We know your love for that aromatic, energy-boosting beverage knows no bounds. But have you ever tried a cold brew? If you haven’t, then I must recommend it for the smooth, rich, and refreshing taste of your favorite drink. You’re in for a treat. You will drop your iced coffee routine for a cold brew iced coffee.
In this article, you will learn how to make cold brew at home. It’s very easy, requires minimal equipment, and I have to say this a second time, is absolutely delicious!
Mason Jar and Filter Bag Cold Brew Recipe
Table of Contents
Let’s get started on your journey to becoming a DIY cold brew barista. We’ll be using a simple immersion cold brew method, and all you’ll need is a mason jar and a coffee filter bag. This is may favorite method, and I have been using it for a while now, since I read an article touting it as the easiest and most convenient method to make cold brew at home.
Ingredients and Equipment
Before we get started, make sure you have the following items:
- A mason jar (1 quart or 32 ounces)
- Your favorite coffee beans (3/4 cup),
- A coffee grinder
- A coffee filter bag
- Cold, filtered water (3 cups)
- A refrigerator
Step-by-Step Recipe
- Step 1: Choosing and Grinding Your Coffee Beans
The first step is choosing the perfect coffee beans. It all comes down to personal preference, but for a cold brew, I prefer a medium-dark roast Brazilian coffee. Once you’ve chosen your beans, it’s time to grind them. The common recommendation suggests a coarse grind – similar to raw sugar. People will recommend this coarse grind size in order to avoid bitterness. However, folks at That’s Cold Brew, recommend a finer grind size, which I tested and I agree works great with a shorter steeping time. So grind a medium-coarse, or maybe even finer.
- Step 2: Combining Coffee and Water
Take your coffee filter bag and fill it with the ground coffee and tie the drawstring. Place the bag in the mason jar and add great quality water to fill up the jar.
- Step 3: Stir to Soak
You can screw on the lid firmly, and ensure that there is no leaking. Give your mason jar a vigorous shake to make sure all the grounds in the bag are wet. Now, it’s time to let it soak. This is the secret to the rich, smooth taste of cold brew coffee. The coffee needs to steep in the water for a long period to extract all its flavorful goodness.
- Step 4: Steeping
Patience is key here! Place your mason jar in the refrigerator and let it steep for about 12-18 hours. The article I mentioned a little earlier in the article describes an experiment where the author looked for the optimal steeping time for cold brew. I tested that on a smaller scale, and confirmed their results.
How to Make Cold Brew at Home
[Immersion Cold Brew Recipe]
Overview
- Step 5: Time to Filter
After the steeping process, it’s time to filter out the grounds. Since you used a coffee filter bag, you will simply remove the bag with the spent coffee grounds, and dump it. The bag will retain all the grounds and silt, leaving you with a clean, smooth cold brew.
- Step 6: Enjoy!
Pour it over ice, add a splash of milk or cream if you like, and enjoy the fruits of your labor. You should dilute this coffee concentrate at a 1:1 ratio with ice and milk.
Remember, the beauty of a cold brew is that you can store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. So, you can make a big batch and have a chilled, refreshing coffee waiting for you anytime you want.
Making your own cold brew at home is not just about the delicious end product. It’s about the joy of experimenting with different coffee types, the anticipation as you wait for your brew to steep, and the satisfaction of sipping a drink you’ve made entirely by yourself. So go ahead, try this recipe, and revel in the pure, refreshing taste of your homemade cold brew. Happy brewing!
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between cold brew and iced coffee?
Cold brew is steeped in cold water for 12-24 hours, resulting in a smoother, less acidic, and naturally sweeter concentrate. Iced coffee is typically hot-brewed coffee poured over ice, which can taste more acidic and diluted. The long, cold extraction is key to cold brew’s unique flavor.
How long should I steep my cold brew?
Steep your cold brew for 12 to 24 hours at room temperature or in the refrigerator. A 12-hour steep yields a lighter, brighter flavor, while 24 hours creates a stronger, richer concentrate. Taste it at 12 hours and decide if you want to let it go longer for more intensity.
What’s the best coffee-to-water ratio for cold brew?
A standard ratio is 1 cup of coarsely ground coffee to 4 cups of cold, filtered water. This creates a concentrate you can dilute later. For a ready-to-drink strength, use a 1:8 ratio. Always use a coarse grind to prevent over-extraction and a muddy final product.
How do I store homemade cold brew and how long does it last?
After straining, store your cold brew concentrate in a sealed container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to two weeks. For best results, dilute it with water or milk just before serving over ice to maintain its strength and vibrant taste.
Do I need any special equipment to make cold brew at home?
No special equipment is needed. A large mason jar or pitcher and a fine-mesh sieve, cheesecloth, or a dedicated cold brew filter bag work perfectly. The key is using a coarse grind and having a way to separate the grounds from the water after steeping.
