Cold Brew

Cold Brew Coffee: How to Make the Smoothest, Refreshing Coffee at Home

Updated January 2026

You know the feeling… the temperature rises, the sun is shining, and you finally have time to sit outside your favourite café, watching the world go by with a refreshing cold drink in hand. When it comes to coffee, cold brew coffee is the ultimate way to stay cool without compromising on flavour.

But what is cold brew coffee — and why has it become such a summer essential?

What Is Cold Brew Coffee?

Cold brew coffee is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee in cold water for an extended period of time (usually 12–18 hours). Unlike iced coffee, which is brewed hot and then cooled down, cold brew usesno heat at all.

The result? A smoother, naturally sweeter coffee with far less acidity.

If you’re looking for an easy, low-effort coffee that tastes incredible straight from the fridge, cold brew might just be your new best friend.

Why Cold Brew Coffee Is So Popular

☕ Ultra-Smooth, Low-Acid Taste

Because cold brew is extracted slowly and gently, it avoids the bitterness and sharp acidity you often get from hot brewing methods. The flavour is mellow, balanced, and incredibly easy to drink.

🧊 Brew Once, Enjoy All Week

Cold brew coffee concentrate keeps well in the fridge for up to 7 days. Make one batch and you’ve got café-quality coffee ready whenever you need it.

🥛 Endless Ways to Drink It

Drink it over ice, add milk or oat milk, make a cold brew latte, or even try it with tonic water for a refreshing twist. Cold brew is as versatile as it is delicious.

How to Make Cold Brew Coffee at Home (Easy Recipe)

This foolproof cold brew recipe works every time and doesn’t require any specialist skills — just a little patience.

What You’ll Need:

• 80g coarsely ground coffee

• 1 litre cold, filtered water

• A cold brew maker, French press, or large jar

• Fine mesh strainer or paper filter

Step-by-Step Cold Brew Recipe:

1. Add the ground coffee to your jar or cold brew maker.

2. Pour over the cold water, ensuring all the coffee is fully saturated.

3. Stir gently, cover, and leave to steep.

4. Brew for 12–18 hours at room temperature or in the fridge.

5. Strain the coffee through a fine mesh or paper filter.

6. Store in the fridge and serve over ice.

Best coffee for cold brew: Medium or dark roast coffees work best, especially those with chocolatey, nutty, or caramel notes.

Is Cold Brew Stronger Than Regular Coffee?

Cold brew often tastes smoother, but it can actually contain more caffeine, especially if you brew a concentrate. You can easily adjust the strength by adding water or milk to suit your taste.

The Best Cold Brew Coffee Makers

If you make cold brew regularly, a dedicated cold brew coffee maker is worth considering. Systems like the Toddy Cold Brew System are designed specifically for clean extraction, minimal mess, and consistent results.

They’re reusable, easy to clean, and ideal if you want great cold brew without any guesswork.

Why Cold Brew Is the Ultimate Summer Coffee

Cold brew coffee is smooth, refreshing, and effortless — everything you want when the weather heats up. Whether you enjoy it black, milky, sweetened, or sparkling, it’s a brewing method that fits perfectly into a slower, sunnier pace of life.

So if you’re ready to upgrade your coffee routine without breaking a sweat, it’s time to start cold brewing.

Stay cool — and enjoy every sip. ☀️