Cold brew coffee is made using cold or room-temperature water over an extended steep, typically 12–18 hours. The slow extraction produces a concentrate that is lower in acidity than hot-brewed coffee, with a naturally smooth character that works well over ice, with milk, or as a base for coffee cocktails.
For a cold coffee made in minutes rather than hours, see our flash brew guide.
What Is Cold Brew Coffee?
Cold brew is a full-immersion brewing method using cold or room-temperature water. Unlike iced coffee, which is brewed hot and then chilled, cold brew is never exposed to heat during extraction. The extended contact time draws out the coffee's sugars and soluble compounds while leaving behind many of the acids and bitter compounds that hot water extracts quickly. The result is a concentrated coffee that you dilute before drinking.
Best Coffee for Cold Brew
Medium to medium-dark roasts with chocolate, caramel, or nutty notes tend to produce a well-rounded cold brew. Our Hodson blend works well here. Naturally processed coffees are also worth trying — their fruit character holds up well through the long steep. Browse our top picks for cold brew for more options.
Cold Brew Coffee Recipe
Small batch (yields approx. 200ml concentrate)
- 100g coffee, coarse French press grind
- 400ml cold, filtered water
Large batch (yields approx. 500ml concentrate)
- 250g coffee, coarse French press grind
- 1 litre cold, filtered water
Step-by-Step Brewing Method
A French press works well for cold brew — it's straightforward to use and easy to filter at the end.
- Combine coffee and water. Add the ground coffee and cold water to your French press. Stir gently to make sure all the grounds are saturated.
- Cover and steep. Place the lid on with the plunger pulled up. Do not plunge yet. Refrigerate and leave to steep for at least 16 hours.
- Filter. Press the plunger down slowly. For a cleaner result, pour the concentrate through a paper filter or fine mesh sieve after plunging.
- Decant and store. Transfer the concentrate into a clean, sealed bottle or jar. Store in the fridge and use within 7 days.
How to Serve Cold Brew
Cold brew is a concentrate and needs diluting before drinking. A simple starting point:
- 30ml cold brew concentrate
- 120ml cold water or milk of your choice
- Serve over ice
Adjust the ratio to taste — more concentrate for a stronger cup, more water or milk to lengthen it. Cold brew also works well as a base for iced lattes and coffee cocktails. See our cold brew martini recipe for one option.
Tips for Better Cold Brew
- Use filtered water. Water quality affects clarity and taste. If you want to go further, we stock Aquacode brewing water sachets for dialling in mineral content.
- Adjust steep time to taste. 16 hours is a reliable starting point. A longer steep produces a stronger concentrate; a shorter steep gives a lighter, less extracted result. Stay within the 12–18 hour range to avoid over-extraction.
- Try a naturally processed coffee. Natural process coffees tend to retain their fruit character well through the long cold steep, producing a cold brew with more complexity than a washed coffee at the same roast level.
- Keep everything cold. Use cold water from the start and steep in the fridge rather than at room temperature, especially in warmer months, to limit bacterial growth and produce a cleaner-tasting result.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I steep cold brew?
16 hours is a good default. You can go as short as 12 hours for a lighter concentrate or as long as 18–20 hours for something stronger. Beyond 20 hours, the risk of over-extraction increases and the flavour can turn harsh. Steeping in the fridge is recommended over room temperature for food safety and taste.
What is the difference between cold brew and iced coffee?
Iced coffee is brewed hot — usually as a strong filter coffee or espresso — and then chilled or poured directly over ice. Cold brew is never exposed to heat. The cold extraction process produces a different flavour profile: lower acidity, naturally sweeter, and generally smoother. The two are distinct drinks with different brew times, ratios, and results.
How do I make cold brew concentrate stronger or weaker?
Adjust the ratio of coffee to water. The recipes above use roughly 1:4 coffee to water by weight, which produces a concentrate designed to be diluted 1:4 again before drinking. For a stronger concentrate, increase the coffee to around 1:3. For a lighter result, use 1:5. Keep the steep time the same and adjust dilution when serving.
Can I make cold brew without a French press?
Yes. Any vessel that holds liquid works — a large jar or jug is fine. Combine coffee and water, cover, refrigerate, and steep for 16 hours. To filter, pour through a paper filter set in a sieve or funnel, or use a fine mesh strainer. The French press is convenient because it handles both steeping and initial filtering in one vessel.
How long does cold brew keep?
Up to 7 days in the fridge in a sealed container. Flavour is best in the first 3–4 days. After that it remains safe to drink but the taste can become flatter. Do not store at room temperature once brewed.
Can I use cold brew to make an espresso martini?
Yes. Cold brew concentrate works well in cocktails as a substitute for espresso. The flavour is smoother and less acidic, which changes the character of the drink slightly. See our cold brew martini recipe for a full guide.
