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Cold-Brew Coffee

3 reviews
Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time

Prep: 10 min. + chilling

Makes

8 servings

Updated: Dec. 22, 2023
Cold brewing reduces the acidity of coffee, which enhances its natural sweetness and complex flavors. Even those who take hot coffee with sugar and cream might find themselves sipping cold brew plain. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Cold-Brew Coffee
Cold-Brew Coffee Recipe photo by Taste of Home
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Ingredients

  • 1 cup coarsely ground medium-roast coffee
  • 1 cup hot water (205°)
  • 6 to 7 cups cold water
  • Optional: 2% milk or half-and-half cream

Directions

  1. Place the coffee grounds in a clean glass container. Pour hot water over the grounds; let stand 10 minutes. Stir in cold water. Cover and refrigerate 12-24 hours. (The longer the coffee sits, the stronger the flavor.)
  2. Strain coffee through a fine-mesh sieve; discard grounds. Strain coffee again through a coffee filter; discard grounds. Serve over ice, with milk or cream if desired. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Test Kitchen tips
  • While many cold-brew recipes don’t use any hot water, we like the effect. The near-boiling water releases carbon dioxide in the grounds, extracting more flavor from the beans.
  • Some people enjoy a tiny pinch of salt instead of sugar in cold brews. Salt brings out the inherent sweetness of the coffee.
  • Freeze some coffee in ice cube trays. The frozen coffee cubes will chill your beverage without watering it down.

    • Nutrition Facts

    1 cup: 2 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 4mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.