How to Make Cold Brew Coffee

Cold brew is one of the easiest ways to enjoy coffee at home. Instead of using hot water, coffee is slowly steeped in cold water for several hours, creating a smooth, refreshing drink that's naturally sweet and full of flavour.

It's often confused with iced coffee, but they're not the same. Iced coffee is brewed hot and then chilled, while cold brew is made without heat, giving it a softer, rounder flavour and lower acidity.

Perfect for warm days – or whenever you fancy something a little different – cold brew is a brilliant way to experience the unique character of your favourite Cafédirect coffee.

You'll need

• Coarsely ground Cafédirect coffee
• Cold, filtered water
• A large jug, jar or cold brew maker
• A fine sieve, paper filter or cafetière for straining

For a balanced cold brew, use:

• 100g coarsely ground coffee
• 1 litre cold water

You can easily make a larger batch using the same ratio, then keep it in the fridge for several days.

1. Add the ground coffee to your jug or brewing vessel.
2. Pour over the cold water, making sure all the coffee is fully saturated.
3. Stir gently to combine.
4. Cover and leave to steep in the fridge for 12–18 hours.
5. Once brewed, strain the coffee through a paper filter, fine sieve or cafetière to remove the grounds.
6. Serve over ice and enjoy black, with milk or your favourite plant-based alternative.

Store any remaining cold brew in the refrigerator and enjoy within a few days for the freshest flavour.

• Use a coarse grind to create a clean, balanced brew.
• Filtered water helps produce the clearest flavour.
• Brew for longer if you prefer a richer, bolder coffee.
• Try serving with ice, milk, oat drink or a splash of simple syrup if you enjoy a sweeter coffee.
• Add a slice of orange or a twist of lemon to bring out the brighter notes in lighter roasted coffees.

Cold brewing extracts coffee differently from hot brewing, resulting in a drink that's naturally smoother, less bitter and lower in acidity. The slower extraction also highlights sweetness and creates a wonderfully rounded flavour.

It's ideal for making ahead, whether you're filling a flask for the day, serving guests or simply keeping a refreshing coffee ready in the fridge.

Cold brew works beautifully with our single origin coffees, bringing out their natural sweetness and subtle flavour notes in a completely different way.

Experiment with different origins to discover how each coffee responds to cold brewing – from bright fruit notes to smooth chocolate and caramel flavours, every cup tells a slightly different story.