Cold brew recipe: how to make smooth iced coffee at home

You brew a jug of cold brew, patiently wait for hours… and then it tastes weak or overly bitter. A waste of both your coffee and your time.

Many people think cold brew is just “coffee with cold water”. But without the right ratio, grind size, and steeping time, you miss out on that smooth, refreshing flavour cold brew is known for.

The good news: once you know what to look for, you can make a surprisingly full and mellow cold brew at home. With a few simple steps and the right coffee, you’ll have an ice-cold favourite ready to pour straight from the fridge.

What is cold brew coffee?

Cold brew is coffee made with cold water instead of hot water. Instead of quick extraction (like filter coffee or espresso), you let the coffee steep slowly, usually between 12 and 24 hours.

The result? A completely different flavour experience.

Cold brew is:

• softer
• less acidic
• often slightly sweeter in taste

This is because cold extraction draws out different compounds from the coffee than hot water does. Bitter and acidic notes stay more in the background, while round and smooth flavours come forward.

Difference with iced coffee

Iced coffee is usually made with hot coffee that is then cooled down or poured over ice. Cold brew, on the other hand, is prepared entirely cold, giving it a much milder and less sharp taste.

That’s why cold brew is ideal if you enjoy fresh, easy-drinking coffee, especially on warm days.

Recipe information & ingredients

Making cold brew yourself is mainly a matter of patience. The preparation is simple, time does the rest.

Recipe information

• Preparation time: 5 minutes
• Steeping time: 12–24 hours
• Servings: approx. 3–4 glasses
• Category: Coffee recipe

Ingredients

• 100 grams coarsely ground coffee
• 1 litre cold water

Equipment

• Large jar or jug
• Spoon
• Sieve or coffee filter

Instructions

1. Add the coarsely ground coffee to a jar or jug.
2. Pour in the cold water and give it a quick stir so all the coffee is wet.
3. Cover the jar and let it steep for 12 to 24 hours in the fridge or at room temperature.
4. Strain the coffee using a fine sieve or coffee filter to get a clear drink.
5. Serve in a glass with ice or store in the fridge for later.

You now have a cold brew concentrate that you can dilute with water or milk, depending on how strong you like it.

What is the right ratio for cold brew coffee?

The right ratio is the foundation of a good cold brew. Get this wrong, and your coffee can quickly turn out too weak or overly strong and bitter.

The standard ratio

A commonly used ratio is 1:10
That means:

• 1 part coffee
• 10 parts water

For example:
100 grams of coffee to 1 litre of water (as in the recipe)

Stronger version (concentrate)

Want a stronger cold brew that you dilute later? Go for 1:8.
You’ll get a more intense flavour that works well with milk or ice.

Lighter version

Do you find cold brew too strong? Use a ratio of 1:12.
This makes your coffee smoother and easier to drink.

Tip:
Start with 1:10 and adjust to your taste. That way, you’ll quickly discover what you like best.

With the right ratio, you avoid a flat or overpowering cold brew – and that really makes all the difference.

Cold brew: how long should it steep?

The steeping time of cold brew is just as important as the ratio. If you steep it too short, your coffee will be weak. Leave it too long, and the flavour can become too heavy.

Ideal steeping time

Most cold brews taste best between 12 and 24 hours.

• 12 hours → lighter and fresher
• 16–18 hours → nicely balanced
• 24 hours → fuller and stronger

What happens if you steep too short?

The coffee hasn’t released enough flavour yet. You’ll end up with a thin, flat cold brew without depth.

What happens if you steep too long?

The flavour becomes heavier and can develop a slightly bitter aftertaste. This happens more quickly with a finer grind.

Tip:
Start around 16 hours and taste the result. From there, you can easily adjust to your ideal flavour.

Tips for the best cold brew

With a few smart choices, you can take your cold brew from “decent” to genuinely delicious.

Use a coarse grind

This might be the most important tip. Coffee that’s too finely ground leads to a bitter and cloudy cold brew. Go for a coarse grind, similar to coarse sea salt.

Choose the right coffee beans

Ideally, go for coffee with chocolate or nutty notes. These flavours really shine in cold brew. Fruity or acidic coffees can taste a bit flat or odd when cold extracted.

Stir well at the start

Make sure all the coffee comes into contact with water. This prevents dry spots and ensures an even extraction.

Filter carefully

Take your time to strain your cold brew properly. You can use a paper filter for a clearer result without coffee particles.

Taste and adjust

Cold brew isn’t an exact science. Play around with the ratio and steeping time until you find your perfect flavour.

With these tips, you’ll get more out of your coffee and improve every batch you make.

Serving and variations

Cold brew is great on its own, but you can easily switch things up too.

With ice (classic)

Pour your cold brew over ice cubes for an extra refreshing kick. You can dilute it slightly with water if you’ve made a concentrate.

With milk

Add a splash of milk or oat milk for a smoother taste. This makes your cold brew creamier and more approachable, especially if you find it a bit strong.

Cold brew tonic

For something different: mix your cold brew with tonic. This creates a fresh, lightly bitter and sparkling coffee drink that’s perfect on warm days.

Sweet variations

Add a bit of syrup like vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut. A small amount of honey or sugar can also help balance the flavours nicely.

By experimenting, you’ll discover just how versatile cold brew can be.