The Best Way to Make Cold Brew at Home

It wasn’t long ago cold brew was considered a niche coffee item that many places didn’t even offer. Over the past decade, however, it has exploded in popularity. Industry experts expect the cold brew market to grow by 20% every year for the next five years. By 2027, just the cold brew market could be worth $1.7 billion.

Today, you can not only find a variety of cold brew options at any shop or store, but you can easily make cold brew at home. How can you make cold brew at home? We’ll discuss that in a moment.

First, let’s take a look at why cold brew has become so popular and what makes it special.

What Makes Cold Brew Special?

Have you ever taken a sip of regular coffee that’s gone cold? It’s terrible. Even if it was made with quality beans. That’s because coffee brewed with hot water can become bitter as it cools. Cold brew isn’t simply “cold coffee.” It’s not even “iced coffee,” technically.

It’s a coffee brewing method that produces a distinctly smooth, rich, and refreshing beverage. Unlike traditionally brewed coffee, which uses hot water to extract flavor quickly, cold brew uses time. Cold water slowly pulls the flavors from the coffee grounds, resulting in a product that’s smoother and less acidic. Even when consumed black, many find cold brew to have a natural sweetness to it.

Since it’s never subjected to heat, cold brew doesn’t feature the sharper taste of hot coffee that some find bitter. Because of this, people who don’t even like hot coffee may find themselves enjoying cold brew.

Another benefit of cold brew? Caffeine. Cold brew typically contains more caffeine than your average hot cup of coffee thanks to the longer brewing time. But don’t worry, it’s not like the rush you might feel from a sugary energy drink or soda. Instead, it’s a gradual, steady boost of energy that can carry you through your day.

There’s also a certain convenience to cold brew. Making it is surprisingly simple. And when you’re enjoying it, you don’t have to worry about it going cold like you do with traditional coffee. This makes it easier to enjoy over a longer period of time.

Cold Brew vs. Iced Coffee

Before you dive into your home brewing journey, let’s clear up one common misconception: cold brew is not the same as iced coffee.

Iced coffee is brewed hot and then cooled, either by pouring over ice or refrigerating. While this is quicker than making cold brew, it also dilutes the flavor, often leaving you with a watered-down taste. Coffee shops will typically brew their iced coffee stronger to account for the ice. However, it still lacks the smooth, rich texture that cold brew offers, and it’s not quite as caffeinated.

Cold brew, as we mentioned, is brewed cold from the start. The slow steeping process extracts the coffee’s natural flavors without any heat, leading to a smoother, less acidic drink. If you’re after a coffee experience that’s refreshing yet bold, cold brew is the way to go.

Why You Should Try to Make Cold Brew at Home

As we said before, most places offer cold brew these days. In America, at least. The UK, by comparison, is a little behind the trend. But whether you have access to buying cold brew or not, you should consider making your own at home.

As with traditional coffee, there’s something incredibly satisfying about crafting your own cold brew at home. You can also often save money. But more importantly, you’re able to cater your cold brew to your specific preferences. This includes strength, flavor, caffeine content, and more.

So, how do you make your own cold brew at home? Let’s take a look.

How to Make Cold Brew at Home

Making cold brew at home is surprisingly simple. You just need a few supplies and then follow these instructions:

1. Choose Your Coffee: When making cold brew at home, it’s crucial to start with high-quality, coarsely ground coffee. The beans you select will make a significant difference in flavor. At Brew North Roasters, we offer a variety of ethically-sourced coffee roasts that are perfect for both hot coffee and cold brew. Whether you prefer a bold, dark roast or something a little lighter, we’ve got a roast for your tastes.
2. Measure the Coffee and Water: This step can require a little experimentation, but cold brew is typically made with a 1:4 or 1:5 ratio of coffee to water. That means for every cup of coffee grounds, you’ll want to use four to five cups of water. Adjust this to your taste preference—if you like it strong, lean towards a 1:4 ratio.
3. Steep Slowly: The magic of cold brew happens when you let the coffee grounds steep in cold water for a long time. You’ll typically want it to steep for at least 12 hours, but many people go as long as 24 hours. The longer you steep, the stronger and richer your brew will be. A great way to make sure you’re getting the perfect steep every time is by using a dedicated cold brew maker.
4. Strain and Enjoy: Once the steeping is done, strain the coffee to remove the grounds. If you’re using a filtered device like the Toddy® Go Brewer, you don’t have to worry about straining or finding stray grounds in your coffee. Simply remove the filtered bag and get ready to enjoy.
5. Serve Over Ice: Once the grounds are removed, your cold brew is ready to serve. Pour it over ice, add a splash of milk or your favorite flavorings, and enjoy the refreshing taste of homemade cold brew.

