Cold brew is a brewing method that involves steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in cold or room temperature water for 8 to 24 hours. To make your own cold brew at home in a glass jar or pitcher, you will need the right coffee beans, coffee-to-water ratio, grind size, high-quality filter water, and the right place to steep it.
So, what does cold brew taste like? Cold coffee brew generally tastes more floral, less bitter, less sour, and less rubbery compared to hot brew coffee. A 2022 peer-reviewed study by researchers from the Department of Food Science and Technology at the University of California found that these taste differences are mainly due to higher pH (lower acidity) in cold brew. The study revealed that cold brew has a higher preservation of volatile aromatic compounds like phenylacetaldehyde, linalool, and geraniol, and a minimum extraction rate of organic acids, making it a smoother and more aromatic beverage.
Today, there are countless variations, preparation methods, and recipes to make different types of cold brew concentrate, all with different tastes, caffeine contents, and nutritional profiles. Some popular examples include vanilla sweet cream, pumpkin cream, or nitrogen-infused nitro cold brew. To answer questions like how much coffee to put in cold brew, how coarse to grind the coffee, and what coffee grind is best for cold brew, refer to the following cold brew guide.
What Is a Cold Brew Coffee?
Cold brew, also known as "Café infusé à froid" in French or "Kalt gebrühter Kaffee" in German, is a brewing method where coffee grounds are steeped in water at cool temperatures (between 68°F and 77°F or 20 and 25°C) for an extended period, typically 12 to 24 hours. Cold brew, according to Tea & Coffee Trade Journal, is a cold water extraction process that is "leading the next wave of coffee culture," distinct from hot brewing methods like drip or espresso, which currently dominate coffee consumption in the United States.
In North American specialty coffee shops, cold brew coffee refers to a dark brown beverage often prepared the day before using cold drip towers, full immersion, or cold brew makers (like Toddy, Takeya, or OXO). The resulting cold brew concentrate is then filtered and served with ice, water, or milk, a booming trend that is taking the coffee industry by storm due to its milder, less acidic, naturally sweeter, and fruitier flavor.
Fortune Business Insights reports cold brew coffee in convenient grab-and-go formats like ready-to-drink (RTD) bottles, cans, and cartons is the fastest-growing new trend, projected to grow 413.29% from $3.16 billion in 2024 to $16.22 billion by 2032. The recent surge in cold brew coffee's popularity is, in many ways, a rediscovery of an age-old Asian coffee tradition. Chloë Callow, an editor of Caffeine magazine, notes in her book "Cold Brew Coffee: Techniques, Recipes & Cocktails for Coffee's Hottest Trend" that cold brew has been part of Japan's vibrant café society for centuries.
What Is the Origin of Cold Brew?
The earliest origin records of cold brew coffee point to Kyoto, Japan, in the 1600s. This Kyoto-Style Japanese cold coffee was brewed using a unique method: cold water was dripped over coffee grounds in tall, elegant towers over an extended period of time (8 to 12 hours). One theory suggests that this method was influenced by Dutch traders, possibly due to fire hazards on merchant ships prohibiting brewing with hot water. This necessity led to experimentation with cold brewing methods, cold brew ratios, and steeping time. The result was a smoother, less bitter coffee that gained popularity throughout Asia, known historically as "Dutch coffee" or "cold drip coffee."
Today, cold brew has evolved with countless types, flavors, and variations in recipes, ingredients, and preparation methods, and can now be found in a variety of establishments, from cafes to convenience stores.
How Is Cold Brew Made?
Cold brew coffee is made using cold water extraction or cold pressing method by steeping (soaking) coarsely ground coffee in a chilled or room temperature water (between 68°F and 77°F or 20 and 25°C) for up to 24 hours. This cold water extraction process results in a smoother, less acidic coffee with a unique flavor profile. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make cold brew at home.
- Choose high-quality single origin arabica coffee beans.
- Use a 64 oz (1.98 liters) glass pitcher, a Mason jar, or a French press coffee maker that will allow for 8 eight-ounce servings.
