Homemade Cold Brew Coffee is one of the easiest ways to get smooth, low-acid coffee at home without any special machines. All you need is a quart mason jar, coarsely ground coffee, a jam strainer or nut milk bag, and cold water. Steep it in the fridge, strain, and you’ll have a bold, mellow concentrate that’s perfect over ice, with milk, or mixed into coffee drinks.
Homemade Cold Brew Coffee
This simple cold brew method keeps things tidy and low-effort. Using a jam strainer bag instead of paper filters prevents sediment and reduces waste, so cleanup is quick. The result is a clean, concentrated coffee with softer acidity and rich, rounded flavors that hold up well when served chilled or diluted with milk.
Choose quality beans for the best results. Medium to dark roasts are ideal if you want a fuller, chocolatey profile; lighter roasts will highlight brighter, more floral notes. Grind the beans coarsely—like coarse sea salt—to help extraction and make straining easier. If you grind at home, set your grinder to the coarsest setting.
Brewing time is flexible. Steep the grounds in cold water in the refrigerator for 8 to 12 hours depending on how concentrated you like it. Shorter steep times make a lighter, smoother brew; longer steeping produces a stronger, fuller concentrate. Once strained, store the cold brew in a sealed jar in the fridge and use it throughout the week.
Recipe Shopping List
Everything you need is easy to find. For exact amounts, see the ingredient list below.
- 1 Quart Mason Jar — a glass jar with lid and ring works perfectly for small cold-brew batches.
- Jam Strainer Bag — or a nut milk bag / fine-mesh reusable bag to contain grounds.
- 1 ½ cups coarsely ground coffee — use freshly roasted beans if possible.
- Cold water — filtered water is best for a clean flavor; fill the jar almost to the top.
How To Make This Recipe
Below is a concise, straightforward overview of the steps. Follow these for an easy batch of cold brew; adjust steeping time to suit your taste.
- Place the jam strainer bag inside a clean quart mason jar and secure the opening around the rim.
- Add 1 ½ cups of coarsely ground coffee into the bag.
- Pour cold water into the jar until it’s nearly full, covering the grounds completely.
- Screw the lid on and refrigerate for 8–12 hours.
- Remove the bag, gently squeeze to extract the concentrate, and serve over ice or dilute to taste.
Enjoy it black, with a splash of milk or creamer, or use it as a base for iced lattes, coffee cocktails, or flavored coffee drinks. The concentrate can be diluted 1:1 with water or milk for an everyday strength, or mixed differently to suit stronger or weaker preferences.
Recipe FAQ
How long does homemade cold brew coffee last?
Stored in an airtight jar, cold brew stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
Can I reheat cold brew coffee?
Yes—if you prefer warm coffee, gently heat the concentrate on the stove or in short bursts in the microwave. Cold brew generally remains less bitter than reheated hot-brewed coffee.
Can I prepare this in advance?
Absolutely. Make a batch and keep it chilled for use across several days for quick iced coffee or latte-making.
Are there substitutions for the jam strainer?
You can use a nut milk bag, fine-mesh sieve, or a reusable filter. The aim is to keep grounds contained while allowing coffee to steep freely.
Serve This With…
- Warm pastries such as caramel rolls or breakfast buns
- Fresh fruit, yogurt, or a simple fruit salad
- Homemade coffee cake or spiced cookies
- Light savory breakfasts like avocado toast
Homemade cold brew is a reliable, café-caliber option that’s both economical and easy to fit into a busy routine. The method is adaptable—try different beans, adjust steep times, or experiment with serving styles until you find your perfect cup. Once you make it a few times, it’s likely to become a staple in your fridge.
