How to Make Cold Brew Coffee at Home

Cold brew has become a favorite for a reason. It’s smooth, refreshing, naturally sweet, and incredibly easy to make at home once you know the basics.

Unlike traditional hot brewing methods, cold brew is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for an extended period of time. The result is a coffee concentrate that’s low in acidity, rich in flavor, and perfect for pouring over ice.

The best part? You don’t need fancy equipment to do it. Just good beans, a jar, and a little patience.

Here’s how to make cold brew at home.

Start with Quality Coffee Beans

Great coffee always starts with great beans.

For cold brew, we recommend using freshly roasted whole bean coffee and grinding it right before brewing. This preserves the aromas and flavors that make the final cup taste vibrant and balanced.

When grinding for cold brew, use a coarse grind — similar to the texture of coarse sea salt. A coarser grind helps prevent over-extraction and keeps the flavor smooth instead of bitter.

Use the Right Coffee-to-Water Ratio

Cold brew is typically brewed as a concentrate, meaning it’s stronger than a regular cup of coffee and meant to be diluted later.

A great starting ratio is:

1 cup coarsely ground coffee to 4 cups cold filtered water

You can always adjust this depending on how strong you like your coffee, but this ratio produces a rich, balanced cold brew that works well with milk, water, or ice.

Combine and Stir

Add the coffee grounds to a large jar, pitcher, or container.

Pour the cold filtered water over the grounds and give the mixture a gentle stir to make sure all of the coffee is evenly saturated.

Once everything is combined, cover the container and place it in the refrigerator.

Let It Steep

Cold brew takes time — and that’s part of what makes it so smooth.

Allow the coffee to steep 12–18 hours in the refrigerator. During this time, the coffee slowly extracts its flavors without the bitterness that can sometimes come from hot brewing methods.

Longer steeping generally produces a stronger concentrate, while shorter steeping creates a lighter profile.

Strain the Coffee

Once the steeping time is complete, strain the mixture to remove the coffee grounds.

You can use:

• A fine mesh strainer
• Cheesecloth
• A paper coffee filter
• Or a dedicated cold brew brewer

The liquid you’re left with is cold brew concentrate.

Serve and Customize

Cold brew concentrate is meant to be diluted to taste.

Pour it over ice and add water, milk, or your favorite dairy alternative. Some people enjoy it black, while others prefer it with a splash of cream or a touch of sweetness.

However you drink it, cold brew is incredibly versatile and easy to adjust to your preferences.

How Long Does Cold Brew Last?

One of the best parts about making cold brew at home is that it keeps well.

Stored in the refrigerator, cold brew concentrate will stay fresh for up to one week, making it perfect for busy mornings when you want great coffee without brewing a fresh pot.

Brewing Better Coffee at Home

Making cold brew at home is a simple way to bring a little café-quality coffee into your daily routine.

With good beans, the right grind, and a little patience, you’ll have a smooth, refreshing coffee ready whenever you want it.

If you’re looking for beans that shine in cold brew, we recommend starting with Night Hike or Dawn Patrol, as those roasted flavors will make a satisfying cold brew.

Prefer to Skip the Brewing?

If you’d rather skip the steeping and straining, we’ve got you covered.

Our Canned Cold Brew is available at both Ragamuffin locations—smooth, refreshing, and ready to grab whenever the craving hits. Same great coffee, just chilled and convenient.

Stop by the shop and grab a can for the road.