and even how to foam milk with your French press
Easy Homemade Vanilla Coffee Creamer
Get ready for some coffee bliss when you make this easy Homemade Vanilla Coffee Creamer!
Homemade Vanilla Coffee Syrup Recipe
Skip the store-bought syrup, and make your own with this easy Homemade Vanilla Coffee Syrup Recipe!
21 Easy Coffee Recipes at Home!
Enjoy these Easy Coffee Recipes at Home, and enjoy a day filled with a little extra energy!!
More Fabulous Drinks To Sip On
Southern Sweet Tea Recipe (Southern Heaven)
Make it up by the pitcher, and store some in your refrigerator to satisfy those cravings on a whim. It’s so EASY to make and seriously frugal, too!
Sweet Tea Slush Recipe
No more lying in the hammock wondering how to make a slushie with Iced Tea… just a few easy steps, and you’re on your way to frozen southern sweet tea bliss!
20 Best Slushie Recipes
Make your summer even more amazing with one of these Best Slushie Recipes! Yum Yum Yummy!
Walmart Grocery Shopping Deals (HUGE List of Secret Tips)
Make your next trip to Walmart extra thrifty when you use my favorite shopping hacks and tricks!
Sam’s Club Grocery Deals and Steals
Start scoring yourself some fabulous Sam’s Club Deals and Steals when you are prepped with these little-known shopping hacks!
So have you tried this easy Cold Brew Coffee Recipe yet?
Share with us in the comments below!
i have been making cold brew for a few years using a Mr. Coffee Iced Tea Maker. I had one sitting in my pantry & thought of the idea.. I let 2 cups of water & 1/2 cup of coffee grinds brew in a liquid measuring cup for 24-36 hours in the refrigerator.. I pour the coffee using a filter into the pitcher. Viola, cold brew!!!
That’s so creative, Laura… thanks so much for sharing!
Merci pour ce bon café
Bonne soirée
Avec plaisir, Delphine. 🙂
This is brilliant. Love it! I can’t get my cold brew brand locally anymore and this way I can use any coffee I like!
That’s true, Rebecca… it’s so nice to be able to customize your cold brew with your favorite coffee blend! 🙂
I love cold brew coffee so much and this is such a fantastic idea to use a colander especially if one doesn’t own a french press.
Thanks, Christie… it really is such a simple little trick! 🙂
Hi Heidi,
Thanks a lot for the Coffee Recipe. Looking to enjoy my holidays with great coffee. You too Enjoy the Holidays !
A Very Happy New Year ! Cheers
~ Donna
You’re very welcome… I’m so glad you enjoyed the cold brew recipe!
Thanks Heidi, I didn’t realise it was so easy to make cold brew! I’m off to make this now, but before I go I just wanted to say thanks, and that I will look through the other coffee recipes, they look great!
You’re very welcome, Angela! Yes… cold brew coffee is really a cinch to make. Enjoy! 😉
I have been making this for months… love it!! They do make “filter bags” for this process, but instead of purchasing one of those I use knee highs. Yes, I said knee highs. I bought a package of the cheapies, washed them by hand and let them dry. I put the coffee grounds into a knee high and drop that into the pitcher of water (I stretch the top over the mouth of the pitcher then put the lid on so the “bag” is kind of suspended in the water). After 24 hours, I just have to remove the bag – Done! No waiting for the straining! I then dump out the used grounds, rinse out the knee high and let it dry.
I use knee highs too! Glad to see that I’m not the only one!
This Cold Brew Coffee is just perfect for my hot summer. I like it.
Fantastic… I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
I have tried the recipe given by u of Cold Brew Coffee and its amazing…. Its very simple.
So glad you liked it, James! 🙂