- Use a cold brew ratio of 1:8 (125 grams or 25 tablespoons of coffee to 1,000 mL of water) to make ready-to-drink cold brew, or a 1:4 ratio for cold brew concentrate.
- Choose a coarse grind size, similar to the texture of coarse sea salt, in the 800-1000 μm (microns) range.
- Use purified drinking water from brands like Dasani, Aquafina, Pure Life, Crystal Geyser, or others.
- Steep cold brew concentrate in the refrigerator overnight for 8 to 24 hours or more.
- Use a fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or coffee filter to strain the coffee grounds.
- Serve your cold brew chilled over ice. Enjoy it black, or add water, milk, or cream to taste.
What Is the Easiest Way to Make Cold Brew?
Making cold brew in a Mason jar is the simplest, most efficient, and most affordable method that produces smooth, delicious cold brew coffee concentrate in large batches without a cold brew maker. To make cold brew in a Mason jar, use a 1-5 liter (33-169 fl oz) glass mason jar with a screw thread on the lid that accepts a metal filter to strain the coffee grounds after steeping.
A 2021 online survey of 125 individuals who regularly drink cold brew, conducted by the Chemical and Veterinary Research Office Karlsruhe (CVUA), found that steeping in readily available glass containers (e.g., mason jars, pitchers, or vases) was the most common home preparation method due to its affordability.
Another easy option for making cold brew at home is using a 12-cup glass French press. Although it has a smaller capacity than a glass mason jar, it's faster and easier to clean up and store in the refrigerator. Making cold brew in a 12-cup French press gives you cold brew concentrate of up to 1.5 liters (50 oz). For those who make cold brew in large batches, dedicated cold brew makers like cold drip coffee makers, cold brew bottles, or cold brew kegs offer convenience, consistency, and ease of use.
How Do Cold Brew Coffee Makers Work?
Cold brew coffee makers allow you to make cold brew in larger quantities, using a system with built-in filters, measurement markings, airtight seals, and spouts, making them a convenient option, although they can be more expensive than DIY methods. For those interested in exploring dedicated cold brew makers, the following table provides a list of popular options, along with descriptions of how to use them, and current prices.
| Cold Brew Coffee Maker | How it Works | Price in USD |
|---|---|---|
| Toddy Cold Brew System | Classic immersion brewer with felt filters | $49.00 to $68.50 |
| OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker | Rainmaker top for even water distribution | $49.99 |
| Hario Mizudashi Cold Brew Coffee Pot | Slim design fits in most refrigerator doors | $24.99 |
| Takeya Patented Deluxe Cold Brew Coffee Maker | BPA-free plastic, dishwasher safe | $27.99 |
| Filtron Cold Brew Coffee System | Commercial-grade with wool filter | $39.95 |
| Cuisinart Automatic Cold Brew Coffee Maker | Makes cold brew in as little as 25 minutes | $99.95 |
| KitchenAid Cold Brew Coffee Maker | Sleek stainless steel design with tap | $89.99 |
| Primula Burke Deluxe Cold Brew Coffee Maker | Borosilicate glass carafe with protective holder | $17.99 |
| Willow & Everett Cold Brew Coffee Maker | Glass carafe with stainless steel filter | $29.99 |
| Bean Envy Cold Brew Coffee Maker | Includes a scoop and funnel for easy filling | $28.97 |
| Dash Rapid Cold Brew Coffee Maker | Makes cold brew in 5-15 minutes | $129.99 |
| Asobu Coldbrew Portable Cold Brew Coffee Maker | Insulated to keep coffee cold for hours | $49.99 |
| Gourmia GCM6850 Cold Brew Coffee Maker | Digital display with multiple brewing modes | $59.99 |
| County Line Kitchen Cold Brew Mason Jar Coffee Maker | Uses a standard mason jar with stainless steel filter | $24.99 |
| Bruer Cold Drip System | Slow-drip method for smooth, low-acid coffee | $79.99 |
| Simple Life Cycle Cold Brew Coffee Maker | All-in-one system with storage capability | $32.99 |
| Airtight Cold Brew Iced Coffee Maker by Coffee Gator | Includes measuring scoop and collapsible funnel | $35.99 |
| Zulay Kitchen Premium Cold Brew Coffee Maker | Extra-thick glass and non-slip silicone base | $29.99 |
| Ovalware Airtight Cold Brew Iced Coffee Maker | Precision-cut filter and measured glass carafe | $35.99 |
| Coffee Bear Cold Brew Coffee Maker | BPA-free with laser-cut filter | $25.97 |
So, how much coffee do you add to a cold brew maker? The amount depends on the specific type of maker and the coffee-to-water ratio you choose, whether you're making ready-to-drink cold brew or cold brew concentrate.
