How Cold Brew Coffee Is Made

Cold brew has become one of the most popular coffee formats in the world, but what it actually is remains widely misunderstood. It is not iced coffee, it is not a cold version of hot coffee, and making it properly requires patience that the name somewhat misleads about.

The process

Cold brew is made by steeping ground coffee in cold or room-temperature water for an extended period, typically 12 to 24 hours. The lack of heat changes the extraction chemistry entirely. Compounds that extract easily with hot water, including many of the acids and some of the bitter compounds, extract more slowly or not at all in cold water. The result is a concentrate or a ready-to-drink coffee with a different flavor profile than any hot-brewed coffee.

What makes it taste different

Cold brew is typically lower in perceived acidity than hot-brewed coffee. The flavor is often described as smooth, chocolatey, and heavy, with less brightness or fruit character than you might find in a well-made pour over from the same beans. Neither profile is better; they are suited to different preferences and different moments.

Concentrate vs ready to drink

Many cold brews are brewed as a concentrate and diluted before serving, typically 1:2 or 1:3 concentrate to water. The concentrate has a strong, almost syrupy quality that can be jarring on its own. When diluted properly, it produces a clean, refreshing drink. Ready-to-drink cold brew is brewed at full strength and served as is.

Nitro cold brew

Nitro cold brew is cold brew infused with nitrogen gas, typically served on tap. The nitrogen creates a cascading effect in the cup and produces a creamy, stout-like texture without adding milk or sugar. It is one of the better innovations in modern coffee service.

Making it at home

Cold brew is one of the easiest coffee drinks to make at home. Combine coarse-ground coffee and cold water at a ratio of roughly 1:8 by weight, cover, and steep in the refrigerator for 18-24 hours. Strain through a filter. The result keeps for up to two weeks refrigerated.

Related reading: cold brew vs iced coffee, nitro, pour over vs espresso vs cold brew.

Cold brew counts as a qualifying drink on Pulled Coffee, alongside espresso, tea, and matcha.