When the days get warmer, many of us start craving a cool, refreshing cup of cold brew. At Snowy Elk Coffee, we love how smooth, bold, and low-acid cold brew is — it’s the kind of coffee you can sip all day long. Whether you're new to cold brew or just want to perfect your method, this guide walks you through everything you need to know to brew delicious cold brew at home.
What Is Cold Brew?
Let’s start with the basics: cold brew isn’t just hot coffee poured over ice. Instead, it’s made by steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in cold or room-temperature water for 12–24 hours. This slow extraction process results in a naturally sweet, smooth, and less acidic cup — perfect for a refreshing pick-me-up.
What You’ll Need
You don’t need fancy equipment to make great cold brew — just a few basics:
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Coarse-ground coffee (more on that below!)
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Cold, filtered water
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A jar or French press
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A fine mesh strainer or coffee filter
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A container for storing your brew
Choosing the Right Coffee
The best cold brew starts with quality beans — and we’ve got you covered at Snowy Elk. Here are a few things to consider:
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Roast level: Dark roasts yield deep, chocolatey flavors, while lighter roasts can bring out fruity or floral notes. Medium roasts strike a balance between the two.
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Grind size: Go coarse — think raw sugar or sea salt texture. A fine grind will over-extract and leave your coffee muddy.
Tip: We created The Summit specifically for making cold brew. Try that one first!
Brewing Instructions
Here’s our go-to method for making cold brew at home:
Step 1: Measure
Use a 1:8 coffee-to-water ratio by weight. For example, combine 125 grams (about 1 cup) of coarsely ground coffee with 1 liter (about 4¼ cups) of cold water.
Step 2: Combine & Stir
Add your grounds and water to a large jar or French press. Stir gently to make sure all grounds are fully saturated.
Step 3: Steep
Cover your container and let it steep:
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At room temperature for 12–18 hours, or
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In the refrigerator for 18–24 hours
Step 4: Strain
Strain your brew through a fine mesh sieve, coffee filter, or cheesecloth to remove the grounds. You’re left with a rich, smooth cold brew concentrate.
How to Serve
Your concentrate is strong — so we recommend diluting it before drinking:
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Mix with equal parts cold water, milk, or your favorite milk alternative
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Serve over ice
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Customize with flavors like vanilla, cinnamon, or a dash of maple syrup
Storage Tips
Store your cold brew concentrate in a sealed container in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for 7–10 days — though let’s be honest, it probably won’t last that long!
Final Tips:
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Use filtered water for the best-tasting brew.
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Experiment with steeping times and coffee origins to find your favorite flavor profile.
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Batch brew ahead of time so you always have cold brew ready to go.
Cold brew is one of the easiest ways to enjoy our craft-roasted coffee all summer long. Once you’ve made it at home, it’s hard to go back! If you’re ready to get brewing, check out our selection of beans here — and let us know which Snowy Elk roast you’re loving as cold brew.
Happy brewing!