Cold brew is one of our favorite ways to enjoy coffee during the warmer months. Brewing with cold water over time creates a naturally smooth, refreshing cup that highlights subtle sweetness and flavor.

Whether you’re making your first batch or looking for a new coffee to try, here’s everything you need to get started.

Almost any coffee can be cold brewed, but different origins create surprisingly different results.

Looking for a place to start? These are three of our favorite coffees for cold brewing:

• Ethiopia Natural: Perfect if you like fruit-forward iced coffee.
• Grey Whale Blend: A crowd-pleaser that makes an incredibly approachable cold brew.
• Pony Express: Excellent for people who add milk or cream.

Cold brewing creates a smooth, refreshing cup that many coffee drinkers love for its:

– Smooth, mellow flavor
– Naturally lower perceived acidity
– Sweet, nuanced tasting notes
– Refreshing over ice

Whether you enjoy bright fruit-forward coffees like Ethiopia Natural or richer blends like Grey Whale Blend or Pony Express, cold brew is a forgiving brewing method that’s fun to experiment with.

Once you’ve mastered the basics, experiment with different flavors to make your cold brew your own. Consider adding:

• A splash of oat milk or cream
• Orange peel for a bright citrus note
• Vanilla syrup or honey
• A cinnamon stick while serving
• Sparkling water or tonic for a refreshing coffee spritz

We'd love to hear how you're enjoying it!

How much coffee should I use for cold brew?

Just follow the recipe above: 1 cup coarsely ground coffee to 4 cups filtered water. Cold brew is wonderfully forgiving, so don’t be afraid to experiment until you find your perfect strength.

Want to get precise? If you like brewing by weight, we recommend starting with 2 grams of coarsely ground coffee for every fluid ounce of water. It’s a reliable ratio that produces a smooth, balanced cold brew.

How long should cold brew steep?

For the best flavor, steep your coffee in the refrigerator for 12–16 hours. A longer steep (up to 24 hours) will produce a stronger, more concentrated brew, while a shorter steep may taste thin or under-extracted.

Can I make cold brew in a French press?

Absolutely. A French press is one of the easiest ways to make cold brew at home. Add your coffee and water, let it steep, then slowly press the plunger and pour. For an even cleaner cup, you can strain it through a paper coffee filter after pressing.

What are your best cold brew tips?

A few simple tips can make a big difference:

– Use coarsely ground coffee.
– Brew with filtered water whenever possible.
– Strain through a paper filter, fine-mesh sieve, or cheesecloth for a cleaner cup.
– Store finished cold brew in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Can I drink cold brew hot?

Yes! Simply warm your cold brew concentrate with hot water. You’ll enjoy the naturally smooth, low-acid flavor of cold brew in a hot cup.

How long does cold brew last?

Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, cold brew typically stays fresh for up to one week. Because it isn’t exposed to heat during brewing, it tends to retain its smooth flavor longer than brewed hot coffee.

How do I keep my iced coffee from getting watered down?

Freeze leftover cold brew into ice cubes and use those instead of regular ice. As they melt, they’ll keep your drink cold without diluting the flavor.

Is cold brew good for baking?

Yes. Because cold brew is naturally smooth and lower in acidity, it works well in recipes like brownies, cakes, marinades, and barbecue sauces where you want rich coffee flavor without extra bitterness.

Whether you’re brewing your first batch or perfecting your summer routine, cold brew is one of the easiest—and most rewarding—ways to enjoy great coffee at home. We hope these tips inspire your next brew.