There’s nothing quite like the rich, smooth taste of cold brew on a warm day—or any day, really. Its low acidity and naturally sweet flavor make it a favorite for coffee lovers everywhere. And the best part? You don’t have to go to a café to enjoy it.

Making cold brew coffee at home is surprisingly simple. With just a few basic tools and some patience, you can craft a batch of cold brew that rivals your favorite coffee shop. At Goldberry Roasting Company, we love sharing methods that make great coffee accessible to everyone—so let’s walk through exactly how to do it.

Why Choose Cold Brew?

Cold brew isn’t just iced coffee. It’s a different brewing method entirely—one that uses time instead of heat to extract flavor. This results in:

• Lower acidity (easier on your stomach)

• Naturally sweeter taste (without needing sugar)

• Smooth and mellow body

If you love smooth, bold coffee without bitterness, making cold brew coffee at home is a game-changer.

What You’ll Need

You don’t need special equipment to get started. Here are the basics:

• Coarsely ground coffee (like sea salt texture)

• Cold or room temperature filtered water

• A large jar, pitcher, or French press

• A fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or coffee filter

• A refrigerator (for brewing and storing)

At Goldberry, we recommend using medium to dark roasts for cold brew—like our El Salvador single origin—for a chocolatey, full-bodied profile.

Basic Cold Brew Ratio

A good starting point is:

1 cup of coarsely ground coffee to 4 cups of water (or 1:4 ratio by volume)

This creates a cold brew concentrate, which you can dilute to taste after brewing.

Method 1: Mason Jar Cold Brew

The simplest way to make cold brew coffee at home is with a mason jar or large glass container.

Instructions:

1. Add 1 cup of coarsely ground coffee to your jar.

2. Pour in 4 cups of filtered water. Stir to combine.

3. Cover and let sit at room temperature for 12–18 hours, or in the fridge for 18–24 hours.

4. Strain through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into another jar or pitcher.

5. Store in the fridge for up to one week.

To Serve:

• Drink it straight for a strong brew

• Add equal parts water or milk to dilute

• Serve over ice with your favorite creamer or sweetener

Method 2: French Press Cold Brew

Already have a French press? It’s perfect for cold brew!

Instructions:

1. Add 1 cup of coarsely ground coffee to your French press.

2. Pour in 4 cups of cold or room-temp water. Stir gently.

3. Place the lid on (but don’t plunge). Let sit in the fridge for 18–24 hours.

4. After brewing, press the plunger down slowly and pour.

5. Store in a sealed container in the fridge.

This method creates a clean, smooth cold brew with minimal mess.

Method 3: Cold Brew Coffee Bags (DIY or Pre-Made)

You can also make DIY “coffee bags” by filling cheesecloth or a nut milk bag with coffee grounds and steeping in water—just like a giant tea bag.

Pro Tips for Better Cold Brew Coffee at Home

• Use fresh, quality beans. Cold brew highlights natural flavors—stale coffee won’t cut it.

• Grind coarsely. A coarse grind ensures a clean brew and prevents over-extraction.

• Use filtered water. Better water = better brew.

• Taste test before serving. Cold brew concentrate is strong! Start with a 1:1 ratio of brew to water/milk and adjust from there.

• Add flavors. Try adding cinnamon, orange peel, or vanilla to your grounds before brewing for a fun twist.

How Long Does Cold Brew Last?

Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, cold brew concentrate lasts up to 7–10 days. Just make sure to keep it sealed to preserve flavor and freshness.

Brew It Your Way

The beauty of making cold brew coffee at home is that it’s low-effort, low-mess, and totally customizable. Whether you like it bold and black or mellow with a splash of oat milk, cold brew is a crowd-pleaser that fits any lifestyle.

At Goldberry Roasting Company, we roast coffee with cold brew in mind—balanced, rich, and smooth whether it’s hot or cold. Want to experiment with different flavor profiles? Try our single origins or ask us for cold brew recommendations.

Ready to brew better cold brew? Shop our fresh-roasted beans at goldberryroasting.com and start sipping something smooth.