Cold brew coffee is a refreshing way to enjoy coffee, made by steeping coarsely ground beans in room-temperature or cooler water for an extended period. According to the National Coffee Association, this method extracts flavor differently than hot brewing, resulting in a smoother, less bitter cup. Unlike iced coffee, which is brewed hot and then chilled, cold brew is defined by its cold-water extraction process, not by how it’s served.
Cold Brew vs Iced Coffee: What’s the Difference?
The National Coffee Association clarifies that cold brew and iced coffee are not interchangeable terms. Iced coffee is brewed hot using a standard method and then cooled down to serve. Cold brew, on the other hand, is brewed with room-temperature or cooler water and can be enjoyed hot or over ice. The two have different flavor profiles: cold brew offers a less bitter, smoother taste; the NCA notes that cold brewing extracts at a lower temperature and generally for a longer time than hot methods. Whether you order at a café or brew at home, knowing the distinction helps you get the drink you want.
Equipment You’ll Need for Cold Brew
The National Coffee Association’s cold brew guide lists several options for making cold brew at home. You can use a dedicated cold brew coffee maker, a French press, or any clean container such as a carafe, jar, or pitcher that can hold coffee and water. A French press or Mason jar can also be an aesthetically pleasing choice. If your brewer does not come with a built-in filter, you will need to provide one. Always check the instructions for your specific brewer to see which filters it supports.
Cloth is the most common material for cold brew filters, though some brewers also support paper filters for additional filtration. Cloth filters tend to absorb more oils and sediments than a metal filter but less than paper filters, often creating a smoother taste. They are reusable, which benefits your budget and the environment, but they require careful cleaning. The National Coffee Association advises rinsing and drying cloth filters thoroughly after each use. Every six to eight weeks, boil the filters in fresh water for 10 minutes to keep them in good condition. Paper filters, by contrast, absorb more oils and can produce a cleaner, lighter taste. If you use paper filters, the National Coffee Association suggests rinsing them before brewing to avoid any papery taste, especially with unbleached varieties.
A digital scale is recommended to measure your coffee and water consistently, helping you replicate good results and adjust to your taste. While you can buy pre-ground coffee, the National Coffee Association recommends grinding whole beans immediately before brewing for maximum freshness. A burr grinder is preferred because it crushes beans between two surfaces, producing a more even grind and preserving oils and aromas better than a blade grinder. Blade grinders work like a food processor and can be harder to control, but with practice you can learn the right grinding time for your taste.
Choosing the Right Coffee Beans and Grind
You can use any type of coffee beans you prefer for cold brew, according to the National Coffee Association. The grind size, however, makes a significant impact. As a general rule, the longer coffee is in contact with water, the coarser the grind should be. Because cold brew can steep for hours, it typically requires a coarse grind, similar to rock salt. The National Coffee Association’s guide suggests starting with a coarse grind and then adjusting: if your coffee tastes bitter or sour, it may be over-extracted from too fine a grind, so try a coarser setting. If it tastes flat or watery, it may be under-extracted, so try a finer grind.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Cold Brew Coffee
The National Coffee Association outlines a straightforward process for making cold brew at home. The key numbers to remember are a coffee-to-water ratio of 1 gram of coffee to 4 to 5 grams of water (1:4 to 1:5), which produces a concentrate meant to be diluted, and a typical steeping time of about 12 hours, though times can vary from a few minutes to 12 to 18+ hours depending on the method. Here is the basic manual approach:
- Pour your coarsely ground coffee into a clean container.
- Gradually add room-temperature or cooler water and stir gently to moisten all the grounds.
- Cover the container. If it lacks a lid, use cheesecloth. If using a French press, keep the plunger up.
- Let the coffee steep in the refrigerator or at room temperature for 12 hours, or overnight. The National Coffee Association emphasizes not to rush this step.
- Once brewed, strain the coffee through a paper filter, a fine mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth, or the French press plunger. Strain a second time if needed.
- Discard the used grounds (they can be composted) and enjoy your cold brew. The concentrate can be diluted with water or served over ice.
If you use a cold brew maker with a built-in filter bag or mesh basket, you simply remove the filter after steeping and discard the grounds, no additional straining needed. Some makers even use prefilled, sealed coffee cachets for extra convenience. For more on ratios and adjustments, see our brewing ratios guide.
Storing Your Cold Brew and Keeping It Fresh
Once brewed, cold brew can be served immediately or chilled in the refrigerator, according to the National Coffee Association. Keep leftover cold brew covered in the refrigerator, and follow your brewer maker’s guidance on how long to keep it. The same principles that apply to coffee bean storage help preserve freshness: keep the liquid away from air, moisture, heat, and light. The National Coffee Association’s storage recommendations for beans emphasize buying smaller batches of freshly roasted coffee, transferring beans to an opaque, airtight container, and storing them in a cool, dark place. Grinding only what you need just before brewing also protects flavor. The NCA lists roasted beans at room temperature as freshest for about one to three weeks.
Cleaning Your Equipment and Food Safety
The National Coffee Association stresses that cleaning your equipment after each use is essential. Wash and rinse all containers and reusable filters thoroughly. The NCA notes that lingering grounds and coffee oil (caffeol) can make your next cup taste bitter. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific cold brew maker, grinder, and any other tools. The association also reminds users to be mindful of safety: take care with sharp grinder blades and, if you ever heat your cold brew, handle hot liquids with caution.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use any type of coffee beans for cold brew?
Yes. The National Coffee Association states that you can use any type of coffee beans you prefer with this brewing method. Experiment with different varieties, origins, and roast levels to find the flavor you enjoy most.
How long should I steep cold brew?
The National Coffee Association notes that steeping times can vary significantly, from as little as a few minutes to 12 to 18+ hours overnight. A typical recommendation is about 12 hours, but you can adjust the time to suit your taste and the specific brewer you are using.
Do I need a special cold brew maker?
No. While dedicated cold brew makers offer convenience, the National Coffee Association explains that you can also use a French press, a carafe, a jar, or any clean container that holds coffee and water. The key is having a way to strain the grounds after steeping.
For more detailed guidance on cold brew techniques and equipment, visit our Cold Brew hub. You can also explore other brewing methods and see how they compare in our brewing methods comparison.
