Easy Homemade Cold Brew Coffee Recipe

My First Cold Brew Mistake

I tried making cold brew years ago. I used hot water. It was terrible! I still laugh at that. Cold brew needs cold water. It is a gentle, slow process.

This matters because patience makes better coffee. Rushing makes it bitter. Good things take time, like a garden growing. What is your biggest kitchen mistake? I would love to hear your stories.

Why This Coffee is Special

This method is so simple. You just mix grounds with cold water. Then you walk away. The fridge does all the work while you sleep.

It makes a coffee “concentrate.” That is a strong coffee base. You mix it with water or milk later. This matters because you control the strength. You make it just for you. Fun fact: Cold brew is often less acidic than hot coffee. Many folks find it easier on their tummy.

Let’s Make It Together

Find a big jar or bowl. Pour in four cups of cold water. Sprinkle one cup of coarse ground coffee on top. Watch it bloom for a minute. It looks like it’s waking up.

Now stir it gently. Cover it and put it in the fridge. Leave it for about half a day. Doesn’t that sound easy? Do you prefer a jar or a pitcher for drinks like this?

The Secret to Smooth Coffee

After 12 hours, we strain it. I use a cheesecloth in a strainer. Pour the coffee slowly through it. I always strain it twice. It catches the tiny grit.

This step gives you that smooth, silky sip. No sludge at the bottom of your glass! This matters because texture is part of the joy. A smooth drink feels like a treat.

Your Perfect Cup Awaits

Now you have your concentrate. It keeps for two weeks in the fridge. To serve, fill a glass with ice. Pour some concentrate over it.

Here is the fun part. Add water, milk, or a sweetener. Find your perfect mix. I like mine with a splash of milk. How will you make yours? Tell me your favorite way to drink it.

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Cold Water	4 cups
Medium to Coarse Ground Coffee	1 cup

My Easy, Icy Cold Brew Coffee

Hello, my dear! Come sit at the counter. Let’s make some cold brew. It’s my favorite summer treat. I love how smooth it tastes. No bitterness at all! It just takes a little patience. Perfect for a slow morning. Doesn’t that sound lovely?

I learned this from my grandson. He showed me one hot July. I still laugh at that. Now I make it every week. It’s simpler than you think. You just need coffee, water, and time. Let me walk you through it.

• Step 1: Grab a big jar or bowl. Pour in four cups of cold water. Now, sprinkle your coffee grounds on top. Watch them float and bloom! It looks like a dark, cozy island. Let it sit for a minute. Then give it a good stir. (My hard-learned tip: Use a wooden spoon. It doesn’t hold onto old flavors.)
• Step 2: Put a lid on your jar. Now, the waiting begins! Slide it into the fridge. Let it rest for 12 to 14 hours. I always make mine before bed. It brews while I dream. In the morning, it’s ready to strain. Do you think it brews faster in the back or front of the fridge? Share below!
• Step 3: Time to catch the grounds. Layer cheesecloth in a strainer. Place it over a clean bowl. Slowly pour your coffee through. All those grounds get left behind. For super smooth coffee, strain it twice. You’ll be left with a beautiful, dark concentrate. Doesn’t that smell amazing?

Keep this concentrate in the fridge. It stays good for two weeks. To make a glass, pour some over ice. Add water or milk to your liking. A little sugar or vanilla is nice too. Find your own perfect ratio. That’s the fun part!

Cook Time: 12-14 hours (hands-off)
Total Time: 12 hours 5 minutes
Yield: 4 servings of concentrate
Category: Drink, Beverage

Three Fun Twists to Try

Once you master the basic recipe, try playing! Here are my favorite little twists. They make each glass feel special.

• Vanilla Cinnamon Dream: Add a vanilla bean and cinnamon stick to the jar before brewing.
• Chocolatey Mocha: Mix a tablespoon of cocoa powder into your coffee grounds.
• Orange Zest Sparkle: Add strips of orange peel to the water. It’s so bright and cheerful!

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

Serving It Up Right

I love serving this in my tall glasses. Always use plenty of ice. For a treat, drizzle caramel on the inside of the glass first. A splash of cream makes a pretty swirl. It’s nice with a buttery shortbread cookie on the side.

For pairings, a fizzy lemonade is lovely for the kids. For the grown-ups, a little coffee liqueur mixed in is decadent. So, what will it be? Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Cold Brew Perfectly Chilled

Your cold brew concentrate is a wonderful friend in the fridge. It keeps well for up to two weeks. Just make sure it’s in a sealed jar or pitcher.

I remember my first batch. I left it in a bowl with just a plate on top. It tasted like yesterday’s onions by day three! A tight lid keeps other flavors out. This matters because your hard work deserves to stay delicious.

Batch cooking this is so smart. One simple jar saves you time all week. You can pour a glass anytime you like. It makes busy mornings feel calm and special.

Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Fixing Common Cold Brew Hiccups

Is your brew too weak or too strong? The fix is easy. Just change your coffee-to-water ratio next time. More coffee makes it stronger. More water makes it milder.

I once strained too fast and got gritty coffee. Now I strain it twice through cheesecloth. This gives you a super smooth drink. Getting it right builds your kitchen confidence.

What if it tastes bitter? You probably brewed it too long. Twelve to fourteen hours is the sweet spot. Longer steeping pulls out bitter flavors. Perfect timing means a sweeter, smoother sip every time.

Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Cold Brew Questions, Answered

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free? A: Yes, coffee and water are naturally gluten-free. Just check your add-ins, like flavored syrups.

Q: Can I make it ahead? A: Absolutely! That’s the best part. Make a batch on Sunday for the whole week.

Q: What if I don’t have cheesecloth? A: A fine-mesh strainer or a clean paper towel in a strainer works too.

Q: Can I double the recipe? A: You sure can. Just use a bigger jar. The *fun fact* is cold brew was made for big batches!

Q: Any special tip? A: Use filtered water if you can. It makes the coffee taste extra clean and bright.

Which tip will you try first?

Wishing You a Cozy, Caffeinated Moment

I hope you love this simple recipe. It brings me such joy to share it with you. There’s nothing like a homemade treat.

I would be thrilled to see your creation. If you make it, please share a photo. You can tag my blog on Pinterest at @TheSchmidtyWife.

Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest! Thank you for spending this time in my kitchen with me. Happy cooking!

—Anna Whitmore.