Cold brew is one of the easiest ways to make coffee at home, and the results are smooth, naturally sweet, and perfect over ice. No fancy techniques, no rushing—just good coffee, brewed slowly. At The Roasting Party, we’re all about making specialty coffee accessible, so here’s everything you need to know to make cold brew like a pro.
What You’ll Need
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Freshly roasted coffee (coarsely ground, like sea salt)
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Cold, filtered water
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A large jar, jug, or dedicated cold brew maker
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A fine-mesh sieve, coffee filter, or cheesecloth
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A fridge and a bit of patience
Step 1: Choose Your Coffee
Blends tend to work well for cold brew, giving you a well-rounded, chocolatey, or nutty profile. But if you’re after something fruitier and more vibrant, a single-origin can bring out brighter notes, especially when served black. Either way, use fresh coffee and grind it just before brewing for the best flavour.
Step 2: The Right Ratio
Cold brew is typically brewed as a concentrate, so you’ll want a coffee-to-water ratio of around 1:8 for a balanced result. That means:
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125g of coffee to 1 litre of water for a strong but drinkable brew
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250g of coffee to 1 litre of water if you want a proper concentrate to dilute later
Feel free to tweak this depending on how intense you like it.
Step 3: Brew Time
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Add your coarsely ground coffee to your jar or cold brew maker.
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Pour in cold, filtered water, making sure all the grounds are fully saturated.
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Give it a gentle stir, then cover and place in the fridge.
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Leave it to steep for 12-16 hours—less time for a lighter brew, longer for something bolder.
Step 4: Strain and Store
Once your brew is ready, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve, coffee filter, or cheesecloth into a clean jar or bottle. You’re left with a smooth, rich cold brew that will keep in the fridge for up to a week.
Step 5: Serve It Right
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Straight up: Pour over ice for a classic, refreshing drink.
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With milk: Add a splash of milk or your favourite alternative for a creamier texture.
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Diluted: If you’ve made a concentrate, mix with equal parts water or milk before serving.
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Sweetened: Cold brew is naturally sweet, but a touch of syrup or sugar can balance things out if needed.
Bonus Tips for Better Cold Brew
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Use good water – If your tap water tastes off, so will your cold brew. We ALWAYS reccommend using filtered water for every coffee you make.
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Experiment with ratios – There’s no perfect formula, just what works for you.
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Try different coffees – A fruity Ethiopian cold brew will taste wildly different from a chocolatey Brazilian one. Explore and find your favourite.
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Don’t rush it – Cold brew is all about time. Resist the urge to speed things up.
Final Thoughts
Cold brew is as easy as it gets—good coffee, water, time. Get those three right, and you’ll have a smooth, balanced brew that’s perfect for hot days, slow mornings, or just when you want something refreshing. No fuss, no drama, just good coffee made simple.
