How to make cold brew at home
5 min read
Steep 100 g of coarsely ground coffee in 800 g of cold water for 12–18 hours in the fridge, then filter. This makes a concentrate you dilute about 1:1 with water or milk over ice. It keeps well in a sealed bottle in the fridge for about a week.
Cold brew uses time instead of heat. The result is smooth, low in perceived acidity and naturally sweet. It is also the easiest way to make coffee for a crowd or for the week ahead.
Two ways to brew
| Concentrate | Ready to drink | |
|---|---|---|
| Ratio | 1:8 (100 g : 800 g) | 1:15 (60 g : 900 g) |
| Grind (K-Ultra) | 100 light, 110 medium, 120 dark | Same |
| Steep | 12–18 h in the fridge | 14–18 h in the fridge |
| Serve | Dilute about 1:1 with water or milk | Pour straight over ice |
Concentrate method
- Grind 100 g of coffee very coarse, like rough breadcrumbs.
- Add it to a jar or French press and pour in 800 g of cold, filtered water.
- Stir well so every ground is wet. Cover.
- Put it in the fridge for 12–18 hours. Start at 14 and adjust next time.
- Filter through a paper filter, a cloth, or press and then pour through paper for a cleaner cup.
- Bottle it, seal it and refrigerate. Dilute to taste when serving.
Tip: Steep in the fridge rather than on the counter. Indian room temperatures, especially in summer, speed extraction unpredictably and can give a flat, woody taste.
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Weak and watery | Short steep or too coarse | Steep longer or grind 10 clicks finer |
| Bitter, woody | Steeped too long or too fine | Cut to 12 hours, grind coarser |
| Silty at the bottom | Fines passing through | Filter through paper after the first strain |
| Tastes stale after a few days | Oxidation | Fill bottles to the top and use within a week |
Light roasts can taste dull as cold brew. For those, try Japanese-style iced pour-over instead: brew hot onto ice, replacing about 40% of the brew water with ice. Use a V60 with the grind a click or two finer than usual.
Compare: Cold brew vs Iced latte →
Great for cold brew
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Hoysala Estate - Washed - Chikmagalur - Medium Dark Roast
Garnet Vin Doux - Roasted on 23/09
Ready-made cold brew bags
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Jackfruit Fermented | Cold Brew Bags
Cold Brew Bags - Kalledeverapura
Questions
Is cold brew stronger than regular coffee?
The concentrate is, but after dilution it is similar to a normal cup. Strength depends on how much you dilute it.
Can I use filter kaapi powder for cold brew?
It will work, but it is ground very fine and clogs filters. Chicory blends also taste heavy when cold. A coarse grind of pure coffee is better.
Can I heat cold brew?
Yes. Dilute the concentrate with hot water. It will taste smoother than hot-brewed coffee.
Which coffees are best?
Medium to medium-dark roasts with chocolate, nutty or caramel notes. Natural Indian coffees give a fruitier cold brew.
Read next
How to make better French press coffee
The French press is simple and forgiving, and it suits the medium and dark roasts many Indian roasters sell. A longer steep and a little patience make it clean.
What grind size should you use?
Grind size decides how fast flavour leaves the coffee. Here is a chart for every brewer, how to adjust by roast, and how to fix a cup by taste.
How to store coffee beans at home in India
Simple storage that keeps beans fresh through Indian heat and monsoon humidity, and when the freezer helps.
How do you brew light roasts well?
Light roasts are dense and slow to give up flavour. Hotter water, a finer grind and a little patience turn sour cups into sweet, bright ones.