How to Make Cold Brew at Home and Save Money
Ever wanted to recreate that smooth and refreshing Starbucks cold brew experience right in your own kitchen? Let me show you how to make cold brew at home with this simple and quick recipe that captures the rich, bold flavors that you love from your favorite coffee shop.
With just a few basic ingredients, you can enjoy a Starbucks menu drink without the wait or the cost.
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Imagine sipping on a glass of velvety cold brew coffee, perfectly chilled and invigorating.
This recipe is your ticket to enjoying Starbucks-like cold brew, tailored to your taste preferences. Whether you like it black, with cream, or sweetened, the possibilities are endless.
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What is Cold Brew Coffee?
Cold brew coffee is simply coffee grounds steeped in the refrigerator over time to create a smooth tasting alternative to the warm version of coffee.
The foundation of a great cold brew lies in the choice of coffee. Opt for coarsely ground coffee beans to achieve that rich flavor profile. Fine grounds can result in a cloudy brew and overly bitter taste, so coarseness is key.
Experiment with different blends to find the one that best suits your palate. A bold dark roast will give you a richer and deeper flavor, while a lighter blend will produce a more mellow and fruity result. Each type of roast brings its own unique character to your cold brew, so don’t be afraid to try something new!
Delicious Copycat Starbucks Cold Brew
This copycat Starbucks cold brew is smooth, rich, and full of flavor, boasting a delightful balance between mild acidity and a natural sweetness. It’s perfect for warm days or any time you need a caffeine boost.
Enjoy it as is or customize it with your favorite syrups or milk alternatives for a personalized touch.
Equipment Needed
- Mason Jar or Cold Brew Kit
- Cloth Bag or Strainer
- Measuring Spoons
- Optional Funnel
Ingredients for Cold Brew Coffee
- 1 cup coarsely ground coffee (your favorite blend)
- 4 cups cold water
- Ice cubes
- Milk or cream (optional)
- Sweetener like sugar or flavored syrups (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Coffee and Water: In a large jar or pitcher, combine the coarsely ground coffee with cold water. Stir gently to ensure all the coffee grounds are saturated.
- Steep: Cover the jar or pitcher and let it steep in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours. The longer it steeps, the stronger the coffee will be.
- Strain: After steeping, strain the coffee using a fine mesh sieve or a coffee filter to remove the grounds. You should be left with a smooth, cold brew concentrate.
- Serve: Fill a glass with ice cubes and pour the cold brew concentrate over the ice. Dilute with water or milk to your desired strength. Sweeten as desired with sugar or flavored syrups.
- Store: Any leftover cold brew can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Steep Time: 12-24 hours
- Total Time: 12-24 hours 5 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 cups
- Calories: 5kcal
- Fat: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
The Steeping Process
One of the most important steps in making cold brew is the steeping process. The longer the coffee grounds are allowed to steep, the more robust the flavor becomes.
For best results:
- Add your coarsely ground coffee to a large pitcher or jar.
- Use a ratio of 1 cup of coffee grounds to 4 cups of cold water.
- Stir gently to ensure the coffee grounds are fully saturated.
Cover the container and let it steep in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours. Shorter steeping times will give you a lighter flavor, while longer steeping results in a bolder and more concentrated coffee.
Straining for Smoothness
Once the steeping process is complete, it’s time to strain the coffee. Straining ensures your cold brew is smooth and free from gritty coffee particles. Use a fine mesh sieve, cheesecloth, or a coffee filter to separate the grounds from the liquid.
For an even cleaner result, strain it a second time through a fresh filter. Once strained, you’ll be left with a rich, flavorful cold brew concentrate ready to be served.
Customizing Your Cold Brew
One of the best parts about making cold brew at home is that you can customize it to your exact liking.
- Serve it black: For a bold and pure coffee experience.
- Add cream or milk: Choose dairy or non-dairy options like oat, almond, or coconut milk to create a creamy, smooth drink.
- Sweeten it: Stir in a little simple syrup, flavored syrup, or honey for a touch of sweetness.
- Make it indulgent: Add a splash of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor.
Cold brew concentrate can also be diluted with water if the flavor is too strong. Adjust the ratio to match your personal preference.
Storing Your Cold Brew
Cold brew is a fantastic make-ahead drink, and storing it properly allows you to enjoy it throughout the week. Transfer the strained concentrate into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 7-10 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply pour your desired amount of concentrate over ice, dilute with water or milk if needed, and add any extras you love.
Crafting the Perfect Cold Brew
Creating your own cold brew coffee at home is a delightful experience that brings the essence of your favorite coffee shop right to your kitchen.
With just a few essential ingredients, you can whip up a batch of smooth and rich cold brew that rivals the offerings of Starbucks.
This refreshing drink is perfect for warm days or those times when you crave a pick-me-up.
Making your own copycat Starbucks cold brew at home is easier than you might think, and the results are truly rewarding. From selecting the perfect coffee blend to customizing your drink, every step of the process allows you to create a brew tailored to your tastes.
Not only will you save money by skipping the coffee shop, but you’ll also have the satisfaction of crafting a high-quality drink right in your own kitchen. Whether it’s a sunny afternoon or a relaxing morning, this cold brew recipe will elevate your coffee experience.
Ready to give it a try? Grab your favorite coffee beans, a pitcher, and some time to let it steep, and you’ll have a refreshing glass of cold brew to enjoy in no time!
Cold Brew Overnight Oats: A Perfect Pairing for Busy Mornings
One of the best things about homemade cold brew is how versatile it is—did you know it’s the perfect ingredient for cold brew overnight oats? This simple and delicious breakfast combines the smooth, bold flavor of cold brew with hearty oats, creating a make-ahead meal that’s as energizing as it is satisfying.
Pair it with your homemade cold brew coffee for the ultimate grab-and-go breakfast on busy mornings when you don’t have time to wait for brewed coffee.
Check out my Quick Make-Ahead Breakfast Ideas post and my Baked Oatmeal Bites recipes—both are ideal for those days when you need a nourishing start without the rush.
Cold brew overnight oats and these other breakfast options will make your mornings smoother and more productive!
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Share your morning shortcuts with me in the comments!
Delicious Copycat Starbucks Cold Brew
Equipment
- Mason Jar or Cold Brew Kit
- Cloth Bag or Strainer
- Measuring spoons
- Optional Funnel
Ingredients
- 1 cup coarsely ground coffee your favorite blend
- 4 cups cold water
- Ice cubes
- Milk or cream optional
- Sweetener like sugar or flavored syrups optional
Instructions
- Combine Coffee and Water: In a large jar or pitcher, combine the coarsely ground coffee with cold water. Stir gently to ensure all the coffee grounds are saturated.
- Steep: Cover the jar or pitcher and let it steep in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours. The longer it steeps, the stronger the coffee will be.
- Strain: After steeping, strain the coffee using a fine mesh sieve or a coffee filter to remove the grounds. You should be left with a smooth, cold brew concentrate.
- Serve: Fill a glass with ice cubes and pour the cold brew concentrate over the ice. Dilute with water or milk to your desired strength. Sweeten as desired with sugar or flavored syrups.
- Store: Any leftover cold brew can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
