Cold Brew

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Beat the summer heat and mellow out with a silky smooth cup of cold brew.

All it takes is freshly ground coffee and water to make the best cup of cold brew you’ve ever tasted!

Cold brew enables everyone to enjoy the rich, robust taste of fresh coffee, but without the acid or bitterness that can cause indigestion or heartburn.

close up of Cold Brew with a straw

What is Cold Brew?

Unlike watery iced coffee which is hot-brewed, then cooled and poured over ice, cold brew is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for several hours.

  • Beat the afternoon blahs with a dose of caffeine in a cold brew.
  • Cold brew enhances the nutty and chocolatey coffee flavors, making it great for flavored drinks.
  • Homemade cold brew is easy, economical, and low in calories.
  • Save fridge space and customize cold brew by making it super concentrated.
pouring Cold Brew in glasses of ice

Ingredients & Variations

Coffee – For the best flavor, (and lower acid) avoid light roasts and use your favorite, and freshest, gourmet variety. Medium and dark roast coffees make the tastiest cold brews. Coarse grinds are also preferable to get clear, grit-free coffee that will be easier to filter. For best results, grind coffee beans just before adding to water.

Water – Use bottled or tap water that’s been filtered to remove chlorine and other off flavors.

Variations – Add sugar, sweeteners, simple syrup, or whole spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla bean, according to your taste. Try your favorite flavored roasts, or add a drop or two of baking extracts. Hazelnut, vanilla, raspberry, coconut, or chocolate extracts will give your blended drinks coffee house flair.

Consider making cold brew ice cubes so your coffee drinks will stay nice and strong! Use cold brew as the basis for a chilly pumpkin spice latte or add some Irish cream. And don’t forget to top it with DIY whipped cream and a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce.

ground coffee and water with labels to make Cold Brew

How to Make Cold Brew Coffee

This recipe couldn’t be easier! Just two ingredients (and a little patience!) are all it takes.

  1. Place ground coffee in a jar or French press in the amount recommended in the recipe below.
  2. Add water. Refrigerate for 12 hours.
  3. Filter through a tea or coffee filter, or press the grounds if using a Fresh Press.
  4. Add milk, sweeteners, or flavorings, or serve over ice according to your taste.
making Cold Brew in the french press
french press full of Cold Brew

How to Store Cold Brew

Store cold brew in a glass jar in the refrigerator and use it within a week for the best flavor. It will keep longer, but the flavor will diminish.

Cold and Refreshing Drinks

Did you make this Cold Brew? Leave us a comment and a comment below!

close up of Cold Brew with a straw

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Cold Brew

Make a silky and smooth cold brew coffee with this super easy 2 ingredient recipe!

Prep Time 5 minutes

Chill Time 12 hours

Total Time 12 hours 5 minutes

Author Holly Nilsson

  • 1 cup coarse ground coffee beans
  • 4 cups water
  • In a French press or large jar with a lid, combine the coffee grounds and cold fresh water. Refrigerate for 12 hours.

  • If using a French press, press the grounds and pour the cold brew coffee concentrate into a clean jar or pitcher. If using a jar, pour the coffee through a coffee filter into a clean jar.

Do not use fine-grind coffee.

Nutrition information does not include add-ins or sweeteners.

Store cold brew in a glass jar in the fridge and use it within 7 days for the best flavor. 

Sodium: 12mg | Calcium: 7mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Beverage, Drink

Cuisine American

© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.

glass of Cold Brew with ice and writing
pouring Cold Brew into glasses with writing
making Cold Brew in a french press with writing
pouring Cold Brew over ice and finished drinks in glasses with a title

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About the author

Holly is a wine and cheese lover, recipe creator, shopping enthusiast and self appointed foodie. Her greatest passion is creating in the kitchen and making deliciously comforting recipes for the everyday home cook!

See more posts by Holly

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