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Cold-Brew Coffee

Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 16 Jan 2026

Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

This homemade cold-brew coffee offers a remarkably smooth and mellow flavour that avoids the bitterness often found in traditional iced coffee. By steeping coarsely ground beans in cold water over a long period, you extract a rich, chocolatey essence that is naturally low in acidity and sugar. It is a refreshing alternative for warm mornings or a sophisticated afternoon pick-me-up that stays fresh in the fridge for up to a week.

Ideal for those following a low-sugar lifestyle, this versatile concentrate can be tailored to your exact taste. Whether you prefer it black and bold, diluted with chilled filtered water, or stirred with a splash of milk for a creamy finish, it provides a professional cafe-quality caffeine fix from the comfort of your own kitchen.

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Ingredients for Cold-Brew Coffee

  • 350g high-quality coffee beans (about 950ml ), coarsely ground

  • Milk (optional

  • for serving)

  • A 12-cup (or larger) resealable container or stockpot with lid

  • a coffee filter or cheesecloth

How to make Cold-Brew Coffee

Place ground coffee in 12-cup container. Slowly pour 1450ml cool water over grounds. Stir very gently just until grounds are moistened. Seal container and chill 24 hours.

Strain coffee grounds through a fine-mesh sieve into a large measuring cup or bowl. Strain again through coffee filter into a large bowl or 3-cup (or larger) resealable container. (Alternately, skip the straining and use a thick filter, like for a Chemex.) To serve, pour over ice and dilute 1:1 with water or milk.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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