Introduction
Cold brew concentrate is coffee steeped in cold water for many hours, then strained into a strong base you dilute when you drink it. Because it never touches hot water, the result tastes smoother and less sharp than coffee brewed hot and poured over ice. One batch lasts several days in the fridge, so you can have a glass ready every morning. This guide covers the exact ratio, the steps, how to dilute it, and how to fix the most common problems.
Prep Time & Quick Specs
| Prep Time | 5 minutes |
| Steeping Time | 12 to 18 hours |
| Yield | About 3 cups of concentrate, or roughly 6 servings once diluted |
| Fridge Life | Up to 7 days, in a sealed container |
| Skill Level | Beginner |
What You Need
- 1 cup (about 85 g) whole coffee beans, medium or dark roast
- 4 cups (about 950 ml) cold filtered water
- A large jar or pitcher with a lid, such as a cold brew pitcher with a built-in filter
- A fine-mesh strainer, plus a paper filter or clean cloth if you use a plain jar
How to Make Cold Brew Concentrate
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (about 85 g) coarsely ground coffee
- 4 cups (about 950 ml) cold filtered water
Steps:
- Grind the beans coarse, about the texture of sea salt. If you are unsure how coarse to go, our coffee grind size guide shows what each grind looks like.
- Add the ground coffee to your jar or pitcher.
- Pour in the cold water slowly, making sure all the grounds are wet. Give it one gentle stir.
- Cover and steep for 12 to 18 hours, at room temperature or in the fridge. The fridge gives a slightly milder result, room temperature a slightly stronger one.
- Strain the coffee through a fine-mesh strainer lined with a paper filter or clean cloth. Let it drip without pressing, since squeezing the grounds can make the concentrate bitter and cloudy.
- Pour the concentrate into a sealed bottle or jar and keep it refrigerated.
How to Dilute Cold Brew Concentrate
Concentrate is meant to be diluted. Start at 1:1 and adjust to taste.
| Strength | Concentrate | Water or Milk |
|---|---|---|
| Strong | 1 part | 1 part |
| Medium | 1 part | 1.5 parts |
| Mild | 1 part | 2 parts |
Pour it over ice, and remember that melting ice will thin the drink a little more.
3 Easy Ways to Serve It
1. Vanilla Cold Brew
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup cold brew concentrate
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 tsp pure maple syrup
- Ice cubes
Steps:
- Fill a tall glass with ice.
- Add the concentrate and water.
- Stir in the vanilla and maple syrup.
2. Oat Milk Cold Brew Latte
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup cold brew concentrate
- 1/2 cup cold oat milk
- Ice cubes
Steps:
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Pour in the concentrate.
- Top with the oat milk and stir gently.
3. Cinnamon Cold Foam Cold Brew
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup cold brew concentrate mixed with 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup cold milk
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp pure maple syrup
- Ice cubes
Steps:
- Pour the diluted cold brew over ice in a glass.
- Combine the milk, cinnamon, and maple syrup in a small cup.
- Froth for 20 to 30 seconds with a milk frother until thick.
- Spoon the foam over the cold brew.
Troubleshooting
- Tastes bitter: The grind was probably too fine, or it steeped too long. Go coarser next time and steep closer to 12 hours.
- Tastes weak or watery: Use less water for the same amount of coffee, or steep closer to 18 hours. You can also dilute less when serving.
- Looks cloudy or has sediment: Strain a second time through a paper filter and avoid pressing the grounds.
- Tastes flat after a few days: Keep the concentrate sealed and cold, and use it within a week.
Cold Brew vs. Iced Coffee
Cold brew is steeped cold for hours, while iced coffee is brewed hot and then cooled or poured over ice. If you want an iced drink in minutes instead of overnight, a machine with a dedicated over-ice setting can help. Our Ninja CM401 review explains how that setting works and what it does not do.
FAQ
What is the best coffee to English use for cold brew?
Medium or dark roasts tend to give a smooth, chocolatey cup, but any bean you enjoy will work. Use whole beans and grind them just before steeping.
Can I use pre-ground coffee?
Yes, but choose a coarse grind if possible. Fine pre-ground coffee often makes cold brew bitter and hard to strain.
Should I steep it in the fridge or on the counter?
Both work. The fridge is slightly milder and safer in hot weather, and the counter is slightly stronger and a little faster.
How long does cold brew concentrate last?
Up to about 7 days in a sealed container in the fridge. Flavor is best in the first few days.
Conclusion
Cold brew concentrate takes about five minutes of work and one night of waiting. Start with the 1:4 ratio, dilute to your taste, and adjust the grind and steep time on your next batch.
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