The Easiest Cold Brew Coffee

Grind your coffee beans to a coarse consistency, similar to sea salt. This is crucial for proper extraction and to prevent over-extraction, which can lead to bitterness.

Add the coarse coffee grounds to a large jar or pitcher. Pour the cold water over the grounds, ensuring all grounds are saturated.

Stir gently to ensure all grounds are wet. Cover the jar or pitcher and let it steep at room temperature or in the refrigerator for 12 to 24 hours. The longer it steeps, the stronger the concentrate will be.

Line a fine-mesh sieve with cheesecloth or a coffee filter. Place the sieve over another clean jar or pitcher. Slowly pour the coffee mixture through the sieve to separate the grounds from the liquid concentrate.

For an even clearer concentrate with fewer fine particles, you can strain it a second time through a clean coffee filter or a very fine-mesh sieve.

The resulting liquid is a concentrate. Dilute it with water or milk to your desired strength, typically a 1:1 or 1:2 ratio of concentrate to liquid. Serve over ice.