COLD BREW
Cold Brew > How To Brew: Cold Brew
There’s nothing quite like a glass of rich, smooth, cold brew on a hot Australian day. If you've only ever had it in a cafe, you might think it's complicated to make. But the truth is, it's one of the easiest and most forgiving ways to brew amazing coffee right in your own kitchen.
Let's dive right in. First, we'll break down what makes cold brew different from other chilled coffees.
Module 1: Foundational Theory (Cold Brew vs. Iced Coffee)
First, let's clear up the most common point of confusion. Cold brew and iced coffee are not the same thing.
- Iced Coffee is made by brewing coffee with hot water and then quickly cooling it down by pouring it over ice. It’s fast, but it can often taste a bit acidic or watery.
- Cold Brew is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for an extended period. It’s a slow, gentle process that extracts flavour differently.
| Factor | Cold Brew Coffee | Iced Coffee |
|---|---|---|
| Brewing Method | Steeping grounds in cold water for 12–24 hours. | Brewing hot coffee and pouring it over ice. |
| Taste Profile | Smooth, rich, sweet, very low acidity. | Can be acidic, bitter, and watery if not done well. |
| Extraction Time | Very long (12–24 hours). | Very fast (2–5 minutes). |
| Grind Size | Coarse. | Standard grind for the hot brew method used. |
| Shelf Life | Lasts 1–2 weeks in the fridge. | Best consumed immediately. |
Module 2: Sourcing Your Ingredients (The Best Coffee for Cold Brew)
Do you need special beans to make cold brew? Not necessarily, but some coffees definitely work better than others.
The Best Roast Level
For a classic, crowd-pleasing cold brew, medium to dark roasts are your best friends. The slow, cold extraction process brings out their rich, sweet, and chocolatey flavours beautifully.
The Best Origins for a Classic Cold Brew
We recommend using beans from Brazil, Colombia, or Guatemala. These coffees are famous for their smooth, chocolatey, and nutty notes, which are a perfect match for the cold brew method. You can use lighter, fruitier roasts (like Ethiopian coffee), but they will produce a very different-tasting cold brew that is more tea-like and tangy.
Module 3: The Practical Lab (The Step-by-Step Brewing Recipe)
This is where the magic happens. Let's get brewing.
First, Choose Your Ratio
You can make your cold brew in two ways: as a "ready-to-drink" brew, or as a stronger "concentrate" that you dilute later.
Cold Brew Ratio Guide
| Brew Type | Ratio (Coffee : Water) | Example (Grams / mL) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ready-to-Drink | 1 : 8 | 100g Coffee : 800mL Water | Pouring straight over ice — simple and refreshing. |
| Standard Concentrate | 1 : 4 | 200g Coffee : 800mL Water | Diluting 1:1 with water or milk — the most versatile option. |
The Essential Step: The Coarse Grind
This is the most important part of the recipe. Your coffee must have a coarse grind. It should look like coarse sea salt or breadcrumbs. A fine grind will make your cold brew taste bitter and will be very difficult to filter.
The Master Recipe: Step-by-Step
You can use a large jar, a French press, or any large container you have.
1. Grind Beans: Grind coffee coarsely, like sea salt.
2. Combine: Add grounds to a jar. Pour cold, filtered water over them.
3. Stir: Gently stir once so all grounds are wet.
4. Steep: Cover and let sit 12 hours at room temp or 18-24 in the fridge.
5. Strain: Pour through a filter or press down if using a French press.
6. Store: Transfer cold brew to a clean bottle or jar. Refrigerate.
2. Combine: Add grounds to a jar. Pour cold, filtered water over them.
3. Stir: Gently stir once so all grounds are wet.
4. Steep: Cover and let sit 12 hours at room temp or 18-24 in the fridge.
5. Strain: Pour through a filter or press down if using a French press.
6. Store: Transfer cold brew to a clean bottle or jar. Refrigerate.
Module 4: Advanced Techniques (Troubleshooting Your Brew)
Having problems with the taste? Here are some simple fixes.
"Why does my cold brew taste bitter?"
This usually means you over-extracted it. The most common causes are steeping it for too long or grinding the coffee too fine. Next time, reduce your steep time or use a coarser grind.
This usually means you over-extracted it. The most common causes are steeping it for too long or grinding the coffee too fine. Next time, reduce your steep time or use a coarser grind.
"Why does my cold brew taste weak or sour?"
This means you under-extracted it. It’s the opposite problem. Try steeping it for longer or using a slightly finer grind next time to get more flavour out of the beans.
This means you under-extracted it. It’s the opposite problem. Try steeping it for longer or using a slightly finer grind next time to get more flavour out of the beans.
"Why is my cold brew cloudy?"
This is usually caused by very tiny coffee particles getting through your filter. It won’t affect the taste much, but if you want a cleaner brew, just filter it a second time through a paper coffee filter.
This is usually caused by very tiny coffee particles getting through your filter. It won’t affect the taste much, but if you want a cleaner brew, just filter it a second time through a paper coffee filter.
Module 5: Storing and Serving Your Cold Brew
You've made it! Now for the best part.
How to Store Your Cold Brew
Always store it in a sealed, airtight container in the fridge.
How Long Does Cold Brew Last?
Your homemade cold brew concentrate will stay fresh and delicious in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
How to Serve It
This is the easy part!
- If you made a concentrate: Fill a glass with ice. Pour in one part cold brew, and one part cold water. If you like it creamy, use milk instead of water.
- If you made a ready-to-drink brew: Simply pour it over a glass of ice and enjoy.
Congratulations, you're now a cold brew master! You have all the knowledge you need to make incredibly smooth, sweet, and refreshing coffee at home. Just remember the simple secrets: use a coarse grind, get your ratio right, and be patient while it steeps. You'll be rewarded with a perfect cup, every time.
Ready to become a cold brew master? The first step is the right beans. Explore our roaster-recommended coffees, perfect for creating a smooth, rich, and delicious cold brew at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best ratio for cold brew coffee?
A great starting point is a 1:8 ratio (1 part coffee to 8 parts water) for a ready-to-drink brew, or a 1:4 ratio for a strong concentrate that you can dilute with water or milk.
Do you need special coffee for cold brew?
No, but medium to dark roasts with chocolatey and nutty notes (like beans from Brazil or Colombia) tend to work best for a classic, smooth flavour.
How long should you let cold brew steep?
The ideal range is between 12 and 24 hours. A good starting point is 12 hours at room temperature or 18 hours in the fridge.
Is cold brew stronger than regular coffee?
It can be. If you make a concentrate and don't dilute it enough, it can have more caffeine than a regular cup of coffee. However, when diluted properly (1:1 with water or milk), it is usually very similar in strength.
Should I stir cold brew while steeping?
Just give it one gentle stir at the very beginning to make sure all the grounds are wet. After that, leave it alone. Stirring it during the steeping process can cause it to taste bitter.
Why does my cold brew taste bitter or sour?
A bitter taste usually means you steeped it for too long or your grind was too fine. A sour or weak taste usually means you didn't steep it for long enough. Adjust your time or grind size next time to fix it.
