Smooth Homemade Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate
A simple and easy recipe to make smooth, rich, and low-bitterness cold brew coffee concentrate at home using just coarse coffee grounds and cold water.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 hours
- Total Time: 18 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: About 4 cups of concentrate (makes multiple servings) 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (85 grams) coarse ground coffee (medium to dark roast recommended)
- 4 cups (950 ml) cold, filtered water
- Optional: simple syrups, vanilla extract, cinnamon sticks for flavoring
Instructions
- Measure out 1 cup (85 g) coarse ground coffee. Use a medium to dark roast for a smooth, rich flavor.
- Combine coffee and 4 cups (950 ml) of cold, filtered water in your jar. Stir gently but thoroughly to saturate all grounds.
- Cover the jar and steep at room temperature or in the fridge for 16–24 hours (aim for about 18 hours).
- Strain the coffee concentrate through a fine mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth into a clean container. Press gently on the grounds to extract liquid without forcing grit through.
- Store the concentrate in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Dilute with water, milk, or dairy alternative (usually 1:1 ratio) over ice when serving.
Notes
Use coarse coffee grounds to avoid bitterness and cloudiness. Steep for 16-24 hours; longer steeping can cause bitterness. Store concentrate airtight in the fridge for up to two weeks. Dilute concentrate 1:1 with water or milk before serving. For creamier drinks, try almond or oat milk. Double strain to avoid sediment.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 ounces (120 ml) di
- Calories: 10
Keywords: cold brew coffee, coffee concentrate, iced coffee, homemade cold brew, easy coffee recipe, smooth coffee, cold brew concentrate