You’ve likely grown accustomed to the familiarity of your daily hot-brewing ritual. Yet there exists an equally compelling alternative that deserves your attention—one that challenges conventional coffee preparation while delivering a remarkably smooth, nuanced flavor profile. Today, I invite you to explore the art of cold brewing, specifically the craft of creating cold brew coffee concentrate.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through the precise methodology for producing exceptional cold brew concentrate, demystifying each step of the process so you can master this increasingly popular technique with confidence.
But before then, here is something equally important:
What is Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate?
Cold brew coffee concentrate is an intensely flavored, highly caffeinated coffee extract created by steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in cold or room temperature water for an extended period, typically 12 to 24 hours.
Unlike regular cold brew coffee that’s ready to drink straight from the pitcher, cold brew concentrate is a potent base that requires dilution before consumption.
The magic of cold brew concentrate lies in its brewing method. The slow, cold extraction process pulls out the coffee’s natural sweetness and complex flavor compounds while leaving behind much of the acidity and bitterness associated with hot brewing methods.
This results in a smooth, rich concentrate with a naturally sweet profile that’s less harsh on the stomach. What sets concentrate apart from standard cold brew is the coffee-to-water ratio.
While regular cold brew uses a ratio of about 1:4 or 1:5 (coffee to water), concentrate uses a much stronger ratio of 1:2 or even 1:1. This creates a syrupy, intensely caffeinated liquid that can be stored in your refrigerator for up to two weeks.
The versatility of cold brew concentrate makes it a favorite among coffee enthusiasts and busy professionals alike. You can dilute it with water, milk, or milk alternatives to your preferred strength, pour it over ice for a refreshing iced coffee, blend it into smoothies, or even use it as a base for coffee cocktails.
Some creative baristas incorporate it into baking recipes or drizzle it over desserts for an extra caffeine kick.
At CoffeNZO.com, we believe cold brew concentrate is the ultimate make-ahead coffee solution, offering convenience without compromising on flavor or quality.
Now that you know what a cold brew coffee concentrate is, it is time to learn how to make cold brew coffee concentrate at home. And who knows, you might never get back to your regular hot coffee drinks after this.
How to Make Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate
To make your cold brew coffee concentrate, coarsely grind your coffee beans and mix with water. Afterward, let the mixture steep overnight or for 14-18 hours. Strain your brew through a sieve and dilute it before serving.
Cold Brew Coffee Vs. Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate
| Feature | Cold Brew Coffee | Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate |
| Coffee-to-Water Ratio | Typically 1:8 to 1:10 | Stronger ratio, usually 1:3 to 1:5 |
| Strength | Ready-to-drink strength | Highly concentrated and intense |
| Dilution Needed | No dilution required | Must be diluted with water or milk |
| Flavor Profile | Smooth, mild, low acidity | Bold, rich, and fuller-bodied |
| Caffeine Content | Moderate per serving | Higher per ounce (before dilution) |
| Serving Style | Served over ice or straight | Diluted hot or iced |
| Brew Time | 12–24 hours | 12–24 hours |
| Shelf Life (Refrigerated) | Up to 3–4 days | Up to 7–10 days |
| Best Use Case | Casual sipping, ready-to-drink | Coffee drinks, lattes, flexibility |
| Ideal For | Those who prefer lighter coffee | Those who want control and strength |
Pro tip: Cold brew concentrate is ideal if you want flexibility—one batch can become iced coffee, hot coffee, or milk-based drinks just by adjusting dilution.
Typically, cold brew concentrate and cold brew are quite similar. The two cold brews go through the same cold-brew process: steeping coarse coffee grounds in water for several hours, then straining. The cold-brewing process is slower and yields a richer, more flavorful brew than hot brewing.
Even so, the two cold, caffeinated drinks are not the same; one stands out as more potent compared to the other. Let’s see how.
The cold coffee concentrate is highly intense compared to a usual cold brew. In other words, the concentrate is more flavorful and contains the highest caffeine content.
And that’s the reason why you dilute it with water or milk before drinking. But for the cold brew coffee, you consume it the way it is without diluting.
Regarding the coffee grounds to water ratio, a standard cold brew utilizes 1 ounce of coffee grounds to 8 ounces of water. This ratio implies that for 1/3 of a cup of coarse coffee grounds, you use one cup of water.
When it comes to the cold brew concentrate ratio, you increase the coffee grounds quantity relative to water. For a mid-level cold coffee concentrate, combine 1.5-ounce coarse coffee grounds with 8-ounce water. If you are still a beginner in this coffee concentrate game, I advise you to begin with this ratio.
If you aim to make the strongest cold coffee concentrate, use this ratio: 2-ounce coffee grounds to 8-ounce water. Or better still, 2/3 cup of ground coffee to 1 cup of water.
Consider: How to Brew Coffee Without a Coffee Maker
Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate Ingredients
To make your cold brew coffee concentrate, you need;
- 2/3 cup of coarse coffee grounds
- 1 cup of cold water
Note that you can use any coffee beans or grounds to prepare this concentrate. Even so, the coarse grind size is the most suitable. You can also adjust ingredient amounts to suit the brew size you wish to prepare.