What Is a Cold Brew Ratio?
Cold brew ratio is the proportion of coffee grounds to water used in making cold brew coffee, typically expressed either by volume (e.g., 1:4) or by weight (e.g., 1:16). While there is no single "best" cold brew ratio, as personal preferences vary, several studies have explored optimal ratios for balanced flavor and extraction.
To make cold brew with an optimal taste, low acidity, and rich body that is ready to drink, researchers from the Center for Sensory Analysis and Consumer Behavior at the Kansas State University recommend a medium roast with a cold brew ratio of around 1:8 (125 grams or 25 tablespoons of coffee to 1,000 mL of water).
To make cold brew less bitter, a 2023 study by Xiuju Wang from the Department of Food Science at the University of Guelph suggests the optimal cold brew ratio as 1:9 (100 grams of coffee to 900 mL of water). This cole brew ratio, according to study, offers a good balance between flavor and extraction, resulting in a less bitter taste and optimal levels of non-volatile compounds like caffeine and chlorogenic acids.
For cold brew concentrate, a 2020 study by Denis Richard Seninde published in Food Research International recommends a higher cold brew coffee ratio, such as 1:4 (250 grams of coffee to 1,000 mL of water). Cold brew concentrate is a highly concentrated form of cold brew coffee designed to be diluted with water, milk, or other liquids before drinking. This chart illustrates the relationship between coffee-to-water ratios and the corresponding amount of coffee (in grams) needed per liter of water for cold brewing.
What Is the Right Grind for Cold Brew?
Cold brew grind size significantly impacts the extraction, strength, and flavor profile of the coffee. To make a cold brew, a medium to coarse grind with a 800-1000 μm (microns) range, similar to that used for French press, is generally considered a gold standard. This grind size allows for optimal extraction of sweetness, fruitiness, and body, while reducing the risk of over-extraction, bitterness, and undesirable flavors, according to peer-reviewed studies.
For example, a 2019 study by Nancy Cordoba from the Faculty of Engineering, Doctorado en Biociencias at the Universidad de La Sabana, found that a coarse grind (701 to 900 μm) using a BUNN commercial grinder achieved the best overall taste results for cold brew, with a stronger sweetness, fruity and floral flavors, lower bitterness and acidity, and a creamy body.
To reduce sourness while avoiding bitterness in cold brew coffee, a 2023 study published in Applied Food Research recommends a medium grind (equivalent to level 3 on a BODUM commercial burr grinder) with an average particle size of 754 µm. This grind size achieved a high extraction efficiency and yield while reducing the risk of over-extraction, whereas coarse grind between 889 µm and 1057 µm showed slower initial extraction rates, lower efficiency, and required longer steeping times to achieve similar extraction yields.
Fine ground coffee, on the other hand, has a larger surface area that is designed for hot brewing methods, like espresso. When used for cold brew, fine grounds can lead to faster extraction, make it difficult to filter out, and clog filters, making it difficult to strain the coffee. This chart illustrates the different grind sizes for cold brewing coffee and their corresponding sizes in millimeters.
What Kind of Coffee Beans Are Best to Grind for Cold Brew?
