How to Make Cold Brew Coffee at Home: The Ultimate 2025 Guide
Keywords: how to make cold brew, cold brew coffee recipe, cold brew ratio, Heypresso coffee guide, iced coffee, home barista tips
Looking for a cooler way to enjoy your coffee? Whether you're escaping the summer heat or simply want a smoother cup, cold brew coffee is the perfect choice. It's easy to make, lasts for days, and tastes incredible.
With a bit of patience and the right tools (including your favourite Heypresso accessories), you can master cold brew from your own kitchen, caravan, or even campsite.
🌟 Why Make Cold Brew Coffee at Home?
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Save money: No more paying £4 for a bottle of café cold brew.
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Customise your brew: Strong or smooth, bold or mellow — it’s up to you.
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Stays fresh: Make a big batch and enjoy it for up to two weeks.
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Gentle on the stomach: Naturally low in acidity and bitterness.
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Versatile: Drink it straight, over ice, with milk, or even in cocktails.
🧰 What You’ll Need
Tools:
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Large jar, jug, or cold brew coffee maker
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Fine mesh sieve, cheesecloth, or paper coffee filter
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Reusable bottles or containers for storage
Ingredients:
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Coarsely ground coffee (similar to sea salt)
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Cold or room-temperature filtered water
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Optional add-ins like cinnamon, vanilla or cocoa nibs
☕ Cold Brew Coffee Recipe (Basic Method)
Ingredients:
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100g (1 cup) coarsely ground coffee
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1 litre (4 cups) cold filtered water
Steps:
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Combine coffee and water in your container
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Stir to ensure all grounds are wet
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Cover and leave to steep at room temperature for 12–24 hours
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Strain through a fine sieve or cloth into a clean jar
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Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks
To Serve:
Mix concentrate with cold water, milk, or plant milk. Start with a 1:1 ratio and adjust to taste. Add ice and enjoy!
☕ Choosing the Best Coffee for Cold Brew
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Grind size: Coarse grind prevents over-extraction and bitterness
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Roast level: Medium to dark roasts are popular for their smooth, rich flavour
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Freshness: Use beans roasted within the past 2–3 weeks
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Single-origin vs blend: Single origins offer unique notes; blends give a consistent cup
💡 Heypresso Tip: Try experimenting with different beans — you might prefer fruity Ethiopian beans or a nutty Brazilian roast.
🔬 Advanced Cold Brew Methods to Try
1. Immersion Method (what we’ve covered above)
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Steep coffee and water together
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Strain after 12–24 hours
2. Slow Drip Method
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Requires a drip tower or special brewer
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Cold water slowly drips over coffee over 3–5 hours
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Results in a lighter, tea-like brew
3. Japanese Iced Coffee
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Brew hot coffee directly over ice using a pour-over
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Maintains brighter, floral notes with quicker extraction
🎯 Cold Brew Ratios to Know
Style | Coffee : Water Ratio | Strength |
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Concentrate | 1:4 | Very strong – dilute before drinking |
Ready-to-drink | 1:8 | Straight from fridge |
🔧 Tips for Cold Brew Success
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Use filtered water for clean flavour
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Always stir after combining to ensure full saturation
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Brew at room temperature, not in the fridge
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Strain twice for smoother results
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Get creative with infusions — add vanilla pods, cinnamon sticks, or citrus peel while steeping
🍹 How to Serve Cold Brew (Delicious Ideas)
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Over ice, topped with cold water or milk
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With oat milk and honey for a dairy-free delight
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As a base for coffee tonics (cold brew + tonic water + orange peel)
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Blended with ice cream for a cold brew affogato
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Mixed into cocktails like espresso martinis or cold brew negronis
🧪 Cold Brew Troubleshooting
Problem | Solution |
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Too weak | Steep longer or use more coffee |
Too strong | Dilute more when serving |
Bitter | Use coarser grind or shorter brew |
Cloudy | Use finer strainer or double filter |
♻️ Sustainable Brewing Tips
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Use reusable filters instead of paper
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Store in glass or stainless-steel containers
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Compost your used coffee grounds — your garden will love them
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Brew in batches to reduce energy and packaging waste
☕ Final Sip: Start Your Cold Brew Journey
Cold brew is easy, rewarding, and endlessly customisable. Whether you’re chilling on a hot afternoon or prepping coffee for a busy week, it’s a simple method that guarantees a smooth, refreshing cup every time.
So grab your favourite beans, fill your jar, and let time do the work. The only thing left is to enjoy it — preferably under the sun, with a glass full of ice and a dash of creativity.
📸 Don’t forget to tag @hey.presso with your best cold brew creations. We’d love to feature your summer coffee moments!
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