Making your own Cold Brew coffee – recipe, grind size, steeping time & the best coffee makers

Cold brew coffee has long been more than just a summer trend. Cold coffee preparation is synonymous with a particularly smooth, aromatic flavor profile and can be easily prepared at home with just a few ingredients. Instead of passing hot water through coffee grounds in a matter of minutes, coarsely ground coffee is extracted with cold water over many hours. Time replaces a large portion of the heat – and that is exactly what defines its typical flavor.

The result can taste sweet, chocolaty, fruity, or nutty and usually contains less perceived bitterness than classically hot-brewed coffee. At the same time, cold brew is extremely versatile: you can drink it straight over ice, dilute it with water or milk, use it as a base for tonics, cocktails, and desserts, or prepare it as a concentrated coffee for food service.

In this detailed guide, you will learn exactly what cold brew coffee is, which coffee and grind size are suitable, how long it should steep, and the differences between cold brew, cold drip, and classic iced coffee. Furthermore, we will show you various recipes and introduce suitable coffee makers for home, on the go, as well as for cafés and gastronomic businesses.

What is cold brew coffee?

Cold brew is coffee that is extracted over several hours using cold or room-temperature water. Usually, coarsely ground coffee is mixed with water and filtered after about 12 to 24 hours. Unlike classic filter coffee, no hot water is used during the actual extraction.

The low temperature slows down the extraction process. That is why cold brew requires significantly more time than hot-brewed coffee. At the same time, the soluble components of the coffee are extracted in a different ratio. Many people therefore perceive cold brew as smoother, sweeter, and less bitter. Depending on the bean, flavors of chocolate, caramel, and nuts can emerge just as clearly as fruity notes.

Cold brew primarily refers to the preparation method and not necessarily a single recipe. There are ready-to-drink versions that result directly from a balanced coffee-to-water ratio, as well as concentrated approaches that are later diluted with water, ice, or milk. The steeping time, grind size, and the beans used can also be individually adjusted.

Cold brew, iced coffee, and iced coffee: what is the difference?

The terms are often used synonymously, but they describe different drinks. In classic German "Eiskaffee," hot-brewed and subsequently cooled coffee is often served with vanilla ice cream and whipped cream. An "iced coffee," on the other hand, usually consists of hot-brewed coffee or espresso poured directly over ice cubes or served cold after cooling.

Cold brew, by contrast, is extracted cold from the very beginning. This creates a different aroma profile. The coffee often appears rounder and less roasty, whereas hot-brewed iced coffee often shows more sharp acidity and roasted notes. Neither method is fundamentally better – they simply fulfill different taste expectations.

Drink	Preparation	Taste	Time required
Cold brew	Cold extraction over many hours	Smooth, sweet, full-bodied	12–24 hours
Iced coffee	Hot-brewed and cooled over ice	Clear, fresh, more defined by roasted notes	A few minutes
Eiskaffee	Cold coffee with ice cream and often whipped cream	Sweet and dessert-like	A few minutes

Cold brew or cold drip – what is the difference?

With classic cold brew, also called immersion cold brew, the coffee grounds remain in the water throughout the entire steeping time. After extraction, the coffee is separated from the particles. This method is uncomplicated and is excellent for larger quantities.

With cold drip, cold water or ice water drips slowly and in a controlled manner through a bed of coffee. Depending on the device and drip rate, preparation takes several hours. The result often appears particularly clear, nuanced, and light. Fruity and floral coffees can be brought to the fore very precisely in cold drip.

For everyday use, immersion cold brew is usually easier. Cold drip appeals primarily to coffee lovers who enjoy experimenting with drip rates, grind sizes, and layering. Both methods belong to cold coffee extraction, but they produce different textures and flavor profiles.

Which coffee is used for cold brew?

In principle, cold brew can be prepared with almost any high-quality coffee bean. Freshness, a consistent grind size, and a flavor profile that suits your preferences are particularly important. A special "cold brew bean" is not strictly necessary.

