The Ultimate Guide to Making Cold Brew Coffee at Home

June 3, 2026

One of the simple summertime (or anytime of year, don’t limit yourself!) joys is the simple work of making cold brew coffee at home. Refreshing, ready when you are, provided you planned ahead a bit. Summer mornings sipping homemade cold brew from a mason jar or one of these sweet mugs is part of peak summertime joy.

Like catching lightening bugs, watching fireworks, taking a swim or sipping lemonade. And today, we’re here to help bring you that simple joy with a little guidance and of course, providing awesome beans for you to get the job done yourself!

What Is Cold Brew Coffee?

Cold brew coffee is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold or room-temperature water for an extended period—typically 12 to 24 hours.

Unlike traditional hot coffee, cold brew is never exposed to heat during brewing like with a drip coffee maker. French press, pour over or any other similar methods.

This slow extraction process during steeping cold brew creates a coffee that is:

Smooth
Less acidic
Naturally sweeter
Rich and full-bodied
Refreshing over ice

Many people who find regular coffee too bitter are surprised by how mellow and approachable cold brew can be.

Cold Brew vs. Iced Coffee

One of the most common misconceptions is that cold brew and iced coffee are the same thing.

They're not.

Iced Coffee

Iced coffee is simply hot coffee, brewed using drip, French Press, pour over or any other similar method, that has been cooled and poured over ice.

Cold Brew

Cold brew is brewed entirely with cold water and never heated, rather it is steeped for hours as mentioned earlier.

Because of this difference, cold brew often tastes:

Smoother
Less bitter
Less acidic
More chocolatey and sweet

Many coffee lovers prefer cold brew because it highlights the natural flavors of the beans without emphasizing bitterness.

Why Make Cold Brew at Home?

There are plenty of reasons to make your own cold brew.

Save Money

Buying cold brew every day can get expensive.

Making it at home often costs a fraction of what you'd pay at a coffee shop.

Better Flavor

Using freshly roasted coffee gives you more control over the final taste for your preferences.

Convenience

Make a batch once and enjoy it throughout the week. This can be ready to drink full strength or concentrate.

Customization

You control:

Strength
Brewing time
Bean choice (like these great coffee bean options)
Milk and sweeteners

It's coffee your way.

Our Mexico coffee can be a great option for cold brew

The Best Coffee for Cold Brew

Not all coffee beans are created equal when it comes to cold brew.

The quality of your beans matters.

At Philly Fair Trade Roasters, we recommend using freshly roasted Organic, Fairtrade coffee because the clean flavors shine through during the long extraction process. Organic and Fairtrade sourcing aligns with our commitment to supporting farmers and delivering coffee that tastes good and does good.

Great Flavor Profiles for Cold Brew

Look for coffees with notes of:

Chocolate
Caramel
Nuts
Brown sugar
Berry
Cherry

Medium and dark roasts are often favorites for cold brew because they create a rich, smooth cup.

That said, lighter roasts can produce bright and fruity cold brews that are equally delicious.

Which is all part of the fun of making your own cold brew, you get to choose what goes in it!

What You'll Need

One of the best things about cold brew is how little equipment is needed.

Basic Supplies

Coffee beans
Grinder
Large mason jar or pitcher
Filtered water
Fine mesh strainer
Cheesecloth or paper filter or even a wool/felt filter

That's it.

No fancy machines needed.

The Ideal Coffee Grind

Grind size matters.

For cold brew, use a coarse grind.

Similar to a French Press grind

Think of the texture of coarse sea salt.

Why Coarse?

A coarse grind:

Prevents over-extraction
Reduces bitterness
Makes filtering easier
Produces a cleaner cup

Using a fine grind can make your cold brew muddy and overly strong.

The Best Cold Brew Ratio

A common question people ask when learning how to make cold brew at home is:

"How much coffee should I use?"

A great starting point is:

Cold Brew Concentrate

Ratio - 1:3.33, or 2.5 pounds of coffee for one gallon of water.

This creates a concentrate that can later be diluted.

Remember, this is a concentrate to dilute, not a rocket fuel to drink at full strength.

Ready-to-Drink Cold Brew

For ready to drink, try a 1:12-1:16 coffee to water ratio.

This produces a milder brew that can be enjoyed immediately.

Don't be afraid to experiment and find your perfect strength. These are starting points, not absolute truths of the universe.

Step-by-Step: How Do You Make Cold Brew at Home?

Step 1: Grind Your Coffee

Measure your coffee beans and grind them coarse.

Freshly ground coffee generally provides the best flavor.

Step 2: Combine Coffee and Water

Add coffee grounds to your jar or pitcher.

Slowly pour water over the grounds.

Stir gently to ensure all grounds are saturated.

