How to Make Cold Brew Coffee + Cold Brew vs Iced Coffee

At a Glance

Cold brew isn’t just regular coffee poured over ice. Its slow-steeped brewing method creates a smoother, less acidic drink.
Cold brew is typically stronger than regular coffee, but you can adjust the strength to your liking with the right cold brew ratio.
You can easily customize your cold brew by experimenting with add-ins, different milks or even transforming it into nitro cold brew for a café-style experience.

Cold brew isn’t just a summer fling. It’s a full-on coffee obsession that’s gaining in popularity[1]—and for good reason. It’s smoother than hot coffee and less acidic too. Plus, you don’t need fancy equipment. Just high-quality coffee beans water, time, patience and the right cold brew ratio (that’s key!).

Cold brew is perfect for any time of day. Since it’s easy to make in advance and store in the fridge, having it ready to go is incredibly convenient—no need to wait for your coffee to brew. It’s great for kicking off your morning with a ready-to-go drink or as a refreshing afternoon pick-me-up.

But cold brew isn’t iced coffee. And it’s not regular coffee poured over ice. It has its own taste, texture and method—slow steeped, bold and delicious. If you’ve ever wondered how to make cold brew or what cold brew concentrate is, you’re in the right place.

What is Cold Brew Coffee? (And Why It’s Different)

Cold brew is coffee that’s brewed with cold or room temperature water over a long period of time—usually 12 to 24 hours. This slow steeping process pulls out the flavors from the coffee grounds without using heat, which preserves the coffee’s natural oils and sugars.[2]

Because it steeps slowly, it brings out rich chocolatey or nutty notes without the harshness you might find in hot brews. The long extraction also gives cold brew a naturally sweet flavor, so many people find it doesn’t need as much sugar or cream. Make sure you choose the right beans for an optimal coffee experience.

It’s also strong. Most recipes make cold brew concentrate, which you mix with water or milk before drinking. That’s why getting the right cold brew ratio matters. Too strong? It can taste overpowering and might be difficult to enjoy. Too weak? You miss the depth of flavor and smooth texture that cold brew is known for.

Finding the right cold brew ratio is crucial to achieving the perfect cup, but it’s just one part of understanding cold brew. To fully appreciate its unique qualities, let’s compare it to another favorite: iced coffee.

Cold Brew vs Iced Coffee: What’s the Difference?

Cold brew and iced coffee might seem similar—they’re both cold, caffeinated and refreshing. But the way they’re made sets them apart, and that difference changes everything from taste to caffeine content.

As mentioned before, cold brew uses a slow steeping process. Ground coffee soaks in cold or room temperature water for a long extraction time that draws out different compounds, resulting in a smoother, less acidic drink. Iced coffee, on the other hand, brews hot and cools quickly over ice. This method can bring out sharper, sometimes bitter flavors and often tastes more like a traditional cup of coffee.

The caffeine content also varies. Cold brew is usually made as a cold brew concentrate, which means it’s stronger before you dilute it. The final caffeine level depends on the cold brew ratio you use. Iced coffee tends to have less caffeine overall because it starts with regular strength hot coffee, which gets diluted by melting ice.

Cold brew offers plenty of options for customizing how you serve it. You can dilute it with water or milk to your preferred strength and get the exact flavor you love. For a richer experience, you can enjoy it as a concentrate or even blend it into smoothies or shakes. You might also choose to add sweeteners, flavored syrups or a splash of cream for extra richness. Cold brew’s versatility means you can enjoy it your way, whether you prefer it bold, creamy or with a touch of sweetness.

Many people think cold brew is just black coffee served cold. Let’s clear that up.

Is Cold Brew the Same as Black Coffee?

It’s a common myth that cold brew is just regular black coffee served cold. But that’s not true. Unlike hot brewed coffee, which uses heat to extract flavor quickly, cold brew is made by with a slow extraction draws out different compounds, resulting in a richer taste.

Plus, cold brew is usually made as a concentrate. That’s where the cold brew ratio comes in—most people mix one part concentrate with one or two parts water or milk before drinking. You can even add it to smoothies or protein shakes, which you probably wouldn’t do with a cup of black coffee.

Another key difference is that cold brew doesn’t require a coffee maker or brewing equipment. Just a jar, water and ground coffee will do. Ideally, though, you use a grinder to get the right medium-coarse grind (see our coffee grind size guide) for optimal steeping. Not sure where to start? Check out how to grind coffee to find the type of grinder that fits your needs.

