Classic Cold Brew Concentrate
Make Classic Cold Brew Concentrate, an American beverage recipe with coarsely ground coffee, filtered water, ice. It has about 5 min active + 12-18 hr steep, about 15 calories per serving. Get ingredients, step-by-step instructions, nutrition estimates, FAQs, and Recipe Genius app tools.
Quick answer
Classic Cold Brew Concentrate is an American beverage recipe that takes about 5 min active + 12-18 hr steep, makes 8 servings, has about 15 calories per serving. Use the ingredients and steps below, or open it in Recipe Genius for guided Cook Mode, timers, serving changes, and a shopping list.
Recommended gear
As an Amazon Associate, Recipe Genius earns from qualifying purchases.
A practical prep surface for produce, herbs, cooked chicken, sandwiches, and weeknight meals.
View on Amazon
The easiest way to avoid overcooked chicken, pork, beef, turkey, and fish.
View on Amazon
Keeps homemade mixes, dressings, baking, rice, and seasonings consistent.
View on AmazonClassic Cold Brew Concentrate ingredients
- 1 cup coarsely ground coffee
- 4 cups filtered water
- 1 handful ice
- 0.5 cup cold water or milk
- to taste sweetener (optional)
How to make Classic Cold Brew Concentrate
- Combine the 1 cup of coarsely ground coffee and 4 cups of filtered water in a large pitcher or jar. Ensure all coffee grounds are fully submerged in the water by giving it a gentle stir.
- Cover the pitcher or jar tightly with a lid or plastic wrap. Let the coffee steep at room temperature for a minimum of 12 hours, and up to 18 hours for a stronger concentrate.
- After steeping, prepare to strain the concentrate. Place a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth (or a coffee filter) over a large clean bowl or another pitcher.
- Carefully pour the steeped coffee mixture through the prepared sieve, allowing the liquid to slowly drip through. Avoid pressing on the grounds, as this can extract bitterness.
- Discard the spent coffee grounds and cheesecloth. You should be left with approximately 3.5 to 4 cups of smooth, dark cold brew concentrate.
- Pour the cold brew concentrate into an airtight bottle or jar. Store it in the refrigerator, where it will remain fresh for up to 1 week.
- To prepare a single serving, fill a 12-16 oz glass generously with ice.
- Pour 1/2 cup of the cold brew concentrate over the ice.
- Dilute the concentrate with 1/2 cup of cold water or your preferred milk (dairy or non-dairy), stirring gently to combine.
- Taste and add sweetener, such as simple syrup or a touch of honey, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your perfectly smooth iced coffee.
Classic Cold Brew Concentrate FAQ
How do I make Classic Cold Brew Concentrate?
Make Classic Cold Brew Concentrate by gathering the ingredients below, following the step-by-step instructions, and checking that everything is cooked safely before serving.
What ingredients are in Classic Cold Brew Concentrate?
The main ingredients include coarsely ground coffee, filtered water, ice, cold water or milk, sweetener (optional). The full ingredient list is included on this page.
How long does Classic Cold Brew Concentrate take?
This recipe takes about 5 min active + 12-18 hr steep, depending on prep speed and kitchen equipment.
How many calories are in Classic Cold Brew Concentrate?
Recipe Genius estimates about 15 calories per serving. Nutrition is estimated, so use your own labels when precision matters.
More recipes you might like
Browse related collections
Cook smarter with Recipe Genius
Generate recipes, build meal plans, and create shopping lists with Recipe Genius.