Cold brew coffee has become a worldwide trend, loved for its smooth taste, low acidity, and refreshing flavor. Unlike hot coffee that’s brewed quickly, cold brew takes patience—steeping coffee grounds in cold water for 12–24 hours.
At Mountain Lyon Cafe in Silverthorne, we prepare cold brew every summer, and customers often ask how they can make it at home. This guide will show you the step-by-step cold brew recipe, tools you need, and tips to get café-quality results without expensive equipment.
Why Cold Brew Coffee?
Low Acidity: Easier on the stomach.
Smooth & Sweet: Less bitterness than hot coffee.
Versatile: Drink plain, with milk, or as a base for cocktails.
Lasts Longer: Cold brew concentrate stays fresh in the fridge for up to 7 days.
Tools & Equipment You’ll Need
Large jar or cold brew maker
Coffee grinder
Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
Measuring cups
Tall glass
Suggestions:
Takeya Cold Brew Maker – Affordable, durable, perfect for beginners.
Hario Coffee Grinder – Freshly grind beans for best flavor.
OXO Brew Cold Brew Coffee Maker – Professional quality.
Ingredients (Serves 4 Cups)
1 cup coarsely ground coffee beans (medium or dark roast works best)
4 cups cold filtered water
Ice cubes
Optional: milk, cream, or sweetener
Step-by-Step Cold Brew Recipe
1. Grind Your Coffee
Use coarse ground coffee (like sea salt). Too fine and it will over-extract, making your cold brew bitter.
2. Combine Coffee & Water
Add 1 cup ground coffee to your jar or cold brew maker. Pour in 4 cups cold filtered water. Stir gently to ensure all grounds are wet.
3. Steep Slowly
Cover and let it steep at room temperature or in the fridge for 12–24 hours. Longer steeping = stronger concentrate.
4. Strain the Coffee
After steeping, strain through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. This removes coffee grounds, leaving smooth concentrate.
5. Serve & Enjoy
Fill a glass with ice. Mix cold brew concentrate with water or milk in a 1:1 ratio (adjust strength to taste).
Cold Brew Ratios & Variations
Standard Ratio: 1 cup coffee : 4 cups water
Stronger Concentrate: 1 cup coffee : 3 cups water
Lighter Brew: 1 cup coffee : 5 cups water
Read more: Vietnamese Iced Coffee Recipe Easy Home
Variations:
Cold Brew Latte: Mix concentrate with cold milk.
Cold Brew Tonic: Add tonic water + slice of orange.
Vanilla Cold Brew: Stir in vanilla syrup.
Cold Brew vs Iced Coffee
Iced Coffee: Hot brewed coffee cooled over ice → quick, but more acidic.
Cold Brew: Steeped cold → smoother, naturally sweet.
Tips for Perfect Cold Brew
Always use filtered water.
Use dark roast for rich flavor, medium roast for fruity notes.
Store concentrate in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 7 days.
Don’t over-steep beyond 24 hours → can taste woody.
Nutritional Info (per 8oz serving, without milk)
Calories: 5 kcal
Carbohydrates: 0 g
Protein: 0 g
Fat: 0 g
Caffeine: ~100 mg
Recommended Coffee Beans for Cold Brew
| Brand | Roast | Why We Recommend | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Street Cold Brew | Dark Roast | Smooth, bold flavor | |
| Kicking Horse Coffee | Medium Roast | Organic, chocolate notes | |
| Starbucks Pike Place | Medium Roast | Widely available, consistent |
Conclusion
Making cold brew at home is easier than most people think. With the right ratio of coffee to water, a bit of patience, and the right tools, you’ll have café-quality cold brew anytime.
At Mountain Lyon Cafe, cold brew is a customer favorite—and now you can recreate it in your own kitchen.
I’m Kara Chavez, and I love coffee. I like to create some of the best coffees around – espressos, lattes, macchiatos . I strive for perfection in my coffee-making skills, and I take great pride in providing a delicious cup of joe to my customers.
I’ve been working in the coffee industry for years now, and I know everything there is to know about making a perfect cup of coffee. My passion for coffee shines through in every cup that I make, and I hope that you’ll stop by soon so that I can share my love of coffee with you!