How to Make Cold Brew Coffee at Home with Cold Brew Concentrate

Quick Answer

To make cold brew coffee at home, combine cold water and coarsely ground coffee in a 4:1 ratio, steep for 12–24 hours in the fridge, then strain. For a ready-to-drink shortcut, use a cold brew concentrate like Death Wish Coffee's Classic Cold Brew Latte, which delivers the same strength without the wait.

If you crave a smooth, highly caffeinated coffee that's less acidic than hot-brewed options, making cold brew at home is a game-changer. The process is simple: coffee, water, time, and a good filter. But the devil is in the details—ratio, grind size, and steeping time all affect the final cup.

In this guide, you'll learn the exact steps to make your own cold brew concentrate, plus a few shortcuts for when you're short on time. We'll cover the ideal cold brew coffee ratio, common mistakes to avoid, and how to use your concentrate to make everything from iced lattes to hot coffee.

What Is Cold Brew Concentrate?

Cold brew concentrate is a stronger version of regular cold brew. You brew it with a higher coffee-to-water ratio—typically 1:4 instead of the 1:8 you'd drink straight. The result is a syrupy, intense brew that you dilute with water, milk, or ice before drinking. This gives you flexibility: use it for iced coffee, lattes, or even baking.

Because concentrate packs a punch, you can store it in the fridge for up to two weeks (though it's best within the first week). This makes it a smart choice for busy mornings—one batch can cover your coffee for days, and you can tweak the strength each time you mix a cup.

Choosing the Right Coffee for Cold Brew

The beans you use matter more than you might think. A coarse grind is essential—if the grind is too fine, you'll end up with a bitter, cloudy brew. For cold brew, you want a grind that looks like breadcrumbs, not powder. You can buy pre-ground coffee labeled 'coarse,' or grind whole beans at home.

Dark roasts are a popular choice for cold brew because their bold, chocolatey notes come through beautifully. But a medium roast with fruity or caramel undertones can also shine. The key is to pick a coffee you genuinely like, because you'll taste it in the final cup. If you want a hassle-free option, single-serve pods like Death Wish Coffee's Medium Roast Single-Serve Pods can be broken open and used as ground coffee.

The Ideal Cold Brew Coffee Ratio

The standard cold brew coffee ratio for a concentrate is 1 part coffee to 4 parts water. For a drinkable cold brew, use 1:8. For most people, a 1:4 concentrate is ideal because you can dilute it to your taste, whether you like it strong or mild.

If you're weighing your coffee and water, here's a simple formula: for a 1:4 ratio, use 100 grams of coarse ground coffee and 400 grams (or milliliters) of cold water. If you're using a 'less-concentrated' approach, 100 grams of coffee to 800 milliliters of water will give you a ready-to-drink brew. Adjust from there based on your preference.

• Always use filtered water for a cleaner taste.
• Weigh your coffee and water for consistent results—measuring by volume can be inconsistent.

Step-by-Step: Brewing Cold Brew Concentrate

Making cold brew concentrate is a hands-off process, but a few steps ensure you get the best results. Start with a clean glass jar or a French press—a mason jar works perfectly. Add your coarse ground coffee, then slowly pour in cold water, stirring gently to ensure all grounds are saturated.

Cover the container and steep it in the refrigerator for 12 to 24 hours. The longer you steep, the stronger and more caffeinated your brew will be. Start tasting at 12 hours to see if it has reached your desired strength. After steeping, strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve lined with a coffee filter, or use a French press to plunge and pour. Store the concentrate in a sealed container in the fridge.

Cold Brew Steps at a Glance

1. Grind Coarse: Use a coarse grind, like breadcrumbs, to avoid over-extraction and bitterness. If using pre-ground, ensure it's labeled coarse. Checkpoint: Before brewing, rub a pinch of grounds between your fingers—they should feel chunky, not powdery.
2. Mix Coffee and Water in a Ratio: For a concentrate, combine 1 part coffee to 4 parts cold filtered water. Stir to saturate all grounds. Verdict: A 1:4 ratio is your simple, reliable starting point.
3. Steep in the Fridge for 12–24 Hours: Cover and refrigerate. Taste at 12 hours; steep longer for a stronger, more caffeinated brew, up to 24 hours. Checkpoint: If the brew tastes bitter, it's over-steeped—reduce time next batch.
4. Strain and Store: Filter through a fine-mesh sieve lined with a coffee filter, or use a French press. Store concentrate in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to two weeks. Next step: Enjoy your concentrate over ice or mixed with milk; adjust dilution to your taste.

Products to Simplify Your Cold Brew

• Classic Cold Brew Latte: Premium coffee cold-brewed into a delicious, creamy latte that delivers serious strength, unbelievably smooth and strong with just the right amount of sweet. This is a ready-to-drink option that gives you the same cold brew experience without the steeping and straining. Keep a bottle in the fridge for busy days.
• Vanilla Cold Brew Latte: Fair Trade Certified 100% Colombian Cold Brew Coffee and real vanilla, unbelievably smooth, seriously strong and just the right amount of sweet. A great way to enjoy cold brew with a hint of vanilla, this latte is perfect when you want a quick and delicious treat without adding syrup or sugar yourself.
• Medium Roast Single-Serve Pods: Bold, full-bodied yet smooth and flavorful brew with complex flavor profile including subtle undertones of stone fruit and caramel. These pods can be broken open and used as ground coffee for your own cold brew, giving you a no-compromise medium roast option with great flavor.

Making cold brew coffee at home is a simple, cost-effective way to enjoy a smooth, strong cup that you control. Whether you brew your own concentrate or reach for a ready-to-drink option, you'll never have to settle for a weak, acidic cold brew again. Experiment with ratios and steeping times to find your perfect cup.