Medium and lighter roasts can show fruity, floral, and sweet notes particularly clearly. Medium-dark roasts often produce a stronger, more chocolaty cold brew, which combines well with milk. Extremely dark and very oily beans can quickly appear dominant or dull in cold coffee.

For a mild and smooth cold brew, coffees with notes of milk chocolate, caramel, and nuts are suitable, for example. Fruity single origins, on the other hand, create a livelier, tea-like character. On our cold brew category page, you will find suitable coffee makers as well as selected coffees for different taste preferences.

Arabica or Robusta for cold brew?

100% Arabica is a good choice if you prefer an aromatic, sweet, and nuanced cold brew. Arabica-Robusta blends provide more body, more caffeine, and often a stronger roasted note. They can work particularly well when the cold brew is served with milk or as a cocktail base.

For beginners, we recommend a balanced Arabica coffee with chocolaty or caramelly notes. Those who prefer more intense drinks can subsequently experiment with stronger blends or a higher coffee dosage.

Which grind size is correct for cold brew?

For classic cold brew, a coarse grind size is recommended. It should resemble coarse sea salt and be significantly coarser than grounds for a hand filter or a moka pot. Since coffee and water are in contact for many hours, a grind that is too fine would quickly lead to a heavy, bitter, or muddy cup.

A coarse, as consistent as possible, grind size also makes filtering easier. With finely ground coffee, more small particles pass through metal or fabric filters. This can make the cold brew cloudy and lead to progressive extraction during storage.

For cold drip, the grind size can be chosen to be slightly finer than for immersion cold brew, depending on the drip rate. As a starting point, a medium-to-coarse grind is suitable. If the water runs through too quickly, you can grind finer. If it clogs or the extraction takes significantly too long, the grind size should be coarser.

The right mixing ratio for cold brew

The appropriate ratio depends on whether you want to make a ready-to-drink cold brew or a concentrate. For a version that is directly drinkable, a ratio of about 1:10 to 1:15 is a good starting point. This means, for example, 80 to 100 g of coffee per 1 liter of water.

For a strong concentrate, a ratio between 1:4 and 1:8 is often used. Such a concentrate should subsequently be diluted with water, milk, or ice depending on the intensity. The exact ratio is a matter of taste and also depends on the roast, the steeping time, and the filter used.

Goal	Coffee	Water	Usage
Ready-to-drink cold brew	80–100 g	1 liter	Straight or over ice
Mild cold brew	65–75 g	1 liter	Light summer coffee
Cold brew concentrate	125–200 g	1 liter	Dilute later

How long does cold brew coffee need to steep?

A steeping time of 12 to 18 hours is a good starting point for many recipes. At room temperature, extraction occurs slightly faster, whereas cold brew usually requires more time in the refrigerator. Depending on the grind size and desired intensity, 8 to 24 hours are also possible.

Steeping times that are too short often lead to a thin, underdeveloped drink. If the coffee is extracted for significantly too long, it can taste woody, dry, or dull. Therefore, more time does not automatically mean higher quality.

It is best to start with 14 to 16 hours in the refrigerator and then adjust the recipe accordingly. If the cold brew tastes too light, you can let it steep for a bit longer or use more coffee. If it tastes dry and bitter, a shorter steeping time, a coarser grind size, or a milder roast will help.

Making your own cold brew coffee: the simple basic recipe

For an uncomplicated cold brew, you only need coffee, water, a container, and a filter. A special cold brew maker makes the process cleaner and more comfortable, but it is not strictly necessary for the basic principle.

Ingredients for about 1 liter of ready-to-drink cold brew

• 90 g freshly roasted coffee
• 1 liter of cold, preferably neutral-tasting water
• Ice cubes for serving

Preparation step by step

1. Grind the coffee coarsely: The grounds should be significantly coarser than filter coffee.
2. Combine coffee and water: Add both to the coffee maker and make sure that all the coffee grounds are wetted.
3. Let steep: Seal the container and place it in the refrigerator for about 14 to 16 hours.
4. Filter: Remove the filter or pour the coffee through a fine-mesh sieve and, if necessary, additionally through a paper filter.
5. Taste: If the cold brew is too strong, you can dilute it with water or ice.
6. Serve cold: Enjoy it straight, over ice, or with milk.

