Yields: Varies based on the amount of coffee and water used (this recipe focuses on the ratio)

Prep time: 5-10 minutes

Steep time: 12-24 hours

Ingredients & Equipment:

Coffee: Whole beans, to be freshly ground

Water: Filtered water, cold or room temperature

Large Jar or Container: For steeping the coffee (e.g., a large Mason jar, pitcher, or a dedicated cold brew maker)

Burr Grinder: Essential for a consistent, coarse grind

Filter: To strain the coffee grounds (e.g., cheesecloth, fine-mesh sieve, paper coffee filter, a French press, or a dedicated cold brew filtering system)

Storage Container: An airtight container to store the cold brew concentrate

Key Parameters:

Coffee-to-Water Ratio: This is crucial and can vary based on preference, but a common starting point for cold brew concentrate is a 1:4 to 1:8 ratio by weight (coffee to water). For example, for a 1:5 ratio, you'd use 1 part coffee grounds to 5 parts water (e.g., 100 grams of coffee to 500 grams/milliliters of water). A 1:4 or 1:5 ratio will produce a stronger concentrate that you'll likely want to dilute with water, milk, or ice. A 1:8 ratio will produce a more ready-to-drink cold brew, though it can still be diluted if desired.

Grind Size: Use a coarse grind, similar to breadcrumbs or coarse sea salt. If you're buying pre-ground coffee, ask for a French press grind. A grind that's too fine will result in a cloudy, over-extracted, and potentially bitter brew that's difficult to filter.

Steep Time: The ideal steep time is generally between 12 to 24 hours at room temperature. Steeping for less than 12 hours may result in a weak, under-extracted brew. Steeping for more than 24 hours can sometimes lead to over-extraction and bitter flavors, though some prefer longer steep times, especially in the refrigerator. You can also steep it in the refrigerator, but you may need to extend the steep time slightly (e.g., 18-24 hours).

Water Temperature: Use cold or room temperature filtered water. There's no need to heat the water for cold brew.

Instructions:

Grind Your Coffee: Weigh your whole coffee beans according to your chosen ratio and grind them to a coarse consistency.

Combine Coffee and Water: Place the coffee grounds in your steeping container. Slowly pour the cold or room temperature filtered water over the grounds, ensuring all the grounds are saturated. Gently stir the mixture to make sure there are no dry clumps of coffee.

Steep: Cover the container. This can be with a lid, plastic wrap, or a cloth. Let the coffee steep at room temperature for 12-24 hours, or in the refrigerator for 18-24 hours. Avoid direct sunlight if steeping at room temperature.

Filter the Coffee: This is the most crucial step for a clean cup. There are several methods: Cheesecloth & Sieve: Line a fine-mesh sieve with a few layers of cheesecloth and place it over your storage container. Slowly pour the coffee mixture through the sieve. You may need to do this in batches. Paper Coffee Filter: You can use a large pour-over dripper lined with a paper filter, or secure a paper filter over a jar. This method is slow but results in a very clean brew. Wet the paper filter first to remove any papery taste. French Press: If you steeped the coffee in a French press, simply press the plunger down slowly and carefully once the steeping time is complete. Pour the concentrate out immediately. For an even cleaner brew, you can then filter it again through a paper filter or cheesecloth. Dedicated Cold Brew Maker: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for filtering. Many have built-in filter systems.

Store the Concentrate: Transfer the filtered cold brew concentrate into an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator. Cold brew concentrate can typically last for 1-2 weeks when stored properly, though the flavor may start to change after the first week.

Serve: Your cold brew is a concentrate, so you'll likely want to dilute it. Start with a 1:1 ratio of cold brew concentrate to cold water, milk (dairy or non-dairy), or ice. Adjust the dilution to your preference. Some like it stronger, others weaker. Enjoy it over ice, with a splash of cream, or use it as a base for coffee cocktails or other recipes.

Tips for Success:

Freshness Matters: Use freshly roasted coffee beans for the best flavor.

Water Quality: Good quality filtered water makes a noticeable difference.

Experiment with Ratios and Steep Times: Don't be afraid to adjust the coffee-to-water ratio and steep time to find what suits your taste best. Different beans may also require slight adjustments.

Patience with Filtering: Filtering can take time, especially if you're aiming for a very clean, sediment-free brew. Don't rush this step.

Cleanliness: Ensure all your equipment is clean to prevent any off-flavors.

Enjoy your homemade smooth and refreshing cold brew coffee!