A Simple Recipe for Cold-Brew Coffee

Cold-brew coffee is as flavorful as it is convenient, and it’s a seductively delicious way to stay cool and caffeinated all summer. Here’s the basic method to get you brewing, recommended by Grady Laird of Grady’s Cold Brew. This recipe yields approximately 12 servings of cold-brew concentrate. Store it for a couple of weeks in the fridge, and make sure to dilute it with low-fat milk or water before serving.

INGREDIENTS

8 oz (250 g) coarsely ground coffee
8 cups (64 fl oz/2 l) filtered water, at room temperature
Low-fat milk or water for serving

INSTRUCTIONS

In a large French press or mason jar (that can hold at least half a gallon/2 liters/8 cups), combine the ground coffee and filtered water. Stir gently to combine. Cover and set aside. Brew at room temperature for at least 12 and up to 24 hours.

If using a French press, press the lid down to strain, and pour the strained coffee into a clean container. If using a mason jar, line a fine-mesh sieve with cheese cloth, place over a clean container, and strain through. Cover tightly, transfer to the refrigerator, and store for up to 2 weeks.

When ready to serve, pour ½ cup (4 fl oz/125 ml) of the concentrate over ice, top with ½ cup (4 fl oz/125 ml) low-fat milk or water, and serve cold.

Makes 12 servings

Becky Duffett

Becky Duffett is a contributing nutrition editor for Fitbit and a lifestyle writer with a passion for eating well. A former Williams-Sonoma cookbook editor and graduate of San Francisco Cooking School, she’s edited dozens of cookbooks and countless recipes. City living has turned her into a spin addict—but she’d still rather be riding a horse. She lives in the cutest neighborhood in San Francisco, spending weekends at the farmers’ market, trying to read at the bakery, and roasting big dinners for friends.