Cold Brew 101: Iced Coffee vs. Cold Brew

Making cold brew at home is easier than you might think. I love having everything on hand to make my favorite drinks in my own kitchen. Coffee-shop stops are usually a vacation treat for me!

For this method, gather:

• A clean mason jar or cold brew pitcher
• A cold brew filter that fits your container
• Coarsely ground coffee of your choice
• Cold or room-temperature water

This is the Cold Brew Filter we use.

No cold brew filter? Keep reading. I've included another method using a mason jar, paper coffee filters, and a strainer. You may already have what you need!

The original pitcher in my photos came from Amazon. A friend also tried the alternative linked below and liked it for her cold brew setup. Product availability can change, so check the current listing and dimensions before ordering.

Choose a container with enough room for your filter, coffee, and water. Check the opening and the filter's fit before you start brewing.

View the cold brew pitcher on Amazon.

They both make a refreshing cold drink, but the brewing method is what sets them apart.

Iced coffee usually starts with hot-brewed coffee that's cooled and served over ice. It's a quick option when you don't want to plan your coffee the night before.

Cold brew is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold or room-temperature water rather than brewing with hot water. It takes more patience, but most of that time is hands-off. I like to let mine brew in the refrigerator overnight.

Flavor depends on your beans, grind, brewing time, and coffee-to-water ratio. Try a batch, taste it, and adjust the next one to suit your coffee routine.

Image credit: @TheMacroBarista.

Finding Your Favorite Coffee-to-Water Ratio

For the ratios below, measure both the coffee and water by weight. A cup of dry grounds and a cup of water don't weigh the same amount.

For a starting point that's less concentrated, try 1 part coffee to 8 parts water. For example, 3 ounces of coffee by weight with 24 ounces of water by weight gives you a 1:8 ratio. You'll need extra room in the container for the grounds and filter.

For a stronger concentrate, try 1 part coffee to 4 parts water. That's 6 ounces of coffee by weight with 24 ounces of water by weight. Use a container large enough for the mixture, then dilute your finished brew with water, milk, or cream to taste.

Think of these as starting points, not rules. Make it the way you enjoy it! A stronger-tasting batch doesn't tell you its exact caffeine content.

Once your supplies are ready, the setup is simple. The hardest part is waiting for that first cup!

1. Choose your coffee. Use coarsely ground coffee you enjoy. The coffee shown in my photos is from Target. Nothing fancy required!
2. Set up your filter. Place it inside your clean pitcher or mason jar.
3. Add your grounds. Measure the coffee for your chosen ratio and add it to the filter. Leave room for the grounds to expand instead of packing the filter full.
4. Pour in the water slowly. Use cold or room-temperature water, wetting the grounds evenly. Leave space at the top of the container. I learned the slow-pour lesson the messy way!
5. Cover and refrigerate. Let the coffee steep for about 12–24 hours, adjusting future batches to your taste and following your filter's instructions.
6. Remove the filter. Let it drain, then discard the grounds or add them to your compost if suitable. Clean your filter according to its care instructions.
7. Enjoy your homemade cold brew. Pour a serving, dilute it if needed, and add your favorite extras. Keep the remaining brew covered in the refrigerator and make batches you can enjoy promptly. Add milk, cream, and toppings to your individual drink rather than the storage container.

My husband and I love having a batch ready for our coffee routine. It's one less thing to think about when the day gets busy.

Pictured: The MBC 24oz Mason Jar Tumbler Set with our Clear Lid, Copper Rust Proof Band, and Rose Gold Metal Straw.

A favorite companion for your homemade coffee, at home or on the go.

No Cold Brew Filter? I've Got You!

You can also make cold brew with a mason jar and strain it afterward. No special pitcher needed.

Gather these supplies:

• A clean mason jar, preferably 32 oz or larger
• Paper coffee filters
• A strainer
• A wooden spoon
• Coarsely ground coffee
• Cold or room-temperature water
• A large, clean bowl

1. Measure your coffee and water. Use one of the ratios above as your starting point, leaving enough room in your jar for both.
2. Combine in the jar. Add the grounds and cold or room-temperature water. Stir gently with your wooden spoon to wet the grounds.
3. Cover and refrigerate. Let the coffee steep for about 12–24 hours.
4. Set up your strainer. Place it over the clean bowl and line it with a paper coffee filter.
5. Strain slowly. Pour the coffee through the lined strainer and let it drain. Work in batches if needed, and replace the paper filter if it clogs.
6. Store your brew. Transfer the strained coffee to a clean, covered jar and keep it refrigerated. Discard or compost the grounds as appropriate.
7. Make it yours. Taste a serving and add water, milk, or cream as needed. Finish with your favorite syrup or toppings and enjoy!

Whether you use a reusable filter or supplies from your kitchen, the goal is the same: a homemade coffee you look forward to drinking.