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Homemade Cold Brew Coffee in a Glass
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Barista-Worthy Cold Brew French Press Coffee

[see recipe VIDEO below! ] I'm sharing How to Make French Press Cold Brew Coffee at home (my favorite way). No French press? Also, find my method for a strainer or paper filter system below. Both are economical and super easy to make in only about five minutes hands on time.  *See blog post for additional tips and resources!
Course Breakfast, Component, Drink
Cuisine American
Diet Vegan, Vegetarian
Keyword Cold Brew Coffee French Press, Cold Press Coffee, French Press, Homemade Cold Brew Coffee, How to Make Cold Brew Coffee
Prep Time 5 minutes
Resting Time 12 hours
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 5 Servings
Author Traci York

Ingredients

  • 3/4 C (70g) Coarse Ground Coffee
  • 3 C (610g) Water room temperature or cold

Instructions

French Press Method:

  • Coarsely grind the coffee.
  • In the French press container add the coffee grounds and pour filtered water over the grounds. Lid the French press and gently press the plunger slightly, just to submerge the grounds so they are all below the surface of the water - yet still at the top of the press. No need to stir.
    Set at room temperature over night or for about 12 hours.
  • After about 12 hours, use the plunger to  s l o w l y  press the grounds through the water.
  • Discard coffee grounds in your compost bin or garden and transfer the cold brew to a mason jar or glass carafe.

Strainer and Coffee Filter Method:

  • Coarsely grind the coffee.
  • In a one quart (or one Liter) container add the coffee grounds and pour filtered water over the grounds. Gently, using the back of a spoon, submerge the grounds just so they are all below the surface of the water. No need to stir.
    Lid the container and set at room temperature over night or for about 12 hours.
  • After about 12 hours, set a fine mesh strainer over a spouted container and insert a coffee filter. You can use a nut bag here or a reusable stainless steel filter for no waste if you like (see resources above). Give the coffee a stir, then pour the coffee and grounds into the filter allowing the filter to capture the grounds and strain into the spouted container. Use a spatula if needed to gently press the coffee through the strainer. If using a paper filter, be careful here as it can easily tear. You may need to double up.
  • Discard the filter and coffee grounds in your compost bin or garden/flower beds and transfer the cold brew to a mason jar or glass carafe. 

Storage:

  • Store the cold brew coffee for up to three days in the refrigerator.

For an Iced Cold Brew Latte:

  • Enjoy cold brew over ice. Cut it with water or milk of choice (I like homemade cashew) and sweeten it with maple or simple syrup (see notes to DIY) if desired to taste. See "elevate your cold brew" in the blog post for more ideas!

Video

Notes

To DIY Simple Syrup: Bring equal parts sugar and water to a boil (1/4 C each) and simmer until all the sugar is dissolved. Pour into a storage container and refrigerate until ready to use.
Many thanks to Tony's Coffee, which is my favorite for cold brew, for helping me with cold brew coffee ratios!

Nutrition

Sodium: 7mg | Calcium: 4mg