Cold brew has gone from specialty café secret to everyday staple - and it's easy to see why. Smooth, refreshing and naturally low in acidity, it's become a fixture on café menus everywhere, often served ready-to-pour or topped with creamy cold foams.
The good news?
You can easily replicate it at home. Make it once, steep it overnight and you've got a jug of cold, ready-to-drink coffee that keeps in the fridge all week.
WHAT IS COLD BREW COFFEE?
Unlike iced coffee - which is hot-brewed coffee poured over ice - cold brew is made by steeping coarse-ground coffee in cold water for an extended period of time. The result is smooth, low-acidity and naturally sweeter than its hot-brewed counterpart. No heat. No bitterness. Just time.
GETTING THE RIGHT RATIO
We recommend a 45g coffee to 600ml water ratio (1:13.3). A well-balanced, ready-to-drink strength that's smooth and robust without being overpowering. This sits comfortably in the 1:12–1:15 range, widely considered the sweet spot for a cold brew you can drink straight from the fridge.
Prefer it stronger? Move toward a 1:8 ratio and dilute to taste once strained. Like it lighter? Add a little more water before serving.
YOU'LL NEED
- 45g coarsely-ground coffee
- 600ml cold, filtered water
- A jar, jug or dedicated cold brew brewer
- A fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth or coffee filter
STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
Step 1: Add 45g of coarsely-ground coffee to your brewer or jar.
Step 2: Pour 600ml of cold, filtered water over the grounds.
Step 3: Cover and steep in the fridge for 12–18 hours, or up to 24 for a stronger result.
Step 4: Remove the coffee strainer and serve over ice, with milk or straight from the fridge. Dilute to taste if needed.
Cold brew keeps well in the fridge for up to two weeks.
A NOTE ON GRIND SIZE
Always use a coarse grind for cold brew. Think coarse sea salt. Too fine and you risk over-extraction, which leads to bitterness. If buying pre-ground, always look for one labelled for cold brew.
WHICH COFFEE SHOULD YOU USE?
Espresso Blends: Bold & Intense
Rich, full-bodied and deeply flavoured, our espresso blends produce a cold brew with natural chocolate and caramel undertones. Ideal if you like yours straight or over ice with a splash of milk.
EXPLORE OUR COFFEE RANGE FOR ESPRESSO →
Alternative Brewing Blends: Smooth & Balanced
Our medium to light roast range produces a cleaner, more nuanced cold brew with brighter acidity and a lighter body; perfect for easy drinking straight from the fridge.
EXPLORE OUR COFFEE RANGE FOR PLUNGER →
Single Origins: For the Curious
Cold brew is a wonderful way to explore single origins. The slow, cold extraction highlights their unique characteristics - fruity, floral or complex notes that shine through beautifully and make every sip worth paying attention to.
DISCOVER OUR LATEST SINGLE ORIGIN →
A FEW FINAL TIPS
Use filtered water where possible. Don't rush the steep; 16 hours is the sweet spot. And store your cold brew in a sealed container in the fridge, consuming within two weeks for best results.
