Name: Cold Brew Coffee Recipe: Smooth and Bold
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 725 min
Ingredients: 1 cup 4–5 oz coarsely ground coffee (medium-coarse like sea salt); 4 cups cold (filtered water)

Introduction

Table of Contents

Cold brew coffee is the smoothest, least acidic way to enjoy coffee: coarse-ground beans steeped in cold water for 12–24 hours, resulting in a rich, concentrated coffee that’s naturally sweet and gentle on the stomach. Make a big batch, and you’ve got delicious iced coffee (or hot) for days. Presented in a tall glass bottle with a pour spout, served over ice with a splash of milk, optionally garnished with a coffee bean or cinnamon stick, this Cold Brew Coffee offers deep, chocolatey notes and pure refreshing bliss that makes mornings (and afternoons) infinitely better.

Ingredients

For the Cold Brew Concentrate (makes ~4–6 cups concentrate): • 1 cup (4–5 oz) coarsely ground coffee (medium-coarse like sea salt)
• 4 cups cold, filtered water

For Serving: • Ice
• Milk, oat milk, or plant milk
• Simple syrup, flavored syrups, or sweetener of choice
• Optional: vanilla extract, cinnamon, cocoa powder

Step-by-Step Process

Grind the coffee
Grind coffee beans to a coarse consistency (like coarse sea salt). Too fine = bitter; too coarse = weak.
Combine
In a large jar, pitcher, or French press, add ground coffee. Pour cold water over the grounds. Stir gently to ensure all grounds are saturated (no dry pockets).
Steep
Cover and let steep at room temperature 12–18 hours (or in fridge for a cleaner taste).
- 12 hours = lighter, brighter
- 18 hours = bolder, richer
- 24 hours = very strong (great for iced lattes)
Strain
Strain through a fine-mesh sieve, cheesecloth, or coffee filter (multiple layers for clarity). For the French press, press the plunger slowly.
For the cleanest result, double-strain or use a nut milk bag.
Store
Transfer concentrate to a glass bottle or jar. Refrigerate up to 2 weeks.
Serve
Dilute concentrate with water or milk (1:1 to 1:3 ratio depending on strength preference).
- Iced: over ice
- Hot: dilute with hot water
  Add sweetener/milk to taste.

Tips for Perfect Cold Brew Coffee

• Coarse grind essential—fine grind = muddy, bitter brew
• Use good beans—medium to dark roast shines in cold brew
• Filtered water—tap water can add off-flavors
• Steep in fridge = cleaner, less acidic
• Concentrate lasts longer than ready-to-drink
• Experiment ratios—start strong, dilute to taste

Variations and Customization

• Vanilla Cold Brew: add vanilla bean or extract during steep
• Chocolate Cold Brew: add cocoa powder or chocolate syrup
• Spiced: cinnamon stick, cardamom, or nutmeg during steep
• Nitro-Style: add a pinch of baking soda for a smoother mouthfeel
• Overnight: 12-hour steep for milder flavor
• Concentrate Cubes: freeze in ice trays for iced coffee

Storage and Serving Tips

• Concentrate keeps 10–14 days in the fridge
• Ready-to-drink (diluted) up to 4–5 days
• Freeze concentrate in cubes up to 3 months
• Quick refresh: shake bottle before pouring
• Serve over ice with milk or black
• Perfect for iced lattes, iced coffee, or affogato

Nutritional Information

Based on 8 oz serving (concentrate diluted 1:2):
• Calories: 5 kcal (black)
• Caffeine: ~100–150 mg

FAQ

1. How long should I steep?
12–18 hours standard; 24 hours for very strong concentrate.

2. Can I use pre-ground coffee?
Yes—coarse grind is key.

3. No French press or cheesecloth?
Use a coffee filter in a funnel or a nut milk bag.

4. Too bitter?
Shorter steep or coarser grind.

5. Too weak?
Longer steep or more coffee.

Conclusion

This Cold Brew Coffee is pure morning magic—smooth, low-acid, and so refreshing it makes iced coffee feel like a luxury. One batch in the fridge and suddenly mornings feel brighter, afternoons feel energized, and you’ll never go back to hot brew in summer. Keep good beans and a jar ready, and you’re always 12 hours away from the smoothest, most delicious coffee that turns ordinary days into something quietly extraordinary.