The best coffee beans to grind for cold brew are the ones that balance flavor, quality, affordability, and sustainability. However, there's no one-size-fits-all answer to what are the best coffee beans for cold brew, as coffee beans vary significantly in caffeine content, varietals, origin, roast level, and price. To make cold brew, the ideal choice depends on individual preferences, the specific type of cold brew drink, and budget constraints.
A 2021 observational study by Linda Claassen published in the Foods Journal surveyed individuals who regularly make cold brew and found that single-origin Arabica coffee beans were preferred by over 53% of consumers compared to 1.7% of participants who choose Robusta coffee blends. Interestingly, the remaining participants (over 41%) did not know what kind of coffee variety they use.
To make homemade cold brew more caffeinated, a 2017 study by Megan Fuller from Thomas Jefferson University revealed that using medium roast coffee beans results in higher caffeine extraction than dark roast beans. For those seeking to reduce acidity in their cold brew, a 2018 study by Niny Z. Rao suggests choosing coffee beans from Brazil, Colombia, or Mexico, which have the lowest acidity and highest pH levels, as shown in the following graph.
While choosing the right beans is crucial for a delicious cold brew, the type of water you choose can also significantly impact the final result.
What Is the Best Water To Make Cold Brew?
Purified water, according to experts at Fresh Water Systems, a company specializing in water filtration and purification, is the ideal choice for making cold brew coffee. Purified water has undergone filtration or processing to remove impurities such as chemicals, bacteria, and other contaminants.
John Woodard, a technical training manager and master water specialist at Fresh Water Systems, recommends making cold brew using purified soft drinking water (bottled, reverse osmosis, or distilled) that lacks chlorine, has a moderate total dissolved solids (TDS) of 150 ppm, and a pH of 7.0 to enhance the its flavor. The concentration of total dissolved solids and minerals in water significantly affects its taste, and consequently, the taste of cold brew coffee.
To make cold brew more aromatic, a 2022 study by Mackenzie E. Batali from the University of California's Department of Food Science and Technology found that brewing coffee with commercially purified water at 53 ppm TDS enhances the extraction of desirable flavors while minimizing bitterness and sourness.
For those seeking a stronger and potentially healthier cold brew, a 2020 study by Katarzyna Janda from the Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin on the mineral composition and antioxidant potential of coffee brewed with different methods supports the use of filtered drinking water to optimize the caffeine, mineral, and antioxidant profiles of coffee, potentially making cold brew more potent.
While tap water, groundwater, or surface water are commonly used to make cold brew coffee at home, these sources often contain chlorine, chloramines, and fluoride, which can negatively impact the flavor profile, create bitter tastes, and suppress the overall flavor of cold brew coffee. However, research by Bill B. Wang in 2021 on water treatment methods in San Bernardino County suggests that tap water treated with electrolysis to reduce TDS can be a viable and economical alternative to bottled water for cold brew.
This image depicts the sequential stages of a conventional water treatment process, from initial intake and screening to final disinfection and distribution for safe consumption.
How Long Should You Steep Cold Brew For?
Traditional cold brew methods recommend you should steep coffee grounds in water for 8-24 hours, much longer than hot brewing. However, the ideal steeping time for cold brew can vary significantly depending on desired strength, personal preference, and even the specific method used.
For example, the Toddy cold brew system's user manual suggests that steeping for 8-24 hours creates a smooth, rich flavor. Meanwhile, a 2017 study published in Scientific Reports found that caffeine reaches near maximum concentration in cold brew after just 6-7 hours (or 400 minutes) instead of 10 to 24 hours as outlined in typical cold brew guidelines. This suggests that you can make your cold brew stronger even with shorter steeping times.
Interestingly, a 2021 study from the University of Sigmaringen found that most people who regularly make cold brew at home steep it for 14-26 hours, with an average of 16 hours. Remarkably, over 6% of people choose to steep for more than 44 hours. The following image illustrates the most popular steeping times for cold brew based on the study findings.
How To Filter Cold Brew Coffee After Steeping?
