How to Make Cold Brew Coffee at Home

Some things in life are worth waiting for—and one of those things is cold brew. It sounds dramatic, but it's true! Once you learn how to make cold brew coffee at home, you'll know just what we mean. It's rich and smooth—and it'll change the way you drink iced coffee. And good news: It's insanely easy to make. You just need to plan ahead.

Your average iced coffee is made by cooling down hot drip coffee, but cold brew is made by steeping ground coffee in cold water for at least 12 hours. The result is slightly sweeter and less acidic than regular coffee (meaning it's easier on your stomach), plus it’s less diluted. Make a big batch to keep in your fridge, then customize it depending on your mood: Add cream or sugar (or sweetened condensed milk if you're feeling extravagant!), or heat it up and drink it hot. No matter how it's served, we just can’t get enough of it.

Lots of trendy coffee shops sell cold brew, but you don't have to be a barista to brew it—check out our simple method for how to make cold brew coffee at home. You just need the same two ingredients that you need for regular coffee–ground coffee beans and water. There’s no need for a special coffee maker and no boiling water required. The only hard part is the waiting!

How long does cold brew take to make?

For the perfect cold brew concentrate, the coffee needs to steep for about 12 to 24 hours. This may seem like a long time (it is!), but the process is almost entirely hands-off. You can start steeping your coffee at night, then have it ready the next day. It’s also a good project for a Sunday afternoon—get your cold brew ready for the week ahead!  

What kind of coffee beans do I need?

Any kind of coffee beans will do, but we like a good quality dark roast (cold brew is not for people who like weak coffee!). The coffee should be coarsely ground, similar to how you would grind beans for a French press. The coarser grind gives the cold brew a smoother taste and also makes it easier to strain.

How do I make cold brew at home?

You'll need a few basic supplies: First, find two large containers (a pitcher or mason jar is fine for smaller amounts, but if you’re making a big batch like this one, go for something larger). Then, make sure you have a fine-mesh strainer and some cheesecloth. Once you've got all the gear, you're ready to start brewing! This recipe makes cold brew concentrate, which means it's strong—and we mean really strong. We've added our favorite way to serve it. Hint: It's sweet, creamy, and delicious.