So no, cold brew isn’t just plain black coffee. It’s a rich, customizable drink that’s easy to enjoy your way—hot or cold, black or with cream, diluted or bold.

Is Cold Brew Stronger Than Regular Coffee or Espresso?

Cold brew is often stronger than regular coffee—but it depends on how it’s made. Because cold brew steeps for many hours, it extracts more caffeine from the beans. It’s also brewed as a concentrate, which means it contains more coffee solids per ounce than a typical drip brew.

The final caffeine content depends on how you dilute it. If you drink cold brew without adding water or milk, you’re likely getting more caffeine per serving. But once you adjust the cold brew ratio, the caffeine level becomes closer to regular coffee.

Some brands sell cold brew that’s highly concentrated, while others offer ready-to-drink versions with less kick. Always check the label if you’re buying it pre-made. At home, you control the strength, which makes it easier to find your perfect cup.

If you’re sensitive to caffeine, using decaf coffee to make cold brew is a great option. Choose decaf that’s been processed using the Swiss water method to avoid harmful chemicals commonly found in other decaffeination processes. This way, you can enjoy cold brew without the caffeine jitters and chemical traces.[3]

Benefits of Cold Brew Coffee

Cold brew stands out because of its smooth flavor and low acidity. Since it brews slowly without heat, it extracts fewer bitter compounds than hot coffee. That makes it taste naturally sweet and easy to drink—no added sugar or cream needed (but it’s up to you!).

It’s also incredibly convenient. You can make a big batch of cold brew at home and keep it in the fridge for up to a week. No need to brew a fresh pot every morning. Just pour and go. Grabbing cold brew before a workout can also give you that extra edge for an amazing session. With its higher caffeine content, it can help you power through those tough sets and keep you energized.[4]

Another perk? Customization. Cold brew concentrate lets you adjust the strength to your taste. Want it strong? Use less water or milk. Prefer it lighter? Dilute more. You can even blend it with collagen peptides or your favorite creamer. Cold brew gives you control over flavor, strength and how you enjoy your coffee each day.

How to Customize and Serve Cold Brew Coffee

Cold brew is versatile, which makes it easy to make your own. You can drink it black, but it also pairs well with add-ins that support both flavor and texture.

Try adding your favorite milk or milk alternative for a creamy twist. For a boost of flavor, stir in a touch of maple syrup, monk fruit or vanilla extract. You can also upgrade your cup with Bulletproof Creamer—each scoop adds healthy fats and rich flavor, no sugar required.

Want a café-style experience? Turn your cold brew into nitro cold brew by using a whipped cream dispenser charged with nitrogen. This gives your coffee a smooth, creamy head and velvety texture, without needing dairy.

If you’re looking to elevate your cold brew even more, experiment with enhanced coffee options. These coffees contain functional ingredients designed to offer more than just a caffeine boost. If need help with brain fog, consider The High Achiever, a medium-dark roast that’s packed with B Vitamins, Lion’s Mane, and Coffeeberry, to support energy, focus and mental clarity. If you could use metabolism and gut health support, try The Maximizer. With prebiotics, slippery elm bark and chromium picolinate, this coffee helps you stay energized while supporting digestive wellness.

Whether you like it bold, sweet or creamy, cold brew gives you endless ways to enjoy your cup.

How to Make Cold Brew Coffee at Home (Easy Recipe)

Making cold brew is simple and requires just a few basic ingredients (and some patience).

Ingredients:

4 cups filtered water
1 cup freshly ground coffee beans (coarse grind)

Instructions:

Add the freshly ground coffee to a nonreactive container, like a large French press or glass jar. Make sure the grind is coarse to prevent over-extraction and ensure smooth brewing.
Pour in the water and stir to ensure all the coffee grounds are saturated.
Cover the container and place it in the fridge, letting it steep for 12 to 24 hours.
Once the brewing time is up, remove it from the fridge and strain the coffee (we highly recommend reusing your coffee grounds).
Transfer the cold brew into a clean vessel and, when ready to enjoy, dilute it with water, milk or ice to your preferred strength (we recommend one part concentrate with two parts water or milk).

That’s it! Enjoy a smooth, refreshing cup of cold brew, ready to go whenever you need it. And don’t forget—there are plenty of ways customize your coffee routine to keep it fresh and exciting.

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