This recipe for Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate will have you making batch after batch for the summer months!
There are two kinds of people in the world — those that drink hot coffee and those that drink cold coffee. I like them both, so I fall somewhere in between.
Since my daughter and I are huge fans of cold brew coffee, we decided to create our own Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate.

With this one, you will not ever want another store-bought brand ever.

Making this cold brew coffee concentrate is simple and easy. You only need two ingredients — the best ground coffee you can get and water — that's it! Of course, it helps to know the best coffee beans for cold brew if you are using fresh ground coffee.
How to Make Your Own Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate

I don't have any fancy contraptions or jars for doing this. I simply use a big mason jar (like this one from Amazon) and pour my fresh coffee grounds into a jar and top it off with water. Then I let it sit on the counter and steep for 24 hours.
Of course, you can always go with an actual cold brew making kit which works great too.
But first — let's talk about the coffee. You need really good coffee for this to turn out right, so make sure to buy good coffee and not off-brand.

Using good coffee ensures you are going to get the taste you are going for. Sometimes off-brand coffee has an extremely bitter flavor.
The Secret for Cold Brew Coffee

“Cold brew” really means room temperature, by the way. The first time I tried it, I put my jar of grounds and water into the fridge. Don't do this until you have gotten the right flavor for your concentrate completed.
These Items Will Help You Make Better Coffee
- Espresso Machine
- Monin Coffee Syrups and Sauces
- Ninja Coffee Bar
- Freshly Roasted Coffee Beans
- Coffee Subscription Box like this one from Koa Coffee
- Stoneware Coffee Mug Set
- Iced Coffee Glasses
- Cold Brew Coffee maker
- Pour Over Coffee Maker Set
- Keurig Coffee Maker
For more coffee recipes, check out these favorites!
- Coconut Mocha Iced Coffee
- Cinnamon Roll Whipped Coffee
- Cinnamon Coffee Scones
- Blueberry Flavored No-Churn Coffee Ice Cream
- Coffee Crusted Steaks
- Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate
- Homemade Coffee Steak Rub
- Mint Mocha Iced Coffee
- Spiced Mocha
- Homemade Caramel Macchiato (made with the Ninja Coffee Bar)
- Crockpot Pumpkin Spiced Coffee
- Pumpkin Flavored Coffee Syrup
Also, be sure to visit the Best Coffee Recipes page on my blog for more inspiration. I even have a list of some of my favorite coffee accessories.
Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate

This cold brew coffee concentrate will be your favorite way to make cold brew coffee from here on out.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground Coffee (good, Rich Roast)
- 8 quarts Cold Water.
Instructions
- In a large container, mix ground coffee with water. Cover and allow to sit at room temperature for 24 hours.
- Line a fine mesh strainer with cheesecloth and set over a pitcher or other container. Pour coffee/water mixture through the strainer, allowing all liquid to run through. Discard grounds.
- Place coffee liquid in the fridge and allow to cool. Use as needed.
- To make iced coffee, pack a glass full of ice cubes. Fill glass 2/3 full with coffee liquid. Add a couple of tablespoons of your favorite creamer, half-half or sweetened condensed milk.
- Taste and adjust half-and-half and/or sweetened condensed milk as needed.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
-
Tiger Chef 12 Quart Commercial Grade Clear Food Storage Square Polycarbonate Containers With Blue Lids
-
Olicity Cheesecloth, Grade 90, 45 Square Feet, 100% Unbleached Cotton Fabric Ultra Fine Cheesecloth for Cooking, Strainer, Baking, Hallowmas Decorations (5 Yards)
-
IPOW Fine Mesh Strainer, 3 Pack Professional Super Fine Mesh Strainer with Strengthened Handle for Sifting Flour, Noodle, Icing Sugar, Quinoa, Coffee, Juice, Tea etc
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
20Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 0Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 16mgCarbohydrates: 0gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 0g
Cin
Wednesday 29th of January 2025
Just finished a batch! I used 2 1/2 cups strong grounds to 18 cup water in my insta pot. It's very good! Prepair 1/2 water to 1/2 coffee concentrate and added my favorite creamer. I'll be putting together Valentine baskets with this, a frother, coffee mug and some Hershey's kiss's
Jennifer Sikora
Thursday 30th of January 2025
That sounds like the perfect gift for Valentine's Day! Glad it worked out for you.
Steve H
Thursday 7th of September 2023
This is absolutely the smoothest coffee I have ever made. I am hooked. It usually lasts me a week. Love it!
Jennifer Sikora
Saturday 9th of September 2023
So glad you loved it. It is my favorite too!
patricia Irine hartley
Monday 25th of January 2021
8 quarts?? that's 2 gallons. who's got room in their fridge for 2 gallons of coffee?? how about if we cut it down to about 1/2 gallon
Jennifer Sikora
Tuesday 26th of January 2021
Well, for real coffee drinkers, 1/2 a gallon won't last all that long. A 2-gallon container is really not as big as you think. You can pare the recipe down if you like, but people like me who drink a lot of coffee will want to make this in bulk and not in little tiny batches.
Cynthia Atkinson
Monday 27th of July 2020
I’m your video you state to use one cup of coffee in the 32,ounce Mason jar. But in the printed directions you state to use one pound of coffee, which is much more than one cup. Please confirm which way is right.
Jennifer Sikora
Monday 27th of July 2020
In the video, I am making a small batch. The recipe card is for a large batch. I think I mention that in the post. You can do it either way. With the one-pound bag of coffee, you use 8 quarts of water.
Shelby Parrish
Thursday 4th of June 2020
Im confused on the measurements, can you give the measurements in cups?
Jennifer Sikora
Monday 8th of June 2020
There are no cups measurements in the coffee portion. Just purchase a one-pound bag and you will be fine.