The recipe is intentionally intended as a starting point. Beans, water quality, grind size, and personal taste may necessitate an adjustment.

Preparing cold brew concentrate

A concentrate is excellent if you want to prepare several drinks flexibly. It can be diluted with water, tonic, milk, or plant-based alternatives and requires less space in the refrigerator than large quantities of ready-to-drink cold brew.

Use, for example, 150 g of coarsely ground coffee per 1 liter of water and let the mixture steep for about 14 to 18 hours. After filtering, you can start with a 1:1 ratio of concentrate to water. Depending on the bean and the desired intensity, a stronger or milder dilution is also possible.

Note that concentrated cold brew can also contain a higher amount of caffeine per milliliter. Therefore, it should not automatically be dosed like normal filter coffee.

Preparing cold drip coffee

Cold drip is not fully immersed but extracted drop by drop. To get started, you can use about 50 to 60 g of coffee per 500 ml of cold water. The coffee is distributed evenly in the filter and is often covered with a small paper filter so that the drops distribute across the entire surface.

Set the drip rate so that approximately one drop per second falls onto the coffee bed. Depending on the device and recipe, preparation takes about three to eight hours. Check the drip rate in between, as it can shift due to changing water pressure.

Cold drip often tastes particularly clear and is excellent for coffees with fine fruit, floral aromas, and distinct sweetness. It can be served directly over ice or lightly chilled.

Which cold brew coffee maker suits you?

The best method depends on your everyday life, the desired quantity, and your preferred flavor profile. In our selection, you will find classic immersion brewers, compact travel brewers, ice-drip systems, and professional solutions for gastronomy.

GOAT STORY Cold Brewer – uncomplicated cold brew for at home

The GOAT STORY Cold Brewer with 800 ml is ideal for anyone who wants to prepare cold brew without a complicated setup. The long, fine-mesh stainless steel filter holds back the coffee grounds, while the airtight lid allows for clean storage in the refrigerator. Fill with coffee, add water, let steep, and remove the filter – it could hardly be easier to prepare a supply for several glasses.

Timemore Icicle Cold Brewer – slim, leak-proof, and mobile

The Timemore Icicle Cold Brewer has a slim 600 ml format, a long filter, and a leak-proof lid. Due to its shape, it fits well in refrigerator doors and is also suitable for the office, travel, or picnics. The scale makes it easier to dose reproducible water quantities.

Palmpress – cold brew on the go and in small portions

The Palmpress Coffee Press is a compact solution for individual portions. It has an integrated metal filter and can be used for both hot coffee and cold brew. This makes it particularly suitable for travel, camping, van life, the office, or anyone who only wants to prepare small quantities.

Timemore Ice Drip Coffee Maker – controlled drip extraction

The Timemore Ice Drip Coffee Maker is aimed at coffee fans who want to specifically control their cold drip. The dripping speed can be regulated via the valve. The transparent design makes the extraction visible and at the same time turns the preparation into a small coffee ritual.

Hario V60 Glass Iced Coffee Maker – faster iced coffee instead of long steeping times

The Hario V60 Glass Iced Coffee Maker works differently than classic cold brew. Here, coffee is brewed hot with the V60 and cooled directly over ice. This Japanese flash-brew method preserves vibrant aromas and is perfect if you want to prepare a clear, refreshing iced coffee within a few minutes.

Cold brew for cafés, restaurants, and catering

For professional use, reproducibility of batches, efficient filtration, and a hygienic workflow are just as important as taste. Small household makers quickly reach their limits with high sales volumes. Commercial systems are therefore designed for larger coffee quantities, robust use, and predictable preparation.

The Toddy Commercial Cold Brew System with Lift can hold up to approximately 2.2 kg of coffee and provide up to around 9.5 liters of concentrated cold brew per batch. The Toddy Lift makes removing the coffee grounds easier, while the filter and tap support an efficient catering workflow.

