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If you love smooth, bold coffee that’s ready whenever you are, learning how to make cold brew coffee concentrate is a total game-changer.

Not only is it incredibly easy to make at home, but it also saves money and gives you café-style coffee right from your fridge.

With just two ingredients and a little patience, you’ll have rich coffee concentrate perfect for iced coffee, hot coffee, flavored drinks, and more.

What Is Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate?

Cold brew concentrate is coffee brewed slowly in cold water over several hours. Because it never touches heat, the result is less acidic, smoother, and naturally sweeter than traditional brewed coffee.

The concentrate is stronger than regular coffee, so you dilute it with water, milk, or cream before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super easy to make in bulk
• Saves money on coffee shop drinks
• Smooth, rich flavor
• Less acidic than hot brewed coffee
• Great for iced or hot coffee
• Keeps in the fridge for up to 2 weeks

Ingredients for Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate

• 1 pound ground coffee (good rich roast works best)
• 8 quarts cold water

Best Coffee to Use

For the best results, use a medium to coarse ground coffee. Rich, dark roasts tend to create a bold and smooth concentrate that works beautifully in iced coffee drinks.

My favorite right now is Chapterhouse Cafe. They have bold, smooth coffee blends that are perfect for this cold brew coffee concentrate.

Avoid finely ground espresso coffee, which can make the concentrate muddy or bitter.

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 Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate

Step 1: Combine Coffee and Water

In a large food-safe container, bucket, or beverage dispenser, add the ground coffee and pour in the cold water.

Stir gently until all the grounds are fully saturated.

Step 2: Steep

Cover the container and let it steep at room temperature or in the refrigerator for 18 to 24 hours.

The longer it steeps, the stronger the flavor becomes.

Step 3: Strain

Line a fine mesh strainer with cheesecloth, a coffee filter, or a nut milk bag.

Slowly strain the coffee mixture into another large container. Repeat if needed until the liquid is smooth and free of grounds.

Step 4: Store

Pour the concentrate into jars or airtight bottles and refrigerate.

How to Serve Cold Brew Concentrate

Because it is concentrated, mix it before drinking.

Try these ratios:

• Strong coffee: 1 part concentrate to 1 part water or milk
• Regular strength: 1 part concentrate to 2 parts water or milk
• Extra bold: Serve over ice with cream

Flavor Ideas

Want to dress it up? Try adding:

• Coconut milk
• Vanilla syrup
• Caramel sauce
• Cinnamon
• Chocolate syrup
• Sweet cream cold foam

These Items Will Help You Make Better Coffee

• Espresso Machine
• Monin Coffee Syrups and Sauces
• Ninja Coffee Bar
• Freshly Roasted Coffee Beans
• Stoneware Coffee Mug Set
• Iced Coffee Glasses
• Cold Brew Coffee maker
• Pour Over Coffee Maker Set
• Keurig Coffee Maker

Tips for Success

• Use coarse ground coffee for cleaner flavor
• Strain twice for smoother concentrate
• Store in glass jars for freshness
• Shake before serving
• Adjust strength to your taste

How Long Does It Last?

Stored in the refrigerator, your homemade cold brew coffee concentrate will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks.

Final Thoughts

Once you know how to make cold brew coffee concentrate, you may never go back to store-bought again. It’s smooth, rich, refreshing, and always ready when you need a caffeine boost.

Make a batch this week and enjoy delicious coffee all week long!

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.