Now, you may be wondering, “What do I make my cold brew in?” There are a few options available. At people who are frequently moving from one adventure to the next, we prefer the Toddy Go Brewer for making cold brew.

Toddy® Go Brewer: Make Cold Brew Wherever You Go

If you’re serious about making cold brew at home, you need the right equipment. The Toddy® Go Brewer is our go-to recommendation for crafting the perfect cold brew. Why?

Portable Design

The Toddy Go Brewer is designed with convenience in mind. It’s lightweight and portable, making it easy to take with you whether you’re heading to the office, camping, or just want to enjoy a fresh batch of cold brew at home.

Easy to Use

One of the biggest challenges in making cold brew is the steeping process. With the Toddy Go Brewer, this is made simple. The design allows you to steep your coffee without the mess, and the built-in filter ensures a smooth brew without any grounds slipping into your final cup.

Versatility

This brewer works beautifully with any of Brew North Roasters’ coffees—whether you’re using our bold, full-bodied dark roast or opting for a smooth decaf. The Toddy Go Brewer lets you enjoy your cold brew just the way you like it. Thanks to its sturdy, insulated design, it also works great for transporting other beverages, hot and cold.

Environmentally Friendly

As with everything Brew North Roasters offers, the Toddy Go Brewer is part of our commitment to sustainability. It’s reusable and designed to last, reducing the need for single-use filters and plastic bottles.

Whether you’re a cold brew savant or new to the process, the Toddy Go Brewer is an excellent investment. It takes the guesswork out of cold brewing, and its compact design means you can enjoy fresh, delicious cold brew anywhere.

The Secret to Great Cold Brew: Patience and Quality

Whether you’re using the Toddy Go Brewer One or another product, one of the biggest keys to making cold brew at home is patience. It takes about 12 to 24 hours for the brewing process to work its magic. Rushing it can lead to a less flavorful result. As with most things in life, the wait is worth it.

That is, as long as you’re using quality coffee.

The quality of your coffee beans is just as important as the patience it takes to make cold brew. You want beans that are rich in flavor, consistent in quality, and supportive of a sustainable coffee economy.

That’s why we recommend using one of Brew North Roasters products. All of our coffee products are ethically and organically-sourced. Whether you choose a light roast, a dark roast, or something in the middle, we’re confident you’ll taste the difference. And you can trust that your purchase is supporting a sustainable future for coffee around the world.

At Brew North, we’re passionate about providing the best beans, roasted to perfection to ensure a balanced, delicious cup of coffee every time. And when you pair those beans with the Toddy® Go Brewer, you’ve got everything you need to make the highest quality cold brew wherever you are.

Make Cold Brew at Home FAQs

• Can I use any coffee for cold brew?
  Yes! While cold brew typically shines with coarser ground beans, you can experiment with different roasts and grind sizes. Brew North Roasters offers a wide range of options that work perfectly for cold brew, from light to dark roasts.
• How long does cold brew last in the fridge?
  When stored properly in an airtight container, your cold brew concentrate can last up to two weeks. Diluted cold brew should be consumed within 3 to 5 days for the best flavor.
• Can I make decaf cold brew?
  Absolutely! Brew North Roasters offers a decaf option, and it works wonderfully in cold brew. You can enjoy all the smooth, rich flavors of cold brew without the caffeine kick.

With Brew North Roasters and the Toddy® Go Brewer, your perfect cup of cold brew is just a few steps away.

Start Your Cold Brew Journey Today

Making cold brew at home is a rewarding experience, and with the Toddy® Go Brewer and Brew North Roasters’ beans, it’s never been easier to brew a perfect batch. Click here to purchase a Toddy Go Brewer and whatever coffee beans you need. Whether you’re looking to make cold brew at home, or you’re in need of coffee for camping, we have your needs covered.

Stay grounded!