Cold brew is coffee made with time instead of heat. Because the water never gets hot, it pulls fewer of the compounds that taste sharp and bitter, so the result is smooth, mellow and naturally sweet. It also keeps in the fridge, which makes it perfect for busy mornings.
What you need
- Coarse ground coffee
- Cold or room temperature filtered water
- A jar, pitcher or French press
- A fine strainer, cheesecloth or paper filter
The ratio
The National Coffee Association suggests 1 gram of coffee to 4 to 5 grams of water for a cold brew concentrate, with about 12 hours of steeping. For an easy batch, combine 85 grams (about 1 cup) of coarse coffee with 400 grams (about 1⅔ cups) of water.
Step by step
- Combine. Add coarse grounds and water to your jar and stir so every ground is wet.
- Steep. Cover and let it sit at room temperature or in the fridge for about 12 hours.
- Strain. Pour through a fine strainer, then again through a paper filter for a cleaner cup.
- Dilute and serve. Mix about 1 part concentrate with 1 part water or milk over ice. Adjust to taste.
- Store. Keep the concentrate sealed in the fridge and drink it within about a week for the best flavor.
Tips for better cold brew
- Always use coarse grind. Fine grounds make it cloudy and bitter and are hard to strain.
- Medium and darker roasts with chocolate and nutty notes taste great cold.
- Try it with a splash of milk and a pinch of cinnamon, or with our flavored coffees.
Best Haluan coffees for cold brew
Our Cold Brew coffee is blended for exactly this, and it's Box 8 in the Coffee of the Month Club.
FAQ
Is cold brew stronger than hot coffee?
The concentrate is strong, but once diluted it's usually similar to a regular cup. Strength depends on your ratio and how much you dilute it.
Is cold brew the same as iced coffee?
No. Iced coffee is hot-brewed coffee that's cooled down. Cold brew never uses heat, which is why it tastes smoother.
Can I steep it longer than 12 hours?
You can go a few hours longer for a bolder concentrate, but very long steeps can start to taste woody.
