How to Make Cold Brew Coffee at Home: The Ultimate 2025 Guide

How to Make Cold Brew Coffee at Home: The Ultimate 2025 Guide

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?

  • Save money: No more paying £4 for a bottle of café cold brew.

  • Customise your brew: Strong or smooth, bold or mellow — it’s up to you.

  • Stays fresh: Make a big batch and enjoy it for up to two weeks.

  • Gentle on the stomach: Naturally low in acidity and bitterness.

  • Versatile: Drink it straight, over ice, with milk, or even in cocktails.


🧰 What You’ll Need

Tools:

  • Large jar, jug, or cold brew coffee maker

  • Fine mesh sieve, cheesecloth, or paper coffee filter

  • Reusable bottles or containers for storage

Ingredients:

  • Coarsely ground coffee (similar to sea salt)

  • Cold or room-temperature filtered water

  • Optional add-ins like cinnamon, vanilla or cocoa nibs


☕ Cold Brew Coffee Recipe (Basic Method)

Ingredients:

  • 100g (1 cup) coarsely ground coffee

  • 1 litre (4 cups) cold filtered water

Steps:

  1. Combine coffee and water in your container

  2. Stir to ensure all grounds are wet

  3. Cover and leave to steep at room temperature for 12–24 hours

  4. Strain through a fine sieve or cloth into a clean jar

  5. 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

  • Grind size: Coarse grind prevents over-extraction and bitterness

  • Roast level: Medium to dark roasts are popular for their smooth, rich flavour

  • Freshness: Use beans roasted within the past 2–3 weeks

  • 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)

  • Steep coffee and water together

  • Strain after 12–24 hours

2. Slow Drip Method

  • Requires a drip tower or special brewer

  • Cold water slowly drips over coffee over 3–5 hours

  • Results in a lighter, tea-like brew

3. Japanese Iced Coffee

  • Brew hot coffee directly over ice using a pour-over

  • Maintains brighter, floral notes with quicker extraction


🎯 Cold Brew Ratios to Know

Style Coffee : Water Ratio Strength
Concentrate 1:4 Very strong – dilute before drinking
Ready-to-drink 1:8 Straight from fridge

🔧 Tips for Cold Brew Success

  • Use filtered water for clean flavour

  • Always stir after combining to ensure full saturation

  • Brew at room temperature, not in the fridge

  • Strain twice for smoother results

  • Get creative with infusions — add vanilla pods, cinnamon sticks, or citrus peel while steeping


🍹 How to Serve Cold Brew (Delicious Ideas)

  • Over ice, topped with cold water or milk

  • With oat milk and honey for a dairy-free delight

  • As a base for coffee tonics (cold brew + tonic water + orange peel)

  • Blended with ice cream for a cold brew affogato

  • Mixed into cocktails like espresso martinis or cold brew negronis


🧪 Cold Brew Troubleshooting

Problem Solution
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

  • Use reusable filters instead of paper

  • Store in glass or stainless-steel containers

  • Compost your used coffee grounds — your garden will love them

  • 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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