How to Make Cold Brew Coffee at Home (The Easy Way)

Cold brew coffee has taken the coffee world by storm — and for good reason. It's smooth, low-acid, naturally sweet, and incredibly versatile. The best part? You don't need any fancy equipment to make it at home. Just great coffee, cold water, and a little patience.

At Forged Under Pressure, we're big believers in cold brew done right. Here's our straightforward guide to making a perfect batch at home.

What Is Cold Brew Coffee?

Cold brew is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee in cold or room-temperature water for an extended period — typically 12 to 24 hours. Unlike iced coffee (which is just hot-brewed coffee poured over ice), cold brew is never exposed to heat. The result is a concentrate that's naturally smoother, less acidic, and richer in flavor.

What You'll Need

• Coarsely ground coffee — we recommend a medium or dark roast for cold brew (our Colombia or Dark Roast work beautifully)
• Cold or room-temperature filtered water
• A large jar, pitcher, or French press
• A fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or coffee filter
• Time — 12 to 24 hours

The Cold Brew Ratio

The standard ratio for cold brew concentrate is 1:4 coffee to water (1 cup of ground coffee to 4 cups of water). This makes a concentrate you can dilute with water or milk when serving. If you prefer ready-to-drink cold brew, use a 1:8 ratio instead.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Grind your coffee coarsely. A coarse grind prevents over-extraction and keeps your cold brew smooth. Think sea salt texture, not fine powder.
2. Combine coffee and water. Add your ground coffee to your jar or pitcher, then pour in the cold water. Stir gently to make sure all the grounds are saturated.
3. Steep in the fridge. Cover and refrigerate for 12–24 hours. The longer you steep, the stronger and more concentrated the flavor. We recommend 18 hours as a sweet spot.
4. Strain. Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean container. This removes all the grounds and leaves you with a clean, smooth concentrate.
5. Serve and enjoy. Dilute your concentrate with equal parts water or milk over ice. Add a splash of cream, a pump of syrup, or drink it straight — it's your cup.

Cold Brew Tips from Forged Under Pressure

• Use quality beans. Cold brew amplifies the natural flavor of your coffee, so start with specialty-grade beans. Our ABR's Crucible: Colombia is a customer favorite for cold brew — smooth, low-acid, and naturally sweet.
• Don't rush the steep. Under-steeped cold brew tastes weak and sour. Give it the full time it needs.
• Store it properly. Cold brew concentrate keeps in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Make a big batch and enjoy it all week.
• Experiment with ratios. Everyone's taste is different. Start with 1:4 and adjust from there.

Ready to Brew?

The best cold brew starts with the best beans. Shop our full coffee collection and find your perfect cold brew roast. Whether you prefer a smooth single origin or a bold dark roast, we've got a bag with your name on it.

Forged Under Pressure Coffee is a veteran-owned, family-operated specialty coffee brand. Carefully sourced and shipped to your door.