Oh, coffee! For me, there’s nothing quite like that first sip in the morning, or really, any time of day. But let’s be honest, sometimes making a perfect cup can feel like a whole production. That’s where my love for Easy Homemade Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate comes in. Clara, the heart behind 911Recipes, always says cooking (and making drinks!) should be simple and bring you joy, not stress. This recipe is exactly that.

It’s incredibly easy to make and saves you so much time and money compared to buying it out. Plus, the flavor is just so smooth and rich. It’s become a staple in my kitchen, and I can’t wait to show you how simple it is to have delicious cold brew ready whenever you need a little boost.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Homemade Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate

I know you’re going to fall in love with making your own cold brew. Here’s why this easy homemade cold brew coffee concentrate recipe is a game changer:

It saves you a ton of cash over those fancy coffee shop versions.
You control how strong you want it, just like you like it!
The taste is super smooth, way less bitter than hot coffee.
Seriously, it’s one of the simplest things you’ll ever make.

Ingredients for Easy Homemade Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate

Ready to make your own batch of delicious cold brew? You only need two simple things. Here’s what you’ll need for this easy homemade cold brew coffee concentrate:

1 cup of coffee beans, make sure they are coarsely ground
4 cups of cold, filtered water

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions for Easy Homemade Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate

Okay, a couple of things to keep in mind about those ingredients. Using coarsely ground coffee is key! It helps with straining later. If you use fine grounds, things can get muddy. Any type of coffee bean works, so pick your favorite roast. I always use filtered water; it really makes a difference in the clean taste of your cold brew concentrate.

Equipment Needed for Easy Homemade Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate

Before you start brewing, gather up a few simple things from your kitchen. You don’t need anything fancy to make this easy homemade cold brew coffee concentrate. Here’s what I use:

A large jar or pitcher to steep the coffee
A fine-mesh sieve
Cheesecloth or a paper coffee filter for straining

How to Prepare Easy Homemade Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate

Making this easy homemade cold brew coffee concentrate is almost ridiculously simple. It just takes a little patience while it steeps. Trust me, the wait is totally worth it!

First, grab your large jar or pitcher. Pour in that cup of coarsely ground coffee beans. Remember, coarse is your friend here!

Next, gently pour in the 4 cups of cold water. I like to use filtered water for the cleanest flavor. Give it a very gentle stir. You just want to make sure all the coffee grounds are wet. Don’t overmix; we’re not trying to make a muddy mess.

Now, cover the container. A lid is great, or even just some plastic wrap secured tightly. Find a spot for it to steep. You can leave it out on the counter at room temperature, which is what I usually do. Or, if your kitchen gets warm, pop it in the refrigerator.

Let it steep for 12 to 18 hours. This is where you can play around! For a lighter concentrate, stick closer to 12 hours. If you like it really strong, go for the full 18. I usually aim for somewhere in the middle, around 15 hours.

Once your steeping time is up, it’s time to strain. This is a two-step process for the clearest cold brew concentrate. Place your fine-mesh sieve over another container or back into a clean jar.

Carefully pour the coffee mixture through the sieve. This gets rid of the biggest grounds.

Now for the second strain! Line the sieve with cheesecloth or a coffee filter. Place it over your final storage container. Pour the liquid you just strained back through the lined sieve. This catches all the tiny bits. You might need to do this in batches if your filter clogs.

Discard the used coffee grounds. Pour your beautiful, smooth cold brew concentrate into a clean bottle or jar. Cap it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. See? So easy!

Tips for Success with Your Easy Homemade Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate

Here are a few little tricks I’ve picked up to make your cold brew even better. Always use fresh, good quality coffee beans; it makes a huge difference in taste. Don’t rush the steeping time. That long soak is what gives cold brew its smooth flavor. Play with the steeping time to find your perfect strength. Using cold, filtered water really helps avoid any off-flavors. And seriously, that coarse grind is non-negotiable for easy straining!

Serving Suggestions for Your Easy Homemade Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate

Now that you have a batch of this delicious easy homemade cold brew coffee concentrate, it’s time for the fun part – enjoying it! My favorite way is simply diluted with cold water over ice. But you can totally get creative!

Try mixing it with milk or your favorite plant-based alternative for a creamy treat. A splash of flavored creamer is also lovely. You can even use this cold brew concentrate in recipes, like smoothies or baking. The possibilities are endless!

Storage & Reheating Instructions for Easy Homemade Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate

Storing your easy homemade cold brew coffee concentrate is super simple. Just keep it in a clean, airtight bottle or jar in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh and delicious for up to two weeks. No reheating required since it’s meant to be enjoyed cold!

Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Homemade Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate

I get a lot of questions about making cold brew at home. Here are some common ones that might help you make your own easy homemade cold brew coffee concentrate perfectly!

Can I use regular ground coffee for Easy Homemade Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate?

You can, but I really don’t recommend it. Regular ground coffee is too fine. It will make your cold brew muddy and hard to strain. Using coarse grounds is key for that smooth, clean finish.

How long does Easy Homemade Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate last?

Once you’ve made your batch, your homemade cold brew concentrate will last for about two weeks in the refrigerator. Just make sure it’s in a sealed container.

What is the best ratio for diluting Easy Homemade Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate?

This is really up to you! I usually start with a 1:1 ratio. That means one part cold brew concentrate to one part water or milk. Taste it and add more liquid if you like it weaker.

Nutritional Information

Please remember that any nutritional information for this easy homemade cold brew coffee concentrate is just an estimate. It can vary quite a bit depending on the specific coffee beans you use and how strong you make it. We aren’t providing precise nutritional data here because of those variables. Enjoy your cold brew knowing it’s a simple, no-sugar-added drink!

Share Your Easy Homemade Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate Experience

I hope you give this easy homemade cold brew coffee concentrate a try! I’d love to hear how it turns out for you. Did you find your perfect steeping time? How do you like to dilute it? Leave a comment below and let me know! And if you loved it, please consider rating the recipe. Sharing your experience helps our little 911Recipes family!