Hot days are approaching, and you don’t want to give up on enjoying your coffee? A cup of hot brew might not be the best choice during summer, but that doesn’t mean you have to let go of your favorite flavor and that caffeine boost. Enter Cold Brew—a coffee steeped cold, an ideal solution for any caffeine-lover seeking refreshment. Its secret lies in its preparation.
Learn how to make perfect Cold Brew at home. Remember—it’s not just iced coffee, but a specially prepared beverage where hot water is replaced by a long cold extraction process. With our tips, you'll discover how to easily craft Cold Brew at home and enjoy its exceptional flavor even on the hottest days!
Table of Contents
- What is Cold Brew and how does it differ from Iced Coffee?
- Which coffee to choose for Cold Brew?
- Cold Brew recipe – step by step.
- Frequently asked questions about Cold Brew?
What is Cold Brew and how does it differ from Iced Coffee?
Cold Brew is a cold-steeping coffee method that has been growing in popularity among coffee lovers. It’s a unique drink prepared through maceration (Latin: maceratio – soaking). During maceration, phenols (tannins), pigments (anthocyanins), and aromatic compounds are extracted from coffee beans (or cascara), tea, or fruits using cold water. This unique extraction technique delivers a brew with exceptionally smooth flavor, natural sweetness, and low acidity—making it a great alternative for those who dislike the intense bitterness or sharp acidity typical of traditional hot brewing methods. The Cold Brew process is incredibly simple but requires time—between 8 and 24 hours—during which the ground coffee gradually releases its aroma and caffeine into cold water.
We recommend lightly roasted beans for Cold Brew. If you prefer fruity and refreshing flavors, try coffees from Africa (e.g., Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi); for sweeter profiles, opt for Central and Latin American beans (e.g., Brazil, Peru, Colombia).
Also check out how long caffeine lasts.
What makes Cold Brew so special? The key lies in the extraction method. Unlike traditional hot brewing—where high temperature immediately releases flavor compounds and essential oils—Cold Brew uses low temperature and extended contact time. This yields a brew with a mild, velvety taste, often featuring subtle notes of chocolate, caramel, nuts, or even fruit depending on the beans used. And thanks to a reduced extraction of organic acids, Cold Brew is much gentler on the stomach than traditional coffee.
Iced Coffee, on the other hand, is simply hot-brewed coffee chilled and served over ice. This method is quick and convenient but differs significantly from Cold Brew in flavor and texture. The hot water used in Iced Coffee immediately dissolves all coffee compounds, resulting in a brew that retains higher acidity and bitterness. It tastes like regular hot coffee served cold—more intense, with pronounced citrus or black tea-like notes. Additionally, cooling hot coffee quickly with ice may slightly dilute the flavor.
Did you know… Cold Brew is one of the oldest coffee brewing methods—the earliest records date back to the 17th century, when Japanese merchants used the Kyoto-style method of slow cold water percolation through ground coffee.
Also read which coffee beans are gentle on the stomach.
Main Differences Between Cold Brew and Iced Coffee
| Feature | Cold Brew | Iced Coffee |
|---|---|---|
| Brewing method | Cold water maceration for 8–24h | Hot-brewed then cooled |
| Flavor | Mild, naturally sweet, less acidic | Stronger, more acidic and bitter |
| Caffeine content | Usually higher (longer extraction) | Standard for hot coffee |
| Brew clarity | Full-bodied, slightly oily | Lighter, with noticeable acidity |
| Preparation time | 8–24 hours | A few minutes |
Why Choose Cold Brew?
Your choice depends on personal preference. If you value quick preparation and intense flavor, Iced Coffee is the way to go. But if you want a gentler, sweeter beverage that you can prepare in advance, Cold Brew is ideal—especially for hot summer days!
- Smoother taste – perfect for those who dislike strong acidity.
- Natural sweetness – long extraction brings out chocolatey and caramel notes.
- Higher caffeine punch – Cold Brew concentrate may have 1.5–2× more caffeine.
- Longer shelf life – keeps in the fridge up to 5 days.
