Cold Brew– Easy Starbucks Copycat

This homemade Starbucks cold brew is rich, smooth, and way more affordable than your daily coffee run. It takes just a few minutes to prep, then chills overnight into something bold and balanced — perfect for hot mornings, long afternoons, or just avoiding the drive-thru. Great if you like your coffee strong, simple, and budget-friendly.

Jump to Recipe

Quick Summary

• Prep time: 5 mins
• Cook time: 0 mins
• Chill time: 24 hours
• Flavor: bold, smooth, low-acid
• Great for: iced coffee cravings, caffeine resets, batch prep

Why I Like This Recipe

It’s no-pressure, no-boil coffee. Just throw it together, let it steep, and suddenly you’ve got this strong, mellow brew sitting in your fridge — ready when you are. It feels like having your life together, even if you don’t.

Ingredients

• 1 cup whole coffee beans (finely ground)
• 6 cups cold water
• Ice
• ¾ cup creamer (optional — use what you like)

How To Make Cold Brew

1. Grind the coffee: Use whole beans if you can. Grind until fine and fluffy — kinda like cocoa powder.
2. Combine with water: Toss the grounds into a big pitcher. Pour in the water slowly. Stir well. That’s it for now.
3. Chill and wait: Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for 24 hours. Don’t touch it. Just let it do its thing.
4. Strain it: After steeping, strain out the grounds with a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth. Pour into a clean jar or bottle.
5. Serve cold: Over ice, with or without creamer. Add maple syrup or vanilla if you’re feeling fancy. Sip slow.

Tips for Success

• Use strong beans — light roasts taste flat in cold brew
• Steep longer (even 36 hours) for deeper flavor
• Strain twice if it’s gritty — clarity is key
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of oat milk for something extra

Storage and Reheating

• Fridge: Keep cold brew in a sealed jar for up to 4 days. It gets better with time.
• Freezer: Not really worth it. Just make a fresh batch.
• Reheat: Technically possible, but not recommended. Cold brew is made to stay cold.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use pre-ground coffee?
  Sure — just make sure it’s fresh and grind size is fine, not coarse. The flavor will still come through.
• What kind of coffee beans work best?
  Dark or medium-dark roast is best for cold brew. You want something bold and low-acid.
• Do I need a French press or special gear?
  Nope. A jar, a spoon, and a strainer is all you need.
• How long does cold brew last in the fridge?
  Up to 4 days, but it’s best within the first 2–3.
• Can I make it stronger?
  Yup. Steep longer or use a 1:4 ratio of coffee to water instead of 1:6.

Common Mistakes and How to Dodge Them

• Using light roast beans It’s not that they don’t work, but the flavor just kinda disappears. Stick to dark roast if you want that coffee punch.
• Not grinding the beans fine enough: Cold brew doesn’t extract as easily as hot. Coarse grinds = weak brew. Aim for somewhere between espresso and drip.
• Rushing the steep: It needs the full 24 hours. Less than that and it’ll taste unfinished — kinda watery, kinda meh.
• Forgetting to strain twice: One strain might leave grit. No one wants dirt water. Strain once, then strain again through cheesecloth or a coffee filter.
• Using hot water by accident: No. Just no. That’s iced coffee. This is cold brew. They’re not the same.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 40 kcal
• Total Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 5mg
• Potassium: 95mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 1g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 0g

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