How To Make Cold Brew Coffee: A Step-by-Step Guide
One of our most popular drink orders during summer months is a cold brew coffee made with our Guatemalan Reserve, and for good reason: cold brew is lower in acidity than than drip or espresso making for a much smoother sip, and the cold-extraction process preserves some of the more delicate notes in the flavor profile that get lost or destroyed with a heat based extraction method. And because it’s already cold, it’s a no-fuss concoction that takes mere seconds to whip up.
In our cafe, we use a toddy maker and 1 lb of coffee, but if you don’t have one at home, never fear! We’ve tailored these recipes for home use without special equipment. Coffee preferences can vary, so we’re providing a range of ratios for you to find your perfect brew. We recommend making a concentrate for more flexibility in creating different coffee drinks. Enjoy experimenting to discover your ideal cold brew!
What You’ll Need:
- 12 oz of Guatemalan Reserve, coarsely ground
- Cold, filtered water
- A large jar or pitcher
- A fine mesh sieve or coffee filter
- A spoon for stirring
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Measure Your Coffee and Water
- The coffee:water ratio will depend on how concentrated you want to make your brew. Check out the recipes below to see preparation instructions for different concentration strengths.
- Combine Coffee and Water
- Place the coarsely ground coffee into your jar or pitcher.
- Pour cold, filtered water over the coffee grounds, ensuring all grounds are saturated.
- Stir the mixture gently to make sure the coffee grounds are evenly distributed and fully submerged.
- Steep the Coffee
- Cover the jar or pitcher with a lid or plastic wrap.
- Keep it somewhere cool and let it steep for 12 to 24 hours. A good rule of thumb is that the longer it steeps, the stronger the flavor will be and that more coffee grinds = more time.
- Strain the Coffee
- After steeping, strain the coffee through a fine mesh sieve or coffee filter into a clean jar or pitcher. This will remove the coffee grounds, leaving you with smooth, rich cold brew concentrate.
- Dilute and Serve
- Cold brew concentrate can be quite strong, so dilute it with water or milk to taste. A good starting point is a 1:1 ratio of concentrate to water or milk.
- Serve your cold brew over ice and enjoy!
Cold Brew Ratio Recipes
1:4 Ratio (Concentrate)
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Ingredients:
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One 12 oz (340 g) bag of coarsely ground Guatemalan Reserve
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12 cups (2840 mL) cold, filtered water
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Instructions:
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Combine the coffee grounds and water in a large jar or pitcher, ensuring all grounds are saturated.
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Stir gently to mix.
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Cover and refrigerate for 18 hours.
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Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or coffee filter into a clean jar or pitcher.
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Dilute with water or milk at a 1:1 ratio to make a finished cold brew or use the concentrate in coffee cocktails, desserts and more
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1:10 – 1:8 Ratio (Ready-to-Drink Cold Brew)
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Ingredients:
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One 12 oz (340 g) bag of coarsely ground Guatemalan Reserve
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12 to 15 cups (2840 to 3550 mL) cold, filtered water
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Instructions:
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Combine the coffee grounds and water in a large jar or pitcher, ensuring all grounds are saturated.
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Stir gently to mix.
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Cover and refrigerate for 10 hours.
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Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or coffee filter into a clean jar or pitcher.
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Serve over ice and enjoy immediately.
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1:12 Ratio (Lighter Brew, lovely served solo)
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Ingredients:
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One 12 oz (340 g) bag of coarsely ground Guatemalan Reserve
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18 cups (4260 mL) cold, filtered water
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Instructions:
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Combine the coffee grounds and water in a large jar or pitcher, ensuring all grounds are saturated.
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Stir gently to mix.
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Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours.
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Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or coffee filter into a clean jar or pitcher.
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Serve over ice and let the ice melt to gradually dilute the coffee.
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Tips for the Perfect Cold Brew:
- Use Fresh, Light Roast Coffee: For the best flavor, we recommend a freshly roasted and ground light roast coffee. Light roasts tend to keep subtle flavor profiles that get destroyed at higher temperatures, so lightly roasted and freshly ground coffee will give you the best flavor. Our Guatemalan Reserve and Lady of the Mountain coffees are perfect choices!
- Adjust Strength: If you prefer a stronger or weaker coffee, adjust the coffee-to-water ratio accordingly.
- Experiment with Flavors: Add a splash of vanilla extract, a pinch of cinnamon, or a drizzle of simple syrup for a unique twist on your cold brew.
Explore our selection of coffees and start your cold brew adventure today. Visit The Vashon Island Coffee Roasterie to learn more about our coffees and our commitment to quality and tradition.
