Cold brew coffee is a smooth, refreshing drink that’s easy to make at home.
All you need is some coarse coffee grounds, water, and a mason jar.
Making cold brew at home is not only cost-effective but also gives you full control over the taste and strength of your coffee.
Plus, it’s less acidic and gentler on your stomach compared to regular coffee.
Using a mason jar makes the process simple and accessible for everyone.
Let’s dive into the steps to create your own delicious cold brew coffee at home.
How To Make Cold Brew Coffee In A Mason Jar: At A Glance
- Step 1: Grind the Coffee Beans
- Step 2: Add Coffee Grounds to the Mason Jar
- Step 3: Add Water
- Step 4: Steep the Coffee
- Step 5: Strain the Coffee
- Step 6: Dilute and Serve
What You Need
Making cold brew coffee in a mason jar is simple and requires just a few basic ingredients and tools.
Here’s a detailed list of what you’ll need:
Ingredients
Coarsely Ground Coffee Beans
The quality of your cold brew starts with the beans.
Choose your favorite coffee beans and grind them coarsely.
A coarse grind helps to prevent bitterness and makes filtering easier.
Cold or Room Temperature Water
Water is the main component of your cold brew, so use filtered water if possible.
This will help improve the taste of your coffee.
You can use either cold or room temperature water.
Equipment
Mason Jar (32 oz Recommended)
A 32 oz mason jar is perfect for making cold brew.
It’s large enough to hold a good amount of coffee and water while still fitting comfortably in your refrigerator.
Coffee Filter, Cheesecloth, or Fine Mesh Strainer
After steeping, you’ll need to strain the coffee grounds from the liquid.
You can use a coffee filter, cheesecloth, or a fine mesh strainer.
Each of these options works well to separate the grounds from the coffee.
Stirring Spoon
A simple spoon is necessary to stir the coffee grounds and water, ensuring all the grounds are saturated.
Scale for Measuring Coffee (Optional)
While not essential, a scale can help you measure the exact amount of coffee grounds you need.
This ensures consistency in your cold brew, making it easier to replicate the perfect cup each time.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cold Brew in a Mason Jar
Step 1: Grind the Coffee Beans
First, grind your coffee beans to a coarse consistency.
A coarse grind prevents over-extraction and bitterness, ensuring a smooth cold brew.
For a balanced flavor, use a coffee-to-water ratio of 1:4 to 1:8.
For instance, 1 cup of coffee to 4 cups of water works well for most tastes.
Step 2: Add Coffee Grounds to the Mason Jar
Measure the coffee grounds accurately.
For a 32 oz mason jar, use about 84 grams of coarsely ground coffee.
Place the coffee grounds at the bottom of the jar.
Step 3: Add Water
Pour half of the required water into the jar over the coffee grounds.
Stir thoroughly to make sure all the grounds are wet.
This helps in extracting maximum flavor.
After stirring, add the remaining water and stir again to ensure complete saturation.
Step 4: Steep the Coffee
Seal the mason jar with its lid tightly.
You can place the jar in the refrigerator or leave it on the counter.
Steep the coffee for 12-24 hours.
For an ideal balance of flavor, steeping for 16-18 hours is recommended.
Step 5: Strain the Coffee
After steeping, it’s time to strain the coffee.
Use a cheesecloth, fine mesh strainer, or a coffee filter to strain the coffee into another container.
For an even smoother concentrate, you can strain the coffee twice.
Step 6: Dilute and Serve
Your cold brew concentrate is now ready.
Dilute it with water or milk to taste.
A common ratio is 1:1, but feel free to adjust based on your preference.
Serve your cold brew over ice for a refreshing drink or heat it up if you prefer a warm coffee.
Enjoy your homemade cold brew!
Storing Your Cold Brew
Proper storage is essential to maintain the freshness and flavor of your cold brew coffee.
Follow these guidelines to keep your cold brew at its best.
Store in a Clean, Airtight Container
Once you’ve strained your cold brew concentrate, transfer it to a clean, airtight container.
This prevents any odors from the refrigerator from seeping in and ensures the coffee stays fresh.
