Cold brew coffee has become a beloved staple for many coffee enthusiasts, known for its smooth, rich flavor and lower acidity. But did you know you can easily make cold brew at home without the need for fancy equipment? With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy a refreshing cup of cold brew that rivals any café offering.
At 3Legged Coffee Brewery, we believe everyone should have access to great coffee experiences, whether you’re visiting our café at 2120 E Grand Ave, Lindenhurst, IL 60046, or enjoying a delicious nitro cold brew at home. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you make your own cold brew, complete with tips and tricks to ensure a perfect brew every time.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cold Brew at Home
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients and Equipment
For a basic cold brew, you’ll need:
- Coarsely ground coffee beans (medium-to-dark roast recommended for a bolder flavor)
- Filtered water
- A large jar or pitcher
- A fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth
- A spoon or stirrer
Pro Tip: We recommend using our 3Legged Coffee beans, which are specially roasted to bring out the best flavors for cold brew. Available at our café or online for delivery!
Step 2: Measure Your Coffee and Water
The general rule of thumb for a standard cold brew concentrate is a 1:4 ratio—one part coffee to four parts water. Here’s a basic measurement to get started:
- 1 cup of coarsely ground coffee
- 4 cups of filtered water
Adjust the ratio to your taste. If you prefer a stronger concentrate, increase the amount of coffee. For a milder brew, use more water.
Step 3: Combine and Stir
Add your coarsely ground coffee to a large jar or pitcher. Pour the filtered water over the coffee grounds and give it a good stir to ensure all the coffee is fully saturated. Make sure there are no dry spots.
Pro Tip: If you want to experiment with flavors, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of vanilla extract to the coffee grounds before adding water!
Step 4: Steep and Wait
Cover your jar or pitcher and place it in the refrigerator. Let the mixture steep for 12-24 hours. The longer it steeps, the stronger and more concentrated the flavor will be. Patience is key here—allowing enough steep time results in a smooth, rich brew with no bitterness.
Step 5: Strain and Serve
Once the steeping period is complete, strain the coffee through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into another jar or pitcher. This will remove the coffee grounds, leaving you with a pure cold brew concentrate.
Pro Tip: Double strain the concentrate for an ultra-smooth finish. This ensures that no tiny coffee particles make it into your final brew.
Step 6: Enjoy Your Cold Brew
Your cold brew concentrate is now ready! To serve, mix the concentrate with an equal amount of water, milk, or your favorite dairy-free alternative. Pour over ice and enjoy.
Pro Tip: For an added twist, try our signature 3Legged Coffee Nitro Cold Brew, which adds a creamy, velvety texture to your coffee. Available in our shop and online!
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect DIY Cold Brew
- Use Freshly Ground Coffee: Grinding your coffee beans just before making cold brew will ensure maximum flavor. If you don’t have a grinder at home, don’t worry! You can grab a bag of our pre-ground 3Legged Coffee Nitro Cold Brew beans for convenience.
- Experiment with Brewing Times: Different steeping times can result in varying flavor profiles. Try steeping for 12 hours for a lighter, tea-like cold brew, or go for a full 24 hours for a richer, more robust flavor.
- Store Your Concentrate Properly: Cold brew concentrate can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Keep it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and avoid absorbing any unwanted odors.
- Get Creative with Additions: Cold brew is incredibly versatile. Add syrups, flavored creamers, or spices like nutmeg to customize your drink. You can even use cold brew concentrate as a base for coffee cocktails!
Try 3Legged Coffee Nitro Cold Brew for a Premium Experience
Now that you know how to make your own cold brew, why not take it to the next level? At 3Legged Coffee Brewery, we’ve perfected our Nitro Cold Brew recipe to deliver a smooth, rich coffee experience with a creamy texture you’ll love. Order a pack from our online store and enjoy it at home or visit us at 2120 E Grand Ave, Lindenhurst, IL 60046 to taste it fresh from the tap.
Ready to Brew?
Give our DIY cold brew recipe a try and let us know how it turns out! Share your creations on social media and tag us @3leggedbrewing with the hashtag #3LeggedDIYBrew. We’d love to see how you’re enjoying your cold brew at home!
Looking for more coffee tips and recipes? Check out our blog for more exciting content, or visit us in-store to explore our unique offerings.
We’re here to make your coffee experience extraordinary, one cup at a time. Cheers! ☕
