Table of Contents
- Cold Brew Coffee Ratio: The Numbers Behind Cafe Quality Cold Brew
- Best Coffee for Cold Brew: Bean Selection and Grind
- How Long to Steep Cold Brew for Smooth, Balanced Flavor
- How to Make Cold Brew Without a Coffee Maker
- Cold Brew Coffee Ratio: A Quick Reference
- Serving Your Cold Brew
- Frequently Asked Questions
Last Updated: October 9, 2026
Cold Brew Coffee Ratio: The Numbers Behind Cafe Quality Cold Brew
Learning how to make cafe quality cold brew at home comes down to one thing: getting your coffee-to-water ratio right. At Chilled Iguana Coffee Co., we use a 1:5 ratio for a strong cold brew coffee concentrate, 1 gram of coffee for every 5 grams of water.
For a small batch, use 100 grams of coarse ground coffee and 500 milliliters of cold, filtered water. Steep, strain, then dilute with water or milk to taste.
Best Coffee for Cold Brew: Bean Selection and Grind
The best coffee for cold brew is a medium or dark roast ground coarse, like sea salt. Medium roast brings chocolate and toffee notes, dark roast a bolder cup, and a coarse grind keeps the brew smooth instead of bitter.
Our Cold Brew Coffee is built for this, with smooth chocolate, toffee, and floral tones that shine when slow-steeped; our 6 Bean Blend works great for a bolder cup. Avoid a fine grind, it clogs your filter and turns the brew muddy.
How Long to Steep Cold Brew for Smooth, Balanced Flavor
Steep cold brew for 12 to 18 hours at room temperature, or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. Twelve hours gives a light, smooth cup, 16 hours is balanced and sweet, and 18 to 24 hours is bold and rich. Stir once at the start, then cover and leave it alone until you strain out the grounds.
How to Make Cold Brew Without a Coffee Maker
You don't need fancy gear to make cafe quality cold brew at home. A mason jar and a fine-mesh strainer get the job done.
- Add 100 grams of coarse ground coffee to a mason jar.
- Pour in 500 milliliters of cold, filtered water and stir gently.
- Cover and steep for 12 to 18 hours.
- Strain through a fine-mesh strainer lined with a coffee filter.
- Store the concentrate in a sealed jar in the fridge.
Cold Brew Coffee Ratio: A Quick Reference
| Batch Size | Coffee | Water | Steep Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 100 g | 500 ml | 12-18 hours |
| Medium | 200 g | 1 liter | 12-18 hours |
| Large | 300 g | 1.5 liters | 12-18 hours |
Serving Your Cold Brew
Dilute your concentrate with equal parts water or milk. Pour it over ice in a tall glass. For a tropical twist, try our House Blend with a splash of coconut milk.
Serve it in our can-shaped glass for that beach-vibe feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the correct coffee-to-water ratio for cold brew?
For a concentrate you can dilute, use a 1:4 to 1:5 ratio by weight, meaning 1 gram of coffee to 4-5 grams of water. In household terms, that is about 1 cup of coarse grounds to 3-4 cups of cold water. This ratio produces a strong concentrate that you dilute with water, milk, or ice before serving. For ready-to-drink cold brew, use 1:8 to 1:10.
What coffee is best for making cold brew at home?
A medium or dark roast with chocolate, toffee, or nutty notes works best for cold brew. The Chilled Iguana Cold Brew Coffee is blended specifically for cold extraction, with smooth chocolate, toffee, and floral tones that shine when slow-steeped. Use a coarse grind so the water extracts flavor without pulling out bitterness. Avoid very light roasts, which can taste thin and acidic when brewed cold.
How long should cold brew steep?
Steep your cold brew for 12 to 18 hours at room temperature or in the refrigerator. A 12-hour steep gives a lighter, brighter cup, while 18 hours produces a bolder, richer concentrate. If you prefer a stronger brew, you can steep up to 24 hours, but avoid going longer because it can turn bitter. Taste at 12 hours and adjust from there.
Making great cold brew at home takes a little patience, but the payoff is a smooth, refreshing cup you can enjoy all week. If you want beans roasted for cold extraction, Chilled Iguana Coffee Co. delivers fresh-roasted, specialty-grade coffee right to your door. Our Cold Brew Coffee and 6 Bean Blend are made for slow-steeped, cafe-style results. Get started with Chilled Iguana Coffee Co. and bring that laid-back tropical flavor to your daily brew.