To make cold brew coffee at home, you need coarsely ground coffee and cold, filtered water. Mix the two in a ratio of approximately 1:8 (e.g., 100 g of coffee to 800 ml of water) and let the mixture steep, covered, for 12 to 18 hours at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Then, filter the coffee through a fine filter or a cheesecloth. You can serve it neat over ice, with milk, or as a refreshing cold brew tonic. It will keep in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week.

What is cold brew actually?


Cold brew isn't just "chilled coffee"—it's a unique brewing method in which coarsely ground coffee steeps in cold water for many hours. Hence the name "cold brew." This extraction method produces a milder, less acidic, and particularly aromatic coffee.

Difference to iced coffee: Iced coffee is usually based on hot brewed coffee that is then cooled. Cold brew, on the other hand, is extracted cold from the beginning, which makes it smoother and easier on the stomach. This also results in a significant difference in the extraction time and caffeine content.


The correct preparation: step by step

You don't need much to make cold brew at home. Basically, just a container, like a French press or a pitcher, cold water, and ground coffee. You can certainly get a suitable cold brew maker from our shop or buy more professional accessories elsewhere. But for your first attempt, you probably have everything you need at home.

1. Choose the right coffee

Basically, you can make a cold brew from any roast. We personally recommend a light or medium roast, as this is the only way to create a drink with subtle fruity and chocolatey flavors. However, you can also use a dark roast, depending on your taste.

  • Recommended: 100% Arabica with fruity or chocolatey notes, such as one of our light or medium roasts
  • Freshly ground – a coarse grind is ideal (the ground material should be like coarse sea salt with pieces between 1000 and 1500 micrometers)

2. The right ratio

French Press for Cold Brew

Here, too, experimentation is key, as your taste will determine the best. If you use between 100 and 150 grams of coffee to one liter of water, you're sure to find the right ratio for you.

  • Classic mixing ratio: 1:8 (e.g. 100 g coffee to 800 ml water)
  • For a concentrate: 1:5 (dilute later with water or milk)
  • Feel free to experiment: With a ratio of 1:6 to 1:10, you will basically always get a good cold brew

3. Use cold, filtered water

No boiling water: still, clean water at room temperature or cold (it is best not to use tap water, but rather bottled water)

4. Observe the brewing time

  • Cover and let stand for 6 to 24 hours; ideally 12 hours
  • In the refrigerator or at room temperature (the latter for stronger flavors)

5. Filter

  • Strain through a fine coffee filter, metal filter or cloth
  • It is OK to squeeze out some of the leftovers, but do not press too hard (avoids bitter substances)

6. Serve

  • Pure on ice cubes, with cold milk or oat drink
  • Also delicious with tonic water or a splash of lemon

How much caffeine does cold brew have?

Due to the long brewing time and high coffee-to-water ratio, cold brew contains more caffeine than many other coffee beverages—especially when enjoyed as a concentrate. However, it often tastes milder because a good 70 percent fewer acids and bitter compounds are extracted.

beverage mg caffeine per liter usual portion size mg caffeine per serving
25GRAMS Cold Brew Brasil 1,222 200 ml bottle 244
Red Bull 320 250 ml can 80
Monster Energy 300 500 ml can 150
ESN Crank Pre-Workout 400 19 g to 500 ml water 200
espresso 1,300 approx. 30 ml 39

Important: Cold brew is often diluted with water or milk, which reduces the caffeine content per glass. Those sensitive to caffeine should use cold brew cautiously or opt for a cold brew with a higher brew ratio.

Infographic with cold brew instructions

Hygiene in the production of cold brew

Because cold brew steeps for many hours at room temperature or in the refrigerator, hygiene is especially important to avoid unwanted germs and contamination. Use only clean, preferably boiled containers, strainers, and spoons. Make sure your hands and all contact surfaces are thoroughly cleaned before you begin preparation. Filtered or still mineral water not only tastes better but also reduces the risk of germs in tap water. Be sure to store the finished cold brew in an airtight container and cool – this not only keeps it fresher but also ensures it's safe to enjoy.


Quick overview: Tips for the perfect cold brew

  • Coffee: Coarsely ground, light to medium roast
  • Ratio: 100 to 150 g of coffee to 1 liter of water
  • Brewing time: 12 to 18 hours
  • Water temperature: cold or room temperature
  • Optimization: filter through paper or cloth before serving
  • Storage: Refrigerated, airtight – lasts up to 1 week

Variations & creative ideas

  • Cold Brew Latte: Cold Brew + cold milk or milk foam
  • Cold Brew Tonic: 50/50 cold brew and tonic water with ice and lemon
  • Vanilla Cold Brew: With vanilla syrup and a dash of cream
  • Cold Brew Cubes: Freeze coffee and use it as ice cubes

And these are just a few ideas. Our colleagues at 25GRAMS have even more exciting recipes for cold brew cocktails. And there are no limits to your creativity when mixing them – whether with or without alcohol. You can make a ton of cool drinks with cold brew.

The Cold Brew Conclusion

Cold brew is uncomplicated, versatile, and a real treat. With a few simple steps, you can brew a coffee at home that's not only refreshing but also impressive. Try different beans, ratios, and flavors—and find your personal favorite!

FAQ – Making your own cold brew

How long does cold brew need to steep?

Depending on your taste, between 12 and 18 hours. Longer brewing times produce stronger flavors, but can also be slightly bitter.
What grind size is optimal for cold brew?

A coarse grind, with a particle size of 1 to 1.5 millimeters, is best. Coffee that's too fine can make the cold brew cloudy and bitter.
How long does cold brew last?

When refrigerated and stored in an airtight container, cold brew will keep for up to a week. However, it tastes best within the first three days.
Can I make cold brew with milk?

No, water is necessary for extraction. Milk can be added later, but cannot be used as an extraction medium.

Discover our cold brews (if you don't want to make it yourself)