How to Make the Best Cold Brew (& 5 Flavors to Try It With)
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Did you know that you can make delicious cold brew coffee right at home? It’s easier than you might think—and once you try it, your summer coffee routine may never be the same.
Cold brew is smooth, refreshing, and naturally less acidic than traditional hot coffee, which makes it a favorite for coffee lovers who want a crisp, bold flavor without the bitterness. The best part? You only need a few simple ingredients and a little patience.
Here’s our favorite way to brew up a big batch at home.
Step 1: Grind Your Coffee Beans
You’ll get the best flavor for your cold brew coffee by grinding fresh beans just before brewing.
For cold brew, you’ll want a coarse grind, similar in texture to sea salt or rough breadcrumbs. If the grind is too fine (like espresso grounds), your coffee can turn cloudy, muddy, and over-extracted, producing a bitter final result.
If you’re grinding at home, choose your grinder’s coarse setting and check the texture before brewing. The grounds should feel chunky and even, not powdery.
Step 2: Mix Coffee & Water
The ideal cold brew ratio is simple: 1 cup of coarse coffee grounds to 4 cups of cold, filtered water.
Add your coffee grounds to a large jar, pitcher, or French press, then slowly pour in the water. Give it a gentle stir to make sure all the grounds are fully saturated.
Filtered water works best because it lets the flavor of the coffee shine through without interference from minerals or chlorine. While the water should be cold, we don’t recommend adding ice at this stage, as this can make the steeping process take longer.
Step 3: Let It Steep
Here’s the hardest part of making cold brew: waiting! Cover your container and place it in the refrigerator for 12 to 18 hours.
The longer it steeps, the stronger and bolder the flavor becomes. If you prefer a lighter, smoother brew, aim for 12–14 hours. If you love a rich, concentrated cold brew, let it sit closer to 18 hours.
Step 4: Strain It Well
Once brewing is complete, carefully strain the coffee grounds out. A fine mesh strainer works great for this job, but you can also use cheesecloth or a coffee filter. Or, if your cold brew was steeping in a French press, simply use the device’s plunger. Go slowly to create a clean, smooth cold brew with no gritty texture.
Then, pour your finished cold brew over ice and get ready for the best part…
Step 5: Customize & Enjoy
Cold brew is incredibly versatile. Enjoy it black for a bold, smooth sip, or add your favorite milk, cream, or sweetener. You can also dress it up with fun toppings like:
- A sprinkle of cinnamon
- A drizzle of honey
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate shavings
- Even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an instant treat
Stored in an airtight container, your cold brew will stay fresh in the fridge for up to one week—if it lasts that long.
Our Top 5 Cold Brew Flavors to Try
One of our favorite parts of making cold brew coffee is customizing the flavor. Start with the coffee beans: Omar has 25+ flavors to choose from!
Classic for a reason. Sweet, creamy, and perfectly balanced, French Vanilla coffee adds a smooth richness that works beautifully with cold brew’s naturally mellow flavor.
Light, tropical, and ultra-refreshing. Start with our Coconut Cream coffee for a cold brew that has beach-day vibes in every sip.
Sweet meets savory in the best possible way. With our Salted Caramel coffee, you can create a café-style cold brew that tastes indulgent without being overpowering.
Rich chocolate and bright raspberry are a perfect match. Our Chocolate Raspberry coffee produces a cold brew that tastes smooth, fruity, and just a little decadent.
Warm spice meets nutty sweetness. Cinnamon Hazelnut coffee works surprisingly well iced, creating a delicious cold brew with just the right amount of depth.
Brew Better at Home
The secret to incredible cold brew starts with quality coffee beans.
Using fresh-roasted coffee gives you richer flavor, better aroma, and a smoother final cup. To upgrade your at-home coffee game, start with beans you love and experiment until you find your perfect brew.
Your best cold brew yet might be just one overnight steep away!