Filtering cold brew coffee after steeping means straining out the coffee grounds using a paper filter, cheesecloth, or fine mesh strainer. Here's how:
You will need:
- A fine mesh strainer or coffee filter
- A large bowl or container
- Your cold brew coffee
How To Filter Cold Brew Coffee:
- Place the strainer or filter over the bowl or container.
- For finer filtration, line the strainer with cheesecloth.
- Slowly pour the cold brew coffee through the strainer or filter.
- Let the coffee filter through. This may take a few minutes.
- Once filtered, transfer your cold brew to a clean container for storage.
How Long Can You Store Cold Brew Coffee?
Storing cold brew coffee means transferring your cold brew concentrate after brewing to a glass airtight container and storing it, ideally in the refrigerator, or in any cool, dark place for up to two weeks (14 days).
There is no single answer to how long cold brew lasts, as this depends on storage conditions, ingredients, and personal preferences. A long storage period (several days to weeks) can lead to microbial growth, including potential pathogens, which affects the taste, according to researchers from the Department of Life Sciences at the University of Applied Sciences Albstadt-Sigmaringen.
In their 2021 study published in Foods Journal, most participants consumed their cold brew within 36 hours. While cold brew can technically be stored for several days, researchers recommend drinking freshly made cold brew coffee on the same day for optimal taste and quality.
Interestingly, storing cold brew at a slightly warmer temperature (around 59°F/15°C) may result in a more caffeinated brew, compared to lower temperatures (41°F/5°C), according to a 2021 study published in the Food Science and Technology Journal. However, this is not recommended for long-term storage due to the increased risk of spoilage.
How Does Storage Affect Cold Brew Caffeine?
Caffeine is generally stable under typical cold brew storage conditions, meaning that the amount of caffeine in your cold brew shouldn't change significantly over time if stored properly in the refrigerator. Research by Damian Maksimowski from the Department of Functional Food Products Development at the Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences in 2023 supports this conclusion.
While the caffeine levels in cold brew can be high, often surpassing regular coffee as shown in a 2017 study (1,230 mg/L vs. 970 mg/L for regular coffee) and a 2023 study (37% more caffeine), these levels remain relatively stable during proper storage.
However, to answer the question of "how much caffeine is in cold brew coffee" it's important to understand that caffeine content can vary significantly based on grind size, roast level, water temperature, brewing time, coffee-to-water ratio, type of coffee beans, water composition, and more (as shown in this graph).
Can You Make a Decaf Cold Brew?
Yes, you can. Decaf cold brew is a type of cold brew coffee made with decaffeinated beans. It contains significantly less caffeine than regular cold brew, with only 2-15 mg per 8 oz (237 mL) serving compared to 200 mg. The brewing process is the same for both types, involving steeping coarsely ground beans in cold water for 12-24 hours. Decaf cold brew typically has 0-5 calories per serving when drunk black.
How to Drink Your Cold Brew Coffee
There are many different ways to drink, serve, and enjoy cold brew coffee. Jack Simpson, the 2024 World Barista Champion from Axil Coffee Roasters, suggests one way to enjoy cold brew is to serve it over ice in a tall glass, ensuring it's well-chilled to appreciate its smooth, rich flavor. Enhance the experience by garnishing with a slice of orange or a sprig of mint for added freshness and aroma.
Alternatively, experts at Toddy Cold Brew System recommend mixing 1 part cold brew concentrate with 2 parts water or milk, then pouring it over ice. For a gentle hot coffee, stir the same concentrate-to-water ratio with steaming (not boiling) hot water. For those looking to recreate popular cold brew recipes at home, simply combine cold brew coffee with a mixture of heavy cream, pumpkin puree, or vanilla syrup.
What Are Some Different Cold Brew Drink Recipes?
There are many different types of cold brew drink recipes. Some popular varieties include classic cold brew, nitro cold brew, Kyoto-style cold brew, flavored options (like pumpkin cream or vanilla sweet cream), and decaf.