For cafés, it is worthwhile to develop a fixed recipe with a documented grind size, water ratio, steeping time, and dilution. This ensures that the drink remains consistent even with changing staff. A concentrate can then be served as cold brew over ice, with milk, tonic, or as a seasonal signature drink.

The most common mistakes with cold brew coffee

1. The coffee is ground too finely

Fine grounds extract too strongly over many hours and make filtering difficult. The result can be bitter, dry, or muddy. Use a coarse, as uniform as possible, grind size.

2. The steeping time is too long

Cold brew needs a long steeping time, but not indefinitely. More than 24 hours rarely improves the result. Start with 14 to 16 hours and then adjust in small steps.

3. Not all of the coffee grounds are wetted

Dry spots lead to uneven extraction. Pour the water in slowly and stir carefully until all particles are moist. With long filters, the water should reach the coffee grounds as evenly as possible.

4. The ratio is not defined

Those who dose coffee and water just by feel will rarely achieve reproducible results. A scale helps to repeat a good recipe exactly later on.

5. The cold brew is stored unfiltered

If the coffee grounds remain in the drink after the desired steeping time, extraction continues. Therefore, remove the filter completely and pour the finished cold brew into a clean, sealable container.

6. The water does not taste neutral

Since cold brew consists mostly of water, its taste significantly influences the result. Strongly chlorinated or improperly mineralized water can mask delicate coffee aromas.

How long does homemade cold brew keep?

Freshly filtered cold brew should be kept in the refrigerator in a clean, airtight container. For the best aroma, it is recommended to consume it within a few days. With longer storage time, it loses freshness and can taste duller.

You should only add milk, syrup, or other ingredients immediately before serving. This keeps the pure cold brew stable for longer and allows it to be used flexibly for different recipes.

Furthermore, rely on smell, appearance, and taste for homemade drinks. In case of a strange smell, visible changes, or doubts, the coffee should no longer be drunk.

Serving cold brew: simple recipes and variations

Cold brew pure on ice

Fill a glass with large ice cubes and pour ready-to-drink cold brew over it. An orange zest can emphasize fruity coffees without significantly changing the drink.

Cold brew tonic

Add ice and tonic water to a glass and slowly pour cold brew over it. A ratio of about two parts tonic to one part cold brew is a good starting point. Citrus fruits or rosemary are suitable as a garnish.

Cold brew with milk

Chocolatey and nutty coffees harmonize particularly well with cow's milk or oat drink. Use either ready-to-drink cold brew or dilute a concentrate directly with milk.

Vanilla cold brew

A small dash of vanilla syrup rounds off strong cold brew. So that the drink does not become too sweet, you should dose the syrup sparingly at first.

Cold brew with lemon

A few drops of lemon juice or a lemon zest can refreshingly complement fruity and floral roasted coffees. Too much acidity can, however, mask the coffee aroma.

Warm cold brew

Cold brew does not necessarily have to be drunk cold. A concentrate can be extended with hot water. The result is a mild, quickly servable coffee that is particularly suitable for prepared catering workflows.

Is cold brew coffee healthy – and is it stronger than regular coffee?

Cold brew is essentially unsweetened coffee and therefore contains similar plant components to other coffee drinks. Whether a finished drink fits into a balanced diet depends, among other things, on quantity, caffeine content, and additives such as sugar, syrup, or cream.

The statement that cold brew is fundamentally "acid-free" or automatically stomach-friendly is too general. Many people find it milder and less acidic in taste. However, the perceived acidity, the actual pH value, and individual tolerance are not the same thing.

There is also no simple, blanket answer regarding caffeine. A ready-to-drink cold brew can contain a similar amount of or less caffeine than filter coffee. A strong concentrate, on the other hand, can provide significantly more caffeine per milliliter. The determining factors are the type of bean, amount of coffee, ratio, steeping time, and dilution.

Anyone sensitive to caffeine should start with a small portion and always dilute concentrated cold brew accordingly. Pregnant women, nursing mothers, and people with health concerns should consider their total daily caffeine intake and seek medical advice in case of uncertainty.

Frequently asked questions about cold brew coffee (FAQ)

What is cold brew coffee?

