How to Make Cold Brew Coffee (Iced Coffee)

Cold Brew Coffee is so easy to make, and even more delicious than what you can buy at Starbucks! If you’ve ever wondered how to make iced coffee at home, you’ve come to the right place. Having a glass of homemade iced coffee is the best way to start your day.

What’s in Cold Brew?

This Cold Brew Coffee Recipe is as simple as letting your favorite coffee grounds soak in water overnight, straining in the morning, and then mixing with our favorite perfect homemade creamer.

Water: Filtered water will give you the best taste, but tap water works just fine.
Coffee Grounds: I like dark roast, but it’s your coffee, so use your favorite grounds.
Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creaminess to this iced coffee.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds even more richness and sweetness to this iced coffee.

Pro Tip: Freeze some coffee in an ice cube tray to make coffee ice cubes. You’ll never drink watered-down iced coffee again!

Variations on Cold Brew Coffee

It’s so easy to make this iced coffee recipe your own by changing up the flavoring. You could use different flavored coffees and/or syrups, or try:

French Vanilla Iced Coffee: Use this delicious cold brew in place of the strongly-brewed coffee, and follow the recipe!
Chocolate Coffee: Again, swap out strongly-brewed coffee for this cold brew.
Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew: The perfect seasonal drink!

step by step photos of how to make iced coffee at home

What is cold brew coffee?

Cold brew coffee, also called cold water extraction or cold pressing, is the process of steeping coffee grounds in water at cool temperatures for an extended period.

Does cold brew have more caffeine?

I’ve designed this recipe to be pretty close to the same caffeine levels as traditional coffee, so no need to worry about overdoing it!

Is cold brew less acidic?

Yes! Cold-brewing coffee makes it mellower, smoother, and more flavorful. It’ll also stay fresh tasting for much longer!

What’s the best kind of coffee for cold brew?

The best kind of coffee is your favorite coffee! Use a brand you already love, or experiment with something new.

pouring cream into homemade iced coffee recipe

How to Store

Store leftover cold brew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Serving Suggestions

A great cup of coffee is the perfect way to start any and every day. Some mornings I just simply don’t want hot coffee… I want it cold! If you want to love mornings even more, be sure to check out some of our favorite breakfast recipes, like Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole or Baked Breakfast Sliders. If a smoothie is more your speed, take a stab at our Glowing Skin Smoothie or Simple Mango Smoothie!

up close picture of iced coffee with cream in a glass

Iced Coffee is so easy to make at home, and even more delicious than you can buy at Starbucks or McDonalds! If you've ever wondered how to make Iced Coffee at home, you've come to the right place. This Iced Coffee is EASY, delicious, perfectly sweet, and so addicting. Having a glass of this Homemade Iced Coffee is the best way to start your day.

How To Make Cold Brew Coffee (Iced Coffee)

It's easier than ever to make the perfect iced coffee at home with this cold brew coffee recipe. All you need is a little bit of time!

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Prep Time 30 minutes

Cook Time 8 hours

Total Time 8 hours 30 minutes

Servings

Calories 224kcal

Author Becky Hardin | The Cookie Rookie

Ingredients

For the Iced Coffee

4 quarts filtered water or tap water
8 ounces dark roast coffee grounds

For the Sweetened Homemade Creamer

½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
½ cup sweetened condensed milk

Optional Add-ins

Coffee syrups
Sugar
Caramel sauce
Chocolate syrup
Ground cinnamon

Instructions

For the Coffee

Pour half the water in two half-gallon pitchers. Sprinkle 4 ounces ground coffee over the water in both pitchers. Cover and let sit 30 minutes; after 30 minutes, stir.

4 quarts filtered water, 8 ounces dark roast coffee grounds
Cover again and let sit at room temperature overnight.
Line a fine mesh strainer with a double layer of fine cheesecloth or a coffee filter set over a large bowl or pitcher. Pour the coffee mixture through the strainer and allow the liquid to run through. The coffee mixture will take several minutes to strain, and will need to be done about 2 cups at a time. When finished, discard the coffee grounds.
Pour the strained coffee in a covered container in the fridge until cooled.

For the Homemade Sweetened Creamer

In a pitcher or bowl whisk together the heavy cream and sweetened condensed milk. Store in the fridge in an airtight container until ready for use.

½ cup heavy cream, ½ cup sweetened condensed milk

For Assembly

Fill a glass with ice (or better yet, coffee ice!). Pour ¾ full with coffee. Fill the remaining ¼ with the creamer mixture. If you prefer a sweeter and creamier iced coffee you can do equal parts instead.
Add in optional add-ins if desired.

Coffee syrups, Sugar, Caramel sauce, Chocolate syrup, Ground cinnamon