How to make Homemade Cold Brew Coffee {Recipe} - The Schmidty Wife (2024)

Beloved Iced Coffee is so easy to make at home, learn how to make the best cold brew at home. This easy overnight recipe includes tips, pictures, and the perfect ratio so that you can make your own Homemade Cold Brew Coffee!

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Making Cold Brew Coffee at Home

A good cold brew coffee is something that so many people cherish, including myself.

There is something so comforting about a nice large icy cold coffee on a hot day (or cold day no judgment). And it is no mystery as to why so many people are obsessed with the drink.

A big reason that so many people love the drink is the claim of better flavor!

Why?

Because the grounds aren’t subject to hot temperatures the coffee tends to be less bitter. Meaning that often cold brew coffee will have a smoother and sweeter taste that a traditional hot cup of coffee.

Now some people will also claim that cold brew coffee tends to be less acidic than a hot cup of joe, but recently according to Daily Coffee News there has been a lot more research into that subject. That the difference in acidity does not come from how the coffee was brewed (hot vs. cold) but what roast of bean you use.

Some research suggests that if you are looking for a lower acidity in your coffee to try a dark roast instead of a light roast. Although a lot of research is still being done on the subject, so if you are really looking for an answer on acidity in coffee search around!

Okay so let’s get back to the flavor of things.

Another beauty about cold brew is that it is a concentrate so you are able to make a cup of coffee truly yours. You can play with the levels of different mix-ins to make it truly how you like it!

Some of the most common mix-ins are:

• Water
• Milk
• Cream
• Sugar

Plus cold brew can be used in more unique beverages like Coffee Lemonade or even Cocktails!

So let’s get into the nitty gritty of Homemade Cold Brew Coffee…

Cold Brew Coffee Recipe

Supplies & Ingredients Needed:

First you will need supplies. Cold brew can at first sound a little scary like you need a lot of supplies but don’t fret you most likely have everything or almost everything at home already!

Bowl/Jar:

You will need something to do the actual brewing in. I have tested a number of different ways including mason jars, French presses, bottles, and then my favorite way was using a ‘batter bowl’. Batter bowls are larger usually about 8 to 12 cup bowls that usually have measurements on the side as well as a handle and a spout, often time they even come with a lid. Using a batter bowl was my preferred method for a few reasons. I could make a large batch with ease at once, the ease of the handle and spout when filtering/pouring the brewed coffee, the measurements on the side is also nice, as well as some (I have a pampered chef one) comes with a lid so it was easy to cover and uncover.

No fret if you don’t have a bowl like this I have made cold brew coffee in common glass jars before just as easily.

Coffee Grinder:

To be fair you don’t actually need need one of these. You are able to make cold brew with pre-ground coffee but if you are going to for the best taste I would recommend getting your own coffee grinder.

I have a simple Mr. Coffee 12 Cup Electric Coffee Grinder and it totally does the trick!

Mesh Strainer and Cheese Cloth

While the mesh strainer will make it easier the most important thing you will want for a smooth cup is cheese cloth. Named because originally its main use was making cheese this can easily be found at grocery stores as well as Amazon.

You could also use a Nut Milk Bag OR a French Press if you already have those at home.

A fine mesh strainer is nice to place the cheese cloth into but if you don’t have one you could just have someone hold the cloth while you filter the coffee or MacGyver your own little device over a bowl.

Storage:

This will vary depending on how much you make but you will need a way to store your coffee. I am a huge supporter is using glass in a case like this so that the plastics don’t alter the taste of your brew.

I personally will use my Otis Classic Swing Top Glass Bottles or a Mason Jar to store my homemade cold brew coffee.

Water:

Seems obvious right… Just a note on the water. For best results I recommend using a filtered water, depending on where you live you might get mixed results using tap water. It comes down to personal preference but cold filtered water will yield the best results.

Coffee:

At the end of the day you are going to want to use your favorite coffee but there are a few things to consider.

• Freshness (for example local coffee you grind yourself vs. pre-ground coffee from the grocery store)
• Light vs. Medium vs. Dark Roast
• Caffeine levels (yes you can use decaf coffee)

So how so you make Homemade Cold Brew Coffee??

First grind your coffee. You will need 1 cup of coffee grounds to make 4 cups of cold brew coffee. Grind your coffee (in batches if needed) to a medium to course setting. So you will want your grounds looking more like bread crumbs or course salt, no smaller than the size of granulated sugar. Avoid getting the ground too much like a powder.

In your large bowl/jar fill with 4 cups of cold filtered water. Sprinkle the coffee grounds evenly over the top of the water. Let the coffee ‘bloom’ on top of the water for about 30 to 60 seconds (aka let the water soak in). Stir together.

Cover and transfer to the refrigerator. Let rest 12 to 14 hours for best results.

Layer cheese cloth into a mesh strainer and place over a large bowl/jar. Strain the cold brewed coffee into the cheesecloth. Strain twice for extra smoothness. Keep your cold brew coffee concentrate covered in the fridge, keeps up to two weeks.

To serve pour over ice, find your perfect ratio of added water, milk, and/or sugar to the concentrate.

(A little tip that I like share, use simple syrup as a sweetener, stirs right in opposed to sugar that you have to stir in until it melts)

Most people recommend a 50/50 water down of the the concentrate with either ice/water/milk. Personally I would say I am more of a 2/3 coffee 1/3 mix-in person but that is the beauty of cold brew my friends!

Definitely don’t put your coffee grounds down the sink! Try one of these ideas with your used coffee grounds instead:

• Make a coffee scrub that’s so natural, you could eat it! Great for invigorating and firming the skin, while exfoliating and hydrating! Check out Coffee Coconut Oil Brown Sugar Scrub from Coffee With Us 3
• Keep your coffee grounds from your morning coffee and whip up a batch of this lovely Vanilla Coffee Soap from Simply Stacie
• Or start composting and put the used coffee grounds in your compost!From fANNEtastic Food here’s simple how to guide for How to Start Composting at Home

Can I use the ground coffee I bought at the store?

Short Answer: Yes

Long Answer: Yes BUT of course some people will argue that it might not taste as good as freshly ground beans so you can decide what works best for you. If ground coffee is what you have available, go for it!

What is the ratio for Cold Brew Coffee if I want to make more or less?

I made you a chart!

What are the benefits to drinking Cold Brewed Coffee?

As talked about above there isn’t a huge difference between Hot and Cold brewed coffee as far as a difference between benefits. But some of the biggest benefits of drinking coffee include increased energy levels and a great source of antioxidants.

How long will homemade cold brew coffee keep?

Cold Brew when stored in the fridge can keep for up to 2 weeks. Although in my house it never lasts that long 😉

The cold brew coffee concentrate can also be frozen for longer lasting storage. You can even try freezing your coffee in ice cube trays to use for your coffee of you don’t like your coffee watered down!

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