How to Make Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate in a Mason Jar

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Learn how to make cold brew coffee concentrate in a simple mason jar for the perfect iced coffee at home.

Are you a fellow coffee lover? Coffee is always a great idea to me, whether it’s a hot cup of coffee first thing in the morning, a large iced, cold coffee on a hot summer day, or an espresso with dessert.

What is Cold Brew?

Cold brew is coffee that has been steeped in cold water overnight, making a coffee that’s smooth, less acidic, and less bitter than regular coffee. This is a great option to try for those who may not like the bitter notes of traditionally brewed coffee or who have a sensitive stomach.

It’s the easiest method to learn, requiring just a bit of extra time and effort. A perfect method for those without a cold brew maker or a French press.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No fancy equipment – This cold brew mason jar recipe is perfect for those who don’t have the space or the desire to buy extra equipment that only serves one purpose. Mason jars are multifunctional and useful for any kitchen.
• Economical – Learning how to make your own homemade cold brew will save you so much money compared to buying it already made! You get that same great coffee shop taste for a fraction of the cost.
• Saves Time – No more driving to your local coffee shop for a glass of cold brew! With just a little forethought, you can have your cup of cold brew in just a minute or two.
• Customizable – This is where it gets really fun! First, coffee shops are limited in their offerings. For example, I have yet to find a decaf cold brew. When I make cold brew at home, it’s easily customizable to how I want it. Organic, fair-trade, decaf, or light, medium, and dark roast…you can have it any way you can source the beans. Second, easily customize the flavors of your cold brew coffee beverage. With different syrups, extracts, and types of milk, the possibilities are endless! Have fun with this part. Once you find what you love, you can recreate and enjoy it anytime!

Equipment to Make Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate

• Half-gallon mason jar with two piece mason jar lid
• Cheese cloth or paper filter
• Fine mesh strainer
• Funnel (optional)

Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate in a Mason Jar Ingredients

• Coffee beans – Use coarse ground coffee beans. I recommend a dark roast as the flavors will hold up well to the long steep.
• Water – Use filtered water for the cleanest coffee flavor. Let’s face it, some tap water just doesn’t taste great.

How to Make Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate Instructions

Brew

Use a 4 to 1 ratio for a perfectly concentrated brew. I suggest grinding the beans to a coarse grind right before brewing to have the freshest flavor and best brew. Whole roasted coffee beans contain carbon dioxide, which prevents oxidation and the flavor from becoming stale. Once ground, more of the surface area is exposed to oxygen, causing loss of flavor. 

Add 12 ounces of coarse ground coffee to a half-gallon mason jar. 

Measure 48 ounces of room temperature water, or 6 cups of water, and add to the mason jar.

Use a large spoon to stir and incorporate the coffee grounds into the water. 

Cover the mason jar with 2 part lid. You can leave the jar on the counter at room temperature to brew or move it in the refrigerator. I have plenty of room in the fridge, so it’s no problem to brew in the fridge. 

Allow the to coffee steep for 12-24 hours. I recommend trying at the 12-hour mark. I personally think 16-18 hours is best. The longer you steep, the stronger the flavor will be. Be aware that steeping too long will result in a bitter flavor.

Since this is a cold brew coffee concentrate, it will be very strong. It’s better to have a strong coffee concentrate and be able to dilute it versus having it too weak. At that point, there’s not much you can do about it. 

Strain

The next day, remove the mason jar from the refrigerator. Do your best to not jostle the jar too much. It will make this next step easier.

Using a large spoon, scoop out as many of the coffee grounds that have floated to the top as you can. (Don’t throw these away! These are perfect for acidic-loving plants or your compost pile.) 

Double up a piece of cheese cloth or use a paper filter and place it over a fine mesh strainer on top of a new mason jar. Use a funnel to keep the cold brew from spilling everywhere. Slowly pour the cold brew over cheese cloth to separate the grounds from the cold brew. You should have roughly a quart of cold brew concentrate.

Serve

Fill a tall glass full of ice cubes.  Pour 1 part concentrate and 3 part water over the ice. These are the ratios that I use, but feel free to use more or less water for your personal preferences. 

Add a touch of cream, my homemade Italian sweet cream coffee creamer, almond milk, or coconut milk for a creamy coffee drink. 

Store

Pour the concentrate into a container with an airtight lid. Use a container that will leave as little headspace as possible to reduce the amount of air exposure.

Cold brew will have the best flavor if used within the first week but can be stored for up to two weeks.

Tip

Freeze cold brew concentrate into ice cubes so your iced coffee drink isn’t watered down as the ice melts. 

I’d love to hear from you! Please leave a comment and rate the recipe. Tag photos #Lockremhomestead over on Instagram to share pictures of your Cold Brew!