- Nitro Cold Brew: Nitro cold brew, also called nitrogen-infused coffee, is cold brew infused with nitrogen gas to create a creamy, smooth texture with a foamy head. While the exact origin is often debated, Nate Armbrust, working for Stumptown Coffee Roasters, reportedly created nitro coffee in 2013.
- Kyoto-Style Cold Brew: Kyoto-style cold brew, also known as slow-drip coffee, is a Japanese method of brewing coffee that involves slowly dripping cold water over coffee grounds for 8-24 hours, producing a smooth, less acidic cold brew concentrate. Kyoto-style cold brew was developed in Kyoto, Japan in the 1600s and typically uses a tall, narrow glass tower with three chambers.
- Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew: Pumpkin Cream cold brew, introduced by Starbucks in 2019, is a cold brew coffee topped with pumpkin cream cold foam and pumpkin spice. While a 16 oz (473 mL) serving of the original Starbucks version contains approximately 185 mg of caffeine, 250 calories, and 31 grams of sugar, there are numerous copycat recipes with varying calorie counts.
- Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew: Introduced by Starbucks in 2016, Vanilla Sweet Cream cold brew combines cold brew coffee with house-made vanilla sweet cream for a smooth, subtly sweet flavor. A 16 oz (473 mL) serving typically contains 185 mg of caffeine, 110 calories, and 14 grams of sugar.
New Orleans cold brew, matcha cold brew, and Irish cream cold brew are different variations of making the popular cold brew coffee trend, each with unique flavor profiles, caffeine content, and ingredients.
What Is the Difference Between Cold Brew and Other Types of Coffee Drinks?
The difference between cold brew and other types of coffees such as iced coffee, espresso, or latte lies in the brewing process and resulting flavor profile. Cold brew is made by long-contact cold water extraction while hot coffee is brewed quickly with hot water, extracting more of the beans' oils and acids, which can lead to a more bitter and complex taste.
Is Cold Brew the Same as Iced Coffee?
No, cold brew is not the same as iced coffee. Cold brew involves steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in room temperature water for 8 to 24 hours, while iced coffee is simply hot-brewed coffee served over ice, which is done in minutes using any brewing process like hario, AeroPress, or French press. When deciding between cold brew vs. iced coffee, consider that cold brew offers a smoother, less acidic flavor due to its longer extraction process, whereas iced coffee provides a quicker, more traditional coffee taste with higher acidity.
Is Cold Brew the Same as Nitro Cold Brew?
No, the primary difference in cold brew vs. nitro cold brew lies in the infusion of nitrogen gas in the latter, resulting in a creamy texture and foamy head similar to Guinness beer. While both cold brew and nitro cold brew begin with the same cold brew concentrate base, nitro cold brew undergoes an additional pressurization process, leading to secondary differences in texture, a smoother, sweeter taste, serving method, visual appearance, and equipment needed.
Which Cold Brew Brands Offer the Best Coffee?
The following cold brew brands offer the best ready-to-drink coffee.
- Starbucks Cold Brew
- Chameleon Cold-Brew
- La Colombe Cold Brew
- Stumptown Coffee Roasters Cold Brew
- Grady's Cold Brew
- High Brew Coffee
- Califia Farms Cold Brew Coffee
- Secret Squirrel Cold Brew
- Slingshot Coffee Co.
- Rise Brewing Co.
- Wandering Bear Coffee
- Blue Bottle Coffee Cold Brew
- Bizzy Cold Brew
Other coffee brands such as Lifeboost Coffee, Death Wish Coffee Company, Coffee Bros, and Powerbean Coffee sell coffee beans well-suited for making homemade cold brew.
Does Powerbean Coffee Have Coffee Beans For Cold Brew?
Yes, Powerbean Coffee offers specialty coffee beans specifically designed for cold brew. Cold Brew Organic Medium Roast Coffee from Powerbean Coffee is available in both whole bean and coarse ground options, sourced from Central and South America for a smooth, chocolatey flavor profile.