A mason jar with a tight lid works perfectly for this purpose.
Refrigerate for Up to 2 Weeks
Place the container in the refrigerator.
While cold brew coffee can be stored for up to 2 weeks, it’s best consumed within the first week.
This time frame ensures you enjoy the optimal flavor and smoothness of your cold brew.
As it ages, the coffee might lose some of its vibrant taste and start to taste flat.
Tips and Variations
Using Different Roasts and Flavors
Cold brew coffee offers a lot of room for experimentation.
By using different coffee beans, you can create varied flavor profiles.
Try a light roast for a brighter, fruitier taste.
A medium roast will give you a balanced and smooth flavor.
If you prefer a bolder, more intense coffee, go for a dark roast.
To add a unique twist to your cold brew, consider flavored extracts, syrups, or spices.
Vanilla, caramel, and hazelnut extracts can bring a sweet touch.
Spices like cinnamon or nutmeg add warmth and depth to the flavor.
Health Benefits
Cold brew coffee is known for its lower acidity compared to regular hot brewed coffee.
This makes it gentler on your stomach and teeth, reducing the risk of heartburn and acid reflux.
The smoother taste also means you can enjoy it without needing to add sugar or cream to balance out bitterness.
Creative Serving Ideas
Cold brew isn’t just for drinking straight.
It can be a versatile ingredient in your kitchen.
Use it as a base for delicious smoothies, blending it with fruits and yogurt for a refreshing drink.
It also makes a great addition to coffee cocktails, adding a rich coffee flavor without the heat.
For a fun twist, freeze cold brew into ice cubes.
These cubes can be added to your iced coffee to keep it cold without diluting the flavor as they melt.
This simple trick keeps your coffee strong and flavorful from the first sip to the last.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Bitterness
One common issue with cold brew coffee is bitterness.
This can often be caused by over-steeping the coffee grounds.
To avoid this, make sure you keep the steeping time within the recommended 12-24 hours.
Ideally, aim for 16-18 hours to achieve a balanced flavor.
Over-steeping can extract more tannins and other compounds that contribute to a bitter taste.
Weak Flavor
Another issue you might encounter is weak flavor.
This can be due to several factors.
First, check the grind size of your coffee beans.
The grounds should be coarse, similar to sea salt.
Finer grinds can lead to over-extraction, while too coarse grinds might not extract enough flavor.
Second, consider adjusting the coffee-to-water ratio.
For a stronger concentrate, use more coffee grounds relative to water.
The suggested ratio is between 1:4 to 1:8, depending on your preference.
For example, using 1 cup of coffee to 4 cups of water will yield a stronger brew than a 1:8 ratio.
Conclusion
Making cold brew coffee in a mason jar is simple, affordable, and yields a smooth, delicious beverage.
With minimal equipment and a few easy steps, you can enjoy a refreshing drink that’s gentle on your stomach and teeth.
Try out the recipe and experiment with different flavors and serving ideas.
Share your experiences and let us know how your cold brew turns out!
FAQs
What’s the difference between cold brew and iced coffee?
Cold brew coffee is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in cold water for an extended period, usually 12-24 hours.
This process results in a smooth, less acidic, and less bitter coffee concentrate.
Iced coffee, on the other hand, is brewed hot and then cooled down before serving over ice.
The hot brewing process of iced coffee retains more acidity and bitterness compared to cold brew.
What is the best coffee to make cold brew?
The best coffee for making cold brew is typically a medium to dark roast.
These roasts have a rich, full-bodied flavor that stands up well to the cold brewing process.
Coarsely ground coffee beans are ideal, as they allow for proper extraction without over-extracting and becoming bitter.
Experimenting with different coffee beans can help you find the perfect flavor profile for your taste.
Is cold brew stronger than hot coffee?
Cold brew coffee is generally stronger than hot coffee because it is made as a concentrate.
The long steeping process extracts more caffeine and flavors from the coffee grounds.
However, cold brew is usually diluted with water or milk before drinking, so the final strength can be adjusted to your preference.
Even when diluted, cold brew tends to have a smoother, less acidic taste compared to hot coffee.
