Cold brew is coffee steeped in cold water for 12 to 18 hours, usually in the fridge overnight. The long steep does the job heat normally would, and the result is a smooth concentrate that's lower in acidity than hot-brewed coffee. Pour it over ice, top it up with milk or shake it into a cocktail.
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 method, so the grounds sit in cold water for the whole brew. Unlike iced coffee, which is brewed hot and then chilled, it never meets heat. Hot water pulls acids and bitter compounds out of coffee quickly. Cold water works slowly and picks up less of them, so the cup tastes softer and sweeter. The recipe uses plenty of coffee for the amount of water, which makes a concentrate you dilute before drinking.
Best coffee for cold brew
Medium to medium-dark roasts with chocolate, caramel or nutty notes make a rich, rounded cold brew. Our Hodson blend is a good place to start. Naturally processed coffees are worth trying too, because their fruit holds up well through the long steep. Browse our top picks for cold brew for more options.
Cold brew coffee recipe
Small batch (makes about 200ml concentrate)
- 100g coffee, coarse French press grind
- 400ml cold, filtered water
Large batch (makes about 500ml concentrate)
- 250g coffee, coarse French press grind
- 1 litre cold, filtered water
Step-by-step method
A French press keeps it simple, because it steeps and filters in the same jug.
- Add the ground coffee and cold water to your French press. Stir gently until all the grounds are wet.
- Put the lid on with the plunger pulled up, and don't plunge yet. Steep in the fridge for around 16 hours.
- Press the plunger down slowly. For a cleaner result, pour the concentrate through a paper filter or fine mesh sieve afterwards.
- Pour the concentrate into a clean, sealed bottle or jar. Keep it in the fridge and use it within 7 days.
How to serve cold brew
Cold brew is a concentrate, so dilute it before drinking. Start with:
- 30ml cold brew concentrate
- 120ml cold water or milk of your choice
- Plenty of ice
From there, adjust to taste: more concentrate for a stronger cup, more water or milk to lengthen it. Cold brew also makes a good base for iced lattes and coffee cocktails, like our cold brew martini recipe.
Tips for better cold brew
Start with filtered water. Water makes up almost all of the finished drink, so its quality shows in the clarity and taste. If you want to go further, our Aquacode brewing water sachets let you dial in the mineral content.
Treat 16 hours as your starting point and adjust from there. A longer steep gives a stronger concentrate and a shorter one gives a lighter result. Keep within 12 to 18 hours, as beyond that the flavour can turn harsh.
Keep everything cold, from the water you start with to where it steeps. The fridge limits bacterial growth, especially in warmer months, and gives a cleaner-tasting cold brew than a room-temperature steep.
Frequently asked questions
How long should I steep cold brew?
16 hours is a good default. Go as short as 12 hours for a lighter concentrate, or up to 18 for something stronger. Much beyond 18 hours, the flavour can turn harsh. Steep in the fridge rather than at room temperature, for food safety and a cleaner taste.
What's the difference between cold brew and iced coffee?
Iced coffee is brewed hot, usually as a strong filter coffee or espresso, then chilled or poured straight over ice. Cold brew is made with cold water from start to finish. That gives a sweeter, smoother cup with lower acidity. Brew time, ratio and taste all differ, so they're two separate drinks.
How do I make cold brew concentrate stronger or weaker?
Change the ratio of coffee to water. Both recipes above use about 1:4 by weight, which makes a concentrate you dilute 1:4 again to drink. For a stronger concentrate, go to around 1:3. For a lighter one, try 1:5. Keep the steep time the same and fine-tune when you dilute.
Can I make cold brew without a French press?
Yes. A large jar or jug works fine. Combine the coffee and water, cover, and steep in the fridge for 16 hours. To filter, pour it through a paper filter set in a sieve or funnel, or through a fine mesh strainer. A French press saves a step because it steeps and filters in the same jug.
How long does cold brew keep?
Up to 7 days in a sealed container in the fridge. It tastes best in the first 3 or 4 days, after which the flavour starts to flatten. Once it's brewed, keep it in the fridge.
Can I use cold brew to make an espresso martini?
Yes. Cold brew concentrate swaps in for espresso and makes a smoother, less acidic drink. Our cold brew martini recipe has the full method.
