Do you love cold brew coffee but find yourself buying it too often? I used to do the same, especially during warm days when a smooth iced coffee sounded perfect. Eventually, I realized that making cold brew coffee at home is simple, affordable, and much easier to customize than anything I usually order from a coffee shop.
Now, I rarely buy coffee out unless I am meeting a friend or spending time away from home. When I make it myself, I can control the strength, the roast, the amount of ice, and whether I want it black, creamy, or lightly sweetened. It also saves a few dollars, which adds up quickly if you drink coffee often.
I personally enjoy a bold, dark roast coffee with a deep flavor. Sometimes coffee shop cold brew is delicious, but it does not always have the richness I like. Since I am particular about my coffee, this homemade cold brew coffee recipe has become my favorite way to prepare it.
Cold brew coffee is different from regular iced coffee. Iced coffee is usually brewed hot and then chilled or poured over ice. Cold brew, on the other hand, is made by steeping coarse ground coffee in cold filtered water for several hours. This slow brewing method creates a smoother cup with lower acidity and a clean, mellow taste.
More Delicious Beverage Ideas
In our household, my daughter and I are the main coffee drinkers, so I usually prepare a small batch that works well for two people. She does not drink coffee every single day, which means I sometimes get an extra serving. Making a smaller batch is convenient because the coffee stays fresh and we do not have a large container sitting in the refrigerator for too long.
This recipe uses a French press, which makes the process very easy. You do not need any special cold brew equipment. A French press helps steep the coffee and strain it when it is ready, all in one container. If you do not have one, you can still make cold brew in a mason jar and strain it through cheesecloth, a nut milk bag, or a fine mesh strainer.
To begin, add coarse ground coffee to the French press. Coarse grind works best because it is easier to filter and gives the cold brew a smoother texture. A dark roast is my personal preference, but you can use your favorite coffee beans or roast level.
Next, add cold filtered water. You could technically use hot water, but that would start a different brewing process. Hot water causes coffee to bloom quickly and release different flavors and aromas. With cold water, the coffee extracts slowly, which helps create a smoother flavor and reduces some of the acidity.
Start by adding only a splash of cold water to the coffee grounds. Stir well so the grounds are evenly moistened. This helps prevent dry pockets and makes sure all the coffee begins steeping properly. After that, pour in the remaining water and stir again.
Place the lid on the French press, but do not press the plunger down yet. The coffee needs time to steep, and pressing too early will stop the grounds from circulating in the water.
Transfer the French press to the refrigerator and allow the coffee to brew for 12 to 24 hours. This resting time is important for homemade cold brew coffee. If you prefer a lighter taste, 12 hours is usually enough. If you enjoy a stronger, deeper flavor, let it steep closer to 24 hours.
The longer the coffee sits, the more intense the flavor becomes. You can experiment with the timing to find the strength you enjoy most.
When the cold brew is ready, slowly press the French press plunger down to separate the coffee grounds from the liquid. Pour the cold brew into a glass, preferably over ice, and enjoy it right away.
You may drink it black, add cream, or stir in your favorite sweetener. The beauty of homemade cold brew coffee is that every glass can be made exactly the way you like it.
If you make this cold brew coffee recipe, feel free to share how you served it. It is a simple drink, but small changes like roast type, brewing time, cream, or sweetener can make each batch taste a little different.
Thank you so much for your love and support. I hope this easy homemade cold brew becomes a regular part of your coffee routine.
Cold Brew Coffee
5 minutes
12 hours
12 hours 5 minutes
An easy homemade cold brew coffee recipe made with coarse ground coffee, cold filtered water, and a French press. Smooth, refreshing, and simple to customize with cream or sweetener.
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons coarse ground coffee, preferably dark roast
- 16 fl oz filtered cold water
- Cream and sweetener, as desired
Instructions
- Add the coarse ground coffee to a French press. Pour in a small splash of cold filtered water to wet the coffee grounds.
- Stir the coffee well so all the grounds are evenly moistened. Add the remaining cold filtered water and stir again.
- Place the lid on the French press, but do not press the plunger down. Leave it resting at the top.
- Transfer the French press to the refrigerator and let the coffee steep for 12 to 24 hours. Brew for 12 hours for a milder flavor or closer to 24 hours for stronger cold brew.
- When ready to serve, slowly press the plunger down to filter the coffee. Pour the cold brew over ice and add cream or sweetener if desired.
Notes
I usually start another batch as soon as the first one is finished so there is always fresh cold brew ready in the refrigerator.
If you do not have a French press, use a mason jar for brewing and strain the coffee through a nut milk bag, cheesecloth, or a fine mesh strainer.
Use coarse ground coffee for the best texture and easier filtering.
Did you make this recipe?
Please leave a comment and share how you enjoyed your homemade cold brew coffee.