How to Make Cold Brew at Home
Cold brew is the easiest coffee you'll ever make — no technique, no equipment beyond a jar and a filter — and the result is smooth, sweet, and low-acid. The entire method is: coarse coffee + cold water + time.
Our top pick
Mason Jar + Fine Strainer
The zero-cost setup — a jar, water, coffee, and a filter.
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Editorial note: this guide is compiled from published manufacturer guidance, general best practices, and aggregated owner experience — not hands-on testing. Always follow your machine’s official manual.
Quick comparison
| Pick | Why we like it | |
|---|---|---|
| Mason Jar + Fine Strainer | The zero-cost setup — a jar, water, coffee, and a filter. | View → |
| Cold Brew Concentrate Maker | A purpose-built pitcher with a built-in filter for hassle-free batches. | View → |
| Timemore C2 Grinder | Coarse grind for cold brew — the extraction is slow and gentle. | View → |
Mason Jar + Fine Strainer
Editor’s PickThe zero-cost setup — a jar, water, coffee, and a filter.
- + Free
- + Simple
- + Batch
- − Needs filtering
Free shipping on eligible items
A purpose-built pitcher with a built-in filter for hassle-free batches.
- + Built-in filter
- + Easy pour
- + Fridge-ready
- − Cost
Free shipping on eligible items
Coarse grind for cold brew — the extraction is slow and gentle.
- + Coarse consistency
- + Value
- − Manual
Free shipping on eligible items
Buying advice
The method: (1) grind coffee coarse (like breadcrumbs); (2) mix 1:8 ratio by weight (e.g., 100g coffee to 800g water) in a jar; (3) stir to saturate; (4) steep in the fridge 12-24 hours (18 is the sweet spot); (5) filter through a fine strainer, cheesecloth, or paper filter; (6) dilute to taste — concentrate mixes 1:1 with water or milk. It keeps 1-2 weeks in the fridge.
FAQ
What ratio should I use?
1:8 (coffee:water) makes concentrate for diluting; 1:12-15 makes ready-to-drink cold brew. Adjust by taste.
How long should I steep?
12-24 hours — 18 is the sweet spot for most beans. Longer extracts more, but past 24 hours it can get woody.
Is cold brew stronger than hot coffee?
The concentrate is much stronger by volume, but diluted it's similar — just smoother and less acidic.
How do I filter it?
A fine mesh strainer works; cheesecloth or a paper filter gives a cleaner cup. Purpose-built cold brew makers filter as you pour.
Why is my cold brew weak?
Underextraction — steep longer, grind finer, or use more coffee. Cold extraction is slow; it needs time and mass.
Ready to start brewing better?
Our top pick for this guide — check today’s price and clip any on-page coupon on Amazon:
Mason Jar + Fine Strainer
The zero-cost setup — a jar, water, coffee, and a filter.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Want exact doses? Use our free brew calculators.