A step-by-step guide for smooth, refreshing coffee using what you already have
Cold brew might look fancy in cafés, but the truth is: you don’t need a kit, a special jug, or any expensive gear to make it at home. In fact, some of the best cold brews are made with nothing more than a jar, a sieve, and a little patience. This guide walks you through exactly how to make cold brew coffee at home with everyday kitchen tools. We’ll cover the right ratios, brewing times, filter options, and tips to get the most flavour with the least effort. If you’ve got a cafetière, a jug, or even a large mug and some cling film — you’re in business. Let’s get brewing.
What is Cold Brew (And Why It’s Different from Iced Coffee)
Cold brew is coffee that’s brewed slowly using cold or room-temperature water over 12–18 hours. This slow extraction creates a naturally smooth, less acidic drink with bold flavour and low bitterness. It’s often confused with iced coffee, but the difference is huge. Iced coffee is brewed hot and poured over ice — meaning it’s often diluted and bitter. Cold brew is brewed cold from the start, which preserves sweetness and body. This makes it perfect for summer sipping or keeping in the fridge all week.
🔗 Related: French Press Brewing: The Perfect Ratio and Timing
What You’ll Need (And What You Can Use Instead)
You do not need a fancy cold brew jug. Here’s what works:
- A jar, jug, French press, cafetière, or large container (minimum 500ml)
- A spoon or chopstick for stirring
- Ground coffee (coarse grind)
- Filtered or bottled water
- Cheesecloth, a sieve, paper filter, or clean cloth for filtering
Optional:
- A funnel for pouring
- A bottle or jug for storage
Cold Brew Ratio: How Much Coffee to Use
The standard cold brew ratio is 1:8 (one part coffee to eight parts water). For a stronger concentrate, go 1:4, and dilute later.
| Batch Size | Coffee (g) | Water (ml) |
|---|---|---|
| Small (2–3 cups) | 50g | 400ml |
| Medium (4–6 cups) | 75g | 600ml |
| Large (8–10 cups) | 100g | 800ml |
Want to keep it simple? Use 4 tablespoons of coarsely ground coffee per 1 cup (250ml) of water.
🔗 Related: What Is the Right Coffee-to-Water Ratio?
Step-by-Step: How to Make Cold Brew Without a Kit
1. Grind Your Coffee (or Buy Coarse Pre-Ground)
Use a coarse grind — similar to French press. Fine grinds will over-extract and be hard to filter. Burr grinders work best, but you can buy pre-ground “French press” coffee from most UK supermarkets.
🔗 Related: Best Manual Coffee Grinders in the UK
2. Add Coffee to Your Container
Add your coffee to a jar, French press, or jug. If you’re making a large batch, you can use a mixing bowl and transfer it later.
3. Pour in Cold or Room-Temperature Water
Slowly add your water to the grounds, stirring gently to saturate them. Use filtered water if possible — it makes a real difference in taste.
4. Cover and Let It Steep
Cover with a lid or cling film and let it sit for 12 to 18 hours. Room temperature is fine, but if your kitchen is very warm, the fridge is safer.
5. Filter the Coffee
Once steeped, it’s time to filter. You can use:
- A sieve lined with cheesecloth
- A paper coffee filter inside a funnel
- A fine mesh tea strainer
- A French press plunger (works well but leaves some sediment)
If you’re using cloth, rinse it well first to avoid fabric flavours.
6. Transfer to a Bottle or Jug
Pour your filtered cold brew into a clean bottle or jug. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days. The flavour often improves on day 2.
7. Serve How You Like It
Drink it straight for a bold cup, or dilute with:
- Water (1:1 ratio)
- Ice
- Milk or oat milk
- A splash of sugar syrup, vanilla, or cinnamon
Pro tip: Try it with tonic water and ice for a refreshing, fizzy cold brew spritz. [Image 4]
Troubleshooting Cold Brew
| Problem | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Bitter taste | Too long steep time | Reduce to 12–14 hrs |
| Sour flavour | Under-extracted | Try a finer grind or longer steep |
| Weak coffee | Too much water or too short a brew | Reduce water or increase steep time |
| Hard to filter | Grind too fine | Use coarser grind and double filter |
Cleaning and Reusing
- Rinse your container with hot water and mild soap
- Compost the used grounds — don’t pour them down the sink
- If using cloth filters, rinse thoroughly and let them dry fully
Related Posts to Explore
- How to Use a Moka Pot (Without Ruining Your Coffee)
- Why Is My Coffee Watery? 7 Fixes
- Understanding Coffee Grind Sizes
- Best Coffee Scales for Home Brewing
Final Thoughts
Cold brew is smooth, easy, and versatile — and you don’t need any fancy gear to make it. With the right ratio, a bit of patience, and a simple filter, you can enjoy café-quality cold brew from your kitchen. Try different beans, steeping times, and serving styles to find what you love.
💌 Want more brewing tricks and recipes? Subscribe to The Daily Bean