Homemade Cold Brew Coffee is one of the simplest ways to enjoy smooth, rich coffee without any special equipment. With just a quart-sized mason jar, coarsely ground coffee, and a jam strainer, you can brew an entire batch right in your fridge. It’s less acidic than hot-brewed coffee and perfect for iced drinks. Whether you like it black or with creamer, cold brew is low-effort and big on taste.

Homemade Cold Brew Coffee

This method skips all the mess and keeps the whole process clean. By using a jam strainer instead of a filter, you get no grit, no waste, and minimal cleanup. The result is a clean, bold coffee that stays fresh for days.

The choice of coffee beans plays a big role here, so make sure to use something good! A medium or dark roast works well, giving the brew a full-bodied profile. Grinding the coffee coarsely helps with flavor extraction and makes straining easier. If you already grind your own beans, set your grinder to the coarsest setting.

Brewing time is flexible, ranging from 8 to 12 hours. A longer steep gives you a stronger cup, while a shorter one yields a smoother, lighter flavor. It’s easy to adjust to your preferences over time. Once strained, the concentrate can be kept cold and poured whenever you’re ready.

Want to make a proper coffee shop experience at home? Top it off with some cold foam! Learn how to make cold foam here.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

• Easy Setup – No need for special coffee makers or filters.
• Smooth Flavor – Lower acidity than hot coffee, with deep, mellow notes.
• Customizable Strength – Adjust steep time to make it stronger or milder.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – Keeps fresh in the fridge for up to a week.
• Less Mess – The jam strainer bag keeps grounds contained and cleanup easy.

Mocha Coffee Creamer

Starbucks Cold Brew Coffee Shopping List

Wondering if you have to hit the store? Here’s the list of items you’ll need to make this recipe. For specific amounts, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

• 1 Quart Mason Jar – A standard glass jar that’s perfect for cold brew batches and seals tightly.
• Jam Strainer Bag – Keeps the grounds contained, allowing for easy straining without residue.
• 1 1/2 Cups Coarsely Ground Coffee – Coarse grind helps with flavor and prevents cloudiness.
• Water – Fill to near the top of the jar to brew; filtered water is best for clean flavor.

Homemade Vanilla Sweet Cream Coffee Creamer

How To Make Cold Brew Coffee At Home

This is just the overview so you can see what you’re actually getting into here. When you are cooking, you’ll want to use the full recipe at the bottom of the page.

1. Insert the jam strainer bag into a clean quart mason jar and secure it around the rim.
2. Add coarsely ground coffee into the strainer bag.
3. Fill the jar with cold water, almost to the top.
4. Screw on the lid and place in the refrigerator for 8 to 12 hours.
5. Remove the bag, squeeze out excess brew, and serve over ice.

Homemade Kahlua Coffee Liqueur

FAQ

How long does homemade cold brew coffee last?

It stays fresh in the fridge for up to 7 days. Keep it sealed tightly in the same jar you brewed it in.

Can I reheat cold brew coffee?

Yes, cold brew can be gently warmed in a microwave or on the stovetop. It will still taste smooth, without the bitterness of reheated regular coffee.

Can I prepare this in advance?

Absolutely. Make a large batch ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week.

Are there any substitutions for the jam strainer?

You can use a nut milk bag or a fine-mesh reusable coffee filter. The goal is to keep the grounds contained during brewing.

Homemade Hostess Cupcakes

Serve This With…

• A warm Caramel Roll or breakfast pastry
• Fresh Fruit Salad or yogurt
• Homemade Coffee Cake
• Light lunch dishes like Avocado Toast

Homemade cold brew coffee is a quick, efficient way to enjoy café-level flavor at home. It’s bold, refreshing, and fits smoothly into a daily routine. This method is clean, affordable, and perfect for busy mornings or warm afternoons. Once you try it, it’ll become a staple in your fridge.