- Versatility – great base for Cold Brew lattes, tonics, or coffee cocktails.
Choosing Coffee for Cold Brew
Unlike hot methods that intensify flavor and acidity, Cold Brew requires a long cold maceration, so consider a few key factors when selecting beans:
Roast level – Light or Medium?
Light to medium roasts work best for Cold Brew. Light roasts highlight fruity and floral notes that become refreshed and delicate during long maceration—expect citrus, jasmine, or tea-like hints. Medium roasts offer a fuller, balanced profile with caramel, chocolate, and nutty tones—ideal for a smooth, velvety Cold Brew with minimal acidity.
Avoid dark roasts, especially espresso-oriented ones—they tend to introduce smoky or burnt flavors that overpower the brew.
Bean type – Single-origin or Blend?
Single-origin coffees excel in Cold Brew because they showcase unique flavor profiles revealed during long extraction. For a bright, fruity brew, choose African origins; for sweeter, rounder flavors, opt for Central or Latin American beans.
Blends offer stability and consistency—great if you prefer a harmonious, less experimental flavor.
Freshness – key to flavor
Freshness matters for Cold Brew. It’s best to use beans roasted within 3–4 weeks—after that, flavor fades. Grind just before brewing; pre-ground coffee loses aroma and intensity quickly.
Grind size – how coarse?
Use a coarse grind, like sea salt or raw sugar. This ensures even extraction, clarity, and smoothness.
- Too fine grind (like espresso) leads to over-extraction, bitterness, cloudy brew, and filtering trouble.
Use a burr grinder for consistency; if using blade grinder, set it to its coarsest setting.
Cold Brew Recipe – Step by Step
Ingredients:
- 50 g coarse ground coffee (~5 tablespoons)—freshly ground for best aroma.
- 500 ml filtered room-temperature water—use soft water to preserve delicate notes.
- Glass jar or pitcher with lid—avoid plastic.
- Coffee filter, cheesecloth, or fine sieve—paper filters give clean clarity, metal or cloth allow fuller body.
1. Add grounds to your container. Use a 1:8 to 1:10 ratio (50 g to 500 ml), or 1:5 for a stronger concentrate.
2. Pour in water and stir gently. Ensure all grounds are wet; swirl lightly.
3. Cover and refrigerate for 12–16 hours. 8–10h yields a mild profile, 12–16h a balanced brew, and 18–24h a strong concentrate. No stirring needed.
4. Filter out grounds with your chosen filter. For clarity, pour slowly and double-filter if needed.
5. Transfer to a sealed bottle and refrigerate up to 5 days (best within 3). Dilute with water or milk as desired.
Serving Suggestions
Cold Brew on ice: Fill a glass with ice and pour concentrate. Dilute 1:1 if too strong.
Cold Brew latte: Pour ~⅔ Cold Brew over ice, top with milk or non-dairy milk. Add vanilla or cinnamon syrup for sweetness.
Cold Brew tonic: Fill glass with ice, add ⅔ tonic, ⅓ Cold Brew, and a slice of lemon or orange for a fizzy, refreshing drink.
Coffee drink: Mix Cold Brew with ice, milk, vanilla syrup for a creamy coffee shake; top with whipped cream and chocolate or cocoa sprinkles.
Did you know… Cold Brew pairs excellently with citrus—add a slice of orange or lemon (or tonic with citrus notes) to highlight fruity accents.
Looking for decaf coffee? Check our next article here!
Frequently Asked Questions about Cold Brew
What is Cold Brew and how is it different from Iced Coffee?
Cold Brew is cold-steeped for many hours, while Iced Coffee is hot-brewed and chilled. Cold Brew is milder, less acidic, and naturally sweeter.
What coffee-to-water ratio is best?
The standard is 1:8 to 1:10 (50 g coffee to 500 ml water). More coffee equals a stronger brew.
Can you heat Cold Brew?
You can, but it loses its character—it’s better to brew hot coffee if you want a hot drink.
How long can you store Cold Brew?
Store in the fridge for up to 5 days, preferably in a sealed container.