Cold brew is cold-extracted coffee. Coarsely ground beans are brought into contact with cold or room-temperature water for several hours and then filtered. This usually results in a soft, aromatic coffee with low perceived bitterness.

How do I make cold brew coffee?

Mix about 90 g of coarsely ground coffee with 1 liter of cold water, let the mixture steep in the refrigerator for 14 to 16 hours, and then filter it. Serve the cold brew pure, on ice, or with milk.

Which coffee do you use for cold brew?

Fresh, medium, or rather light-roasted coffees with sweet, chocolatey, or fruity aromas are particularly suitable. A special cold brew roast is not required. Quality, freshness, and a coarse grind size are the deciding factors.

Which grind size is suitable for cold brew?

For immersion cold brew, the coffee should be coarsely ground, similar to coarse sea salt. For cold drip, a medium to coarse grind size is suitable depending on the drip rate.

How long does cold brew have to steep?

Most recipes work with a steeping time of 12 to 18 hours. Extraction can take a little longer in the refrigerator than at room temperature. More than 24 hours is usually not necessary.

Is cold brew stronger than regular coffee?

That depends on the recipe. Ready-to-drink cold brew can be similar in strength to filter coffee. A concentrate usually contains significantly more dissolved coffee and possibly more caffeine per milliliter, but it is diluted before drinking.

Is cold brew coffee healthy?

Unsweetened cold brew is a coffee drink without significant added calories. Its effect depends primarily on the quantity, caffeine content, and possible additives. It is not a remedy and should be dosed accordingly if you are caffeine sensitive.

Why do so many people drink cold brew?

Cold brew is easy to prepare, can be used chilled for several days, and often tastes soft and sweet. In addition, it can be served pure, with milk, tonic, or as a cocktail base.

What is the difference between cold brew and cold drip?

With cold brew, the coffee grounds lie completely in the water for several hours. With cold drip, water drips slowly through a bed of coffee. Cold brew often tastes fuller-bodied, while cold drip is often clearer and more refined.

Can you drink cold brew warm?

Yes. Cold brew concentrate can be diluted with hot water. It remains cold-extracted, but is served as a warm drink.

Can you use regular filter coffee for cold brew?

Yes, as long as it is fresh and coarsely ground. Filter coffee that has already been pre-ground finely is less ideal because it is harder to filter and can become bitter more quickly.

Does cold brew have to steep in the refrigerator?

No, it can also steep at room temperature. Extraction runs more slowly in the refrigerator, and the drink remains chilled throughout the preparation process. The steeping time should be adjusted accordingly.

Why is my cold brew bitter?

Often, a grind size that is too fine, a steeping time that is too long, too much coffee, or a very dark roast are responsible. Grind coarser and shorten the extraction next time.

Why does my cold brew taste watery?

Possible causes are too little coffee, a very short steeping time, or a grind size that is too coarse. First, increase the amount of coffee or extend the steeping time in small steps.

How long does cold brew keep in the refrigerator?

For the best aroma, homemade cold brew should be consumed within a few days and always stored cleanly, cold, and airtight. Add milk and other ingredients only when serving.

Conclusion: Cold brew coffee is simple, versatile, and surprisingly aromatic

Cold brew combines uncomplicated preparation with an exceptionally versatile flavor profile. Coarsely ground coffee, cold water, and enough time are all you need to create a soft, aromatic coffee for hot days, milk drinks, tonic, or creative recipes.

For beginners, a ratio of about 90 g of coffee to 1 liter of water and a steeping time of 14 to 16 hours is ideal. From there, you can adapt the grind size, dosage, and extraction duration to your beans and your personal taste.

With a suitable coffee maker, the process becomes particularly clean and reproducible. Whether it's the simple GOAT STORY Cold Brewer, the slim Timemore Icicle, the compact Palmpress, a Timemore Ice Dripper, or a professional Toddy system – there is a suitable solution for almost every workflow.

Discover our Cold Brew Coffee Makers and find the setup that fits your everyday life, your café, or your favorite cold brew recipe.