Cold Brew at Home: The 12-Hour Recipe That Saves You $5 a Day
Cold brew from a café costs $5-7. Cold brew at home costs about $0.50 a glass. The recipe takes 5 minutes of active time and 12 hours of patience. If you drink cold coffee more than twice a week, this pays for itself immediately.
What You Need
- Coarse-ground coffee
- Cold or room temperature water
- A jar, pitcher, or French press
- Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
- 12-24 hours of patience
The Method
Ratio: 1:5 for concentrate (dilute 1:1 when serving), or 1:8 for ready-to-drink.
- Combine 100g coarse-ground coffee with 500g cold water in a jar
- Stir gently to make sure all grounds are wet
- Cover and refrigerate for 12-24 hours (longer = stronger)
- Strain through a fine mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth, or press through a French press
- Store the concentrate in the fridge for up to 2 weeks
Why Cold Brew Tastes Different
Cold water extracts different compounds than hot water. You get 67% less acidity, more natural sweetness, and a smooth, almost chocolatey body. If hot coffee upsets your stomach, cold brew is often the solution.
Best Beans for Cold Brew
Medium to dark roasts with chocolate and nut profiles make the best cold brew. Avoid light, fruity roasts — those flavors need heat to develop. Brazilian and Colombian beans are cold brew champions. Explore the collection and use code WELCOME25 for 25% off your first order.