This at-home cold brew is just what you need to kick the coffee shop habit. By using your favorite coffee, you get the desired flavor profile and a smooth, low-acidity cuppa. If you’re not quite sure what coffee to use, I’ll give you a couple of suggestions. Read on!
Some History
I’ve spent years working in coffee shops. I ran one for almost ten years and helped another business open two shops. I’ve also spent years trying to undo the inadvertently earned title of “the coffee guy” only to lean right back into it. I make coffee daily, whether it be cold brew or espresso, and rarely go to a coffee shop unless there is something new I want to try.
Why Make At-Home Cold Brew?
I’m the type of person that needs coffee. I’ve tried to go without, but I never quite feel like myself. I used to get it to-go each day, but not only does the cost add up–it’s usually made incorrectly. So, I’m out $5+, and I have a lousy coffee to show for it. If that’s you 🙋♀️🙋🙋♂️, read on.
Let’s do the math! One of my go-to beverages is cold brew (with or without cold foam). Let’s say a cold brew costs $5 and is consumed daily–that’s $1825 annually! That’s not including the times I add an espresso shot, need more than one to get through the day, and/or have to get my better half something. Does any of this sound familiar to your life?
How To Save Money Making Cold Brew
You only need the following to make cold brew at home:
- A 2-liter GLASS pitcher (~$2 from Goodwill; avoid plastic which can impart unwanted flavors and smells to your coffee);
- A pound of coffee (~$15);
- Compostable Filter Bags (~$12 for 100ct; 3″x5″ or 4″x6″). This is an example filter bag option from Amazon; and
- A food-safe funnel (~$5).
You need 4 ounces of coffee and 2 filter bags per 2-liter batch of cold brew. That’s 8 liters of cold brew that can be made from 1 pound of coffee. Without going into further math, you can see the savings just by the simplicity.
Final Thoughts
Brewing coffee is very personal. The type of water used (filtered, tap), grind settings, brew method, types of beans, and taste preferences impact the outcome. The steps outlined below are intended to guide you through my method, but I encourage you to taste the concentrate at various intervals to understand exactly how much time it takes to achieve the flavor you like. This is anywhere between 18-24 hours, and though I recommend room temperature brewing–you may like your coffee lighter and therefore should brew in the refrigerator.
I use Espresso Roast to make cold brew. African coffees are also great for making cold brew coffee. Ultimately, choose a bean with your ideal flavor profile, and you’ll be rewarded handsomely with a delicious at-home cold brew.
Check out my Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew recipe to spice up your coffee game.
Coffee At Home - Cold Brew
Equipment
- 2L or Larger Glass Pitcher
- Compostable Filter Bags
- Funnel
- Coffee Grinder optional
Ingredients
- 4 Oz Whole Bean Coffee (about 1 ½ Cups) See notes for using Ground Coffee
- 2 Filter Bags
- 2 L Cold Water
Instructions
- Grind 1 ½ cups (4 oz) of your favorite Whole Bean Coffee on the French Press setting of your grinder, or ask your local coffee shop to grind the coffee as such when you purchase it.
- Fill 2 cold brew filter bags with ¾ cup each of the ground coffee. Tie closed and knot the top of each pouch.
- Use a liquid measuring cup or scale to measure 1.25 L of filtered cold water. Pour the water into the glass pitcher, and then toss in the filled coffee pouches. Submerge each with a large spoon to let any air bubbles out. Keep in mind that they will float at the surface as they brew.
- Cover the pitcher and let rest at room temperature for 18-24 hours. The pitcher can also be placed in the refrigerator during this period, slowing the brewing process.Please note: The ambient temperature of your room will impact the speed at which the coffee brews. If your household is warm, you may want to place the coffee in the refrigerator midway through brewing. If you like your coffee to be not very strong, you may prefer to brew the cold brew entirely in the fridge.
- Once brewed to your liking, remove the filter bags and add up to 0.75 L cold water. I recommend trying the concentrate before doing so for two reasons:1) To ensure you are satisfied with the strength of the concentrate. 2) To determine whether you need the full 0.75 L of cold water or if you need to alter that amount depending on your desired flavor profile. Once the water is added, the cold brew can be stored in the refrigerator for several days.Please note: Making coffee is a fluid process impacted by multiple factors, including individual taste preferences. It may take a couple of batches before you settle on the ideal flavor profile.
