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Cold Brew: sådan laver du den derhjemme
Written by Rasmus Kvistgaard JensenUpdated / Brewing methods / 5 minutes

Cold Brew: how to make it at home

Cold brew is coffee brewed cold over a long period, typically 12–24 hours, and the result is a smooth, sweet, and almost acid-free cup. You don't need heat or special equipment to get started: just coarsely ground coffee, cold water, and a little patience. Here's our simple method, the right coffee-to-water ratio, and our recommendations for beans that truly shine when brewed cold.

In short: How to make cold brew Mix coarsely ground coffee and cold water in a ratio of approx. 1:8. Let it steep for 12–24 hours at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Strain the coffee through a filter, and dilute the concentrate with water, milk, or ice to taste. It's that simple.

What is cold brew?

Cold brew means "cold brew," and the name says it all: the coffee is extracted with cold water instead of hot. Because there is no heat to extract the sharp, bitter, and acidic substances, you get a significantly smoother cup with natural sweetness and clear notes of chocolate, nuts, and ripe fruit.

Precisely for this reason, cold brew has become a favorite among those of us who love to taste the coffee's fine nuances without bitterness. It is also one of the most forgiving brewing methods you can start with at home.

Cold brew vs. iced coffee, what's the difference?

This is one of the questions we get asked most often, and the difference is greater than many people think. Iced coffee is hot-brewed coffee that is quickly cooled down and poured over ice. Cold brew, on the other hand, is brewed cold from the start. This results in a completely different taste, acidity, and shelf life.

Cold brew
Brewing method: Cold water, long steeping time
Steeping time: 12-24 hours
Taste: Smooth, sweet, low acidity
Shelf life: Up to approx. 1 week refrigerated

Iced coffee
Brewing method: Hot brewed, cooled down
Steeping time: Minutes
Taste: Fresher, more acidic
Shelf life: Best immediately

How to make cold brew (step by step)

You don't need special equipment; a swing-top bottle, a French press, or a pitcher with a fine filter is enough.

  1. Grind the coffee coarsely. Aim for a grind size like coarse sea salt. Too finely ground coffee makes the brew cloudy and bitter.
  2. Mix coffee and water. Use approximately 125 g of coffee per liter of cold water (approx. 1:8) for a concentrate.
  3. Let it steep. 12–24 hours at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Longer time = stronger cup.
  4. Strain the coffee. Pour through a paper filter or a fine sieve to get a clear liquid without grounds.
  5. Serve. Dilute the concentrate with water, milk, or ice, typically 1:1, to your taste.

Ratio, time, and grind size

Cold brew is easy to customize. Here's our starting point, which you can adjust to taste:

Ratio (concentrate): 1:8 (approx. 125 g coffee per liter of water)
Steeping time: 12-24 hours
Grind size: Coarse (like coarse sea salt)
Temperature: Room temperature or refrigerator
Serving: Dilute 1:1 with water, milk, or ice

Copenhagen Coffee Lab explains: The longer the coffee steeps, the more strength and body you get, but also a little more bitterness. Start with 16 hours, taste, and find your own favorite. Cold brew rewards those who experiment.

Which coffee is best for cold brew?

Here, the beans are everything. Because cold brew emphasizes sweetness and body, we love to use freshly roasted coffees with notes of chocolate, caramel, nuts, and ripe fruit. Our filter coffeeis an obvious place to start; the lighter roasts yield a clean, sweet, and aromatic cup when brewed cold.

If you don't have a coffee grinder at home, you can choose ground coffee, just remember that cold brew works best with a coarse grind. If you prefer to control the grind yourself, whole beans provide the freshest cup because the aroma is preserved until brewing.

We roast all our beans in our own roastery in Copenhagen and ship coffee roasted within the last 10 days. You can taste that freshness even in a cold cup.

Caffeine, shelf life, and serving

Because cold brew is often made as a concentrate, it can seem strong, but remember that you usually dilute it before drinking. The final amount of caffeine therefore depends on how much you dilute and how much coffee you use.

A big advantage of cold brew is its shelf life: store the concentrate in a sealed bottle in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to about a week. This makes it easy to prepare a batch on the weekend and have cold coffee ready all week.

Serve it black over ice, with a splash of milk or plant-based drink, or top it with tonic for a refreshing summer drink. Cold brew is as flexible as it is easy.

Copenhagen Coffee Lab perspective

For us, good coffee is about bringing out the best in each bean, and cold brew is one of the most beautiful ways to do just that. It's patient, forgiving, and full of natural sweetness, and it clearly shows why fresh roasting matters. Find a coffee you love, give it time, and let the cold brewing do the rest.

FAQ

How long should cold brew steep?

Between 12 and 24 hours. A shorter time results in a milder cup, a longer time in more strength and body. We recommend starting at around 16 hours and tasting.
Can I make cold brew without special equipment?

Yes. A French press, a flip-top bottle, or a pitcher with a fine filter is all you need. It also works well without a dedicated cold brew maker.
Should cold brew steep in the refrigerator or at room temperature?

Both methods work. Room temperature extracts a little faster, while the refrigerator yields an even cleaner and gentler cup. Choose what suits your kitchen.
Is cold brew less acidic than regular coffee?

Yes. The cold extraction process extracts fewer of the acidic compounds, making cold brew taste smoother and less acidic than hot brewed coffee.
Can I use my regular coffee for cold brew?

You can. Feel free to choose a coffee with sweetness and notes of chocolate or nuts, and grind it coarsely. Our filter coffeeis a really good starting point.

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