Step 3: Let It Steep

Cover the container.

Allow it to steep at room temperature or in the refrigerator. If steeping in the fridge, you may want to aim for the higher end of the hours listed below.

Recommended steeping time:

Minimum: 12 hours
Ideal: 16–18 hours
Maximum: 24 hours

Longer isn't always better.

Beyond 24 hours, the coffee may begin to taste overly woody or flat.

Step 4: Filter the Coffee

Pour the mixture through:

Fine mesh strainer
Cheesecloth
Coffee filter

You may need to filter twice for a cleaner cup.

Step 5: Enjoy

Serve over ice.

If you brewed a concentrate, dilute with water or milk to taste.

That's it.

You've successfully made cold brew at home.

How Long Does Cold Brew Last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, cold brew typically stays fresh for:

Concentrate

7–10 days

Ready-to-Drink

5–7 days

Store it in a sealed container to preserve flavor.

Common Cold Brew Mistakes

Even though cold brew is simple, a few mistakes can affect flavor.

Using Poor Quality Coffee

Coffee is the star of the show.

Starting with stale or low-quality beans often leads to disappointing results.

Grinding Too Fine

Fine grounds can create:

Bitterness
Muddy texture
Difficult filtering

Using Tap Water

Since coffee is mostly water, water quality matters.

Filtered water generally produces better results.

Avoiding distilled water as the mineral in water is necessary for that coffee flavor we all love.

Over-Steeping

More time isn't always better.

Around 16–18 hours is often the sweet spot.

How to Make Cold Brew Stronger

Want more intensity?

Try:

Increasing coffee quantity
Brewing concentrate
Using darker roasts
Extending steep time slightly

Avoid excessive steeping, which can introduce unwanted flavors.

How to Make Cold Brew Less Strong

If your cold brew tastes too intense:

Add water
Add milk
Use less coffee next batch
Shorten steep time slightly

Finding your ideal strength is part of the fun. Take notes as to how you prepared it. Adjust based on preference and results.

Creative Ways to Enjoy Cold Brew

Cold brew is incredibly versatile.

Classic Over Ice

Simple and refreshing.

Cold Brew with Milk

Add:

Whole milk
Oat milk
Almond milk
Coconut milk

Vanilla Cold Brew

Add a splash of vanilla extract.

Cold Brew Float

Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Protein Coffee

Blend cold brew with your favorite protein powder.

Many active coffee drinkers enjoy this choice before busy mornings or workouts.

Is Cold Brew More Caffeinated?

Usually, yes.

Especially if you're drinking concentrate.

Because cold brew often uses more coffee than traditional brewing methods, caffeine levels can be higher.

However, the exact amount depends on:

Brew ratio
Serving size
Dilution

If you're sensitive to caffeine, start with a smaller serving.

Why Organic and Fairtrade Coffee Makes Great Cold Brew

Cold brew highlights the natural characteristics of coffee.

That means bean quality matters.

At Philly Fair Trade Roasters, we believe great coffee starts long before roasting. Organic and Fairtrade certifications support responsible farming practices, environmental stewardship, and better opportunities for coffee-growing communities.

When those carefully grown beans are roasted in small batches and brewed slowly, the result is a smooth, flavorful cup you can feel good about drinking. Ethically sourced, expertly roasted.

Coffee should taste good—and do good.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Pre-Ground Coffee?

Yes.

However, freshly ground coffee generally produces better flavor and freshness.

Do I Need a Special Cold Brew Maker?

No.

A mason jar and strainer work perfectly.

Should Cold Brew Be Refrigerated While Brewing?

It can be brewed either at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

Both methods work well.

Can I Heat Cold Brew?

Absolutely.

Cold brew concentrate can be mixed with hot water for a smooth hot coffee.

What's the Best Roast for Cold Brew?

Medium and dark roasts are popular, but any roast can work depending on your flavor preferences.

Final Sips: How Do You Make Cold Brew at Home?

Now you know the answer to the question:

How do you make cold brew at home?

The process is simple:

Use quality coffee.
Grind coarse.
Mix with water.
Steep 12–24 hours (around 18 hours is the sweet spot)
Filter and enjoy.

That's really all there is to it.

The beauty of cold brew is that it makes great coffee accessible to everyone. No complicated equipment. No advanced brewing knowledge. Just good coffee, a little patience, and a desire to start your day on the right note.

At Philly Fair Trade Roasters, we're passionate about helping coffee lovers brew better coffee at home. Whether you prefer cold brew, drip coffee, French press, or pour-over, quality Organic, Fairtrade beans are the foundation of every great cup.

Because great coffee isn't about being complicated.

It's about making your mornings a little brighter, one sip at a time.