Easy Homemade Cold Brew Coffee Recipe Cheaper Than Starbucks
A simple and affordable cold brew coffee recipe that is smooth, rich, and easy to make at home without fancy equipment.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 hours
- Total Time: 16 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (85 grams) coarsely ground coffee (medium roast recommended)
- 4 cups (950 ml) cold, filtered water
- Optional sweetener: simple syrup, honey, or maple syrup (to taste)
- Optional milk or cream: dairy or plant-based (almond, oat, coconut)
- Optional flavor boosters: cinnamon stick, vanilla bean, or cardamom pods
Instructions
- Measure 1 cup (85 grams) of coarsely ground coffee and place it in a mason jar or steeping container.
- Pour 4 cups (950 ml) of cold, filtered water over the grounds and stir gently to wet all coffee particles.
- Cover the jar tightly and refrigerate for 12 to 18 hours (16 hours recommended for balanced flavor).
- Line a fine mesh strainer with cheesecloth or a coffee filter and slowly pour the coffee through it into a clean pitcher. Filter twice if desired for extra smoothness.
- Serve cold brew over ice and customize with milk, cream, or sweetener as desired.
- Store leftover cold brew in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Notes
Use coarsely ground coffee to avoid bitterness and ease filtering. Steep for at least 12 hours for best flavor. Filter gently without pressing grounds to prevent bitterness. Store cold brew in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 7 days. Adjust coffee-to-water ratio to taste. Optional flavor boosters like cinnamon or vanilla can be added during steeping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 fl oz (240 ml)
- Calories: 5
Keywords: cold brew coffee, homemade cold brew, easy coffee recipe, iced coffee, cheap cold brew, smooth coffee, DIY cold brew