How to Make Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate Step by Step
If you’ve been wondering how to make concentrated cold brew coffee, now is the time to clear your doubts. Follow the 5 steps below when preparing your cold brew coffee concentrate.
Step 1: Mix Your Coarsely Ground Coffee with Water and Stir
Pour your coarse coffee grounds into a large bowl. Take your cold water and gradually add it to them. Thereafter, stir the mixture to combine. You can decide to use store-bought grounds or buy your favorite beans and coarse-grind them yourself.
Step 2: Allow to Steep
Cover your bowl with a cheesecloth and leave it to steep at room temperature for about 14-18 hours. With Starbucks, their cold brew steeps for about 20 hours. Personally, my cold coffee concentrate stands for about 15 hours.
Therefore, I can say it’s up to you to decide on how long you want to steep your cold brew. Just bear in mind that the longer your cold brew takes to steep, the bitterer and stronger it becomes.
Step 3: Strain
Pull out the cheesecloth from your bowl and line it on a fine-mesh sieve placed on a large pitcher. Strain your coffee using the sieve into the jug.
Don’t stir your concentrate; it will make your coffee cloudy. If you don’t have a cheesecloth, feel free to use coffee filters, a nut milk bag, or a clean handkerchief.
Step 4: Transfer Your Cold Coffee Concentrate into a Reserved Jar and Store
Take your cold brew and pour it through a sieve lined with a coffee filter into a reserved jar. At this point, you may decide to get on and drink your cold brew coffee concentrate or store it in the fridge. Make sure you keep it chilled all the time.
Step 5: Prepare to Drink
When you are ready to drink your cold coffee concentrate, put some ice cubes into a glass. Take ½ cup of the cold brew coffee concentrate and dilute it with ½ cup of water or milk, then add the mixture to the glass with ice cubes.
If you like, you can add a sweetener and stir. Fix your straw and enjoy your caffeinated drink while you are still alive.
Related: How to Make a Spanish Latte
How to Use Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate
Using cold brew coffee concentrate is incredibly simple and offers endless possibilities for customization. The key to perfect results lies in understanding the proper dilution ratios and exploring creative serving methods that suit your taste preferences.
Basic Dilution Method
Start by diluting your concentrate with equal parts water, milk, or your favorite milk alternative. A standard 1:1 ratio works well for most palates, but you can adjust based on desired strength.
For a lighter cup, try a 1:2 or 1:3 ratio (one part concentrate to two or three parts liquid). Always taste and adjust until you find your perfect balance.
Serving Suggestions
Pour your diluted concentrate over ice for a classic iced coffee experience. Add a splash of cream, flavored syrups, or a drizzle of honey for natural sweetness.
For hot coffee lovers, simply heat your diluted concentrate in the microwave or on the stovetop—the smooth, low-acid profile remains delicious even when warmed.
Creative Applications
Cold brew concentrate shines beyond the coffee cup. Blend it into protein shakes and breakfast smoothies for an energizing boost. Use it as a base for homemade coffee ice cubes that won’t water down your drinks.
Mix it into cocktails like espresso martinis or Irish coffee. Adventurous bakers can incorporate it into brownie batter, tiramisu, or coffee-flavored frostings for rich, complex desserts.
Storage Tips
Keep your concentrate refrigerated in an airtight container for up to two weeks. Always give it a gentle shake before using, as natural coffee oils may separate over time. This extended shelf life makes cold brew concentrate the ultimate meal prep beverage for busy mornings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is the best grind size for cold brew coffee concentrate, and how do you tell if the grind is correct?
A. The ideal grind for your cold brew concentrate is a coarse coffee grind. You can tell if your coffee bean grind is of the required size by observing how fast your brew drains. If the grind size is too fine, it can cause your coffee to drip at an extremely low speed. Some grounds may even clog the filter.
Q. Do I need a specific cold brew coffee maker?
A. You can make your cold brew with or without a specified cold brew coffee maker. Even so, using a cold brew coffee maker would yield better results than when cold brewing without it. That’s because it evenly disperses water across the coffee grounds and helps you with filtering.
Q. How long should I allow my cold brew to steep?
A. Anywhere between 14 and 18 hours will give you excellent results. Just ensure you don’t go into the 20–24-hour range. It may give you some unfavorable woody notes in your coffee. If you need an intense profile, my advice is to dilute less instead of steeping longer than the recommended time.
Q. How long does a cold brew concentrate last after making it?
A. If you refrigerate the concentrate well, it lasts for 7-14 days. But the earlier you consume your cold brew concentrate, the better. I am sure you wouldn’t want to drink something that is not fresh and tastes off.
Q. How do you serve cold coffee concentrate?
A. You can dilute it with water or milk and ice. You can also use it as your shot of espresso version for some coffee recipes like the maple pecan latte and crème egg Frappuccino.
Final Thoughts
You already have all it takes on how to make cold brew coffee concentrate at home. No more money wasted on ready-made cold brews that you don’t even know how long they have stayed on the shelf. This post is here to guide you every step of the way, and I will be glad to hear you made it.
