How to Make Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate: A Complete Guide

Cold brew coffee concentrate is a game-changer for coffee lovers, providing a smooth, bold, and less acidic alternative to traditional hot-brewed coffee. Whether you’re looking to make a refreshing iced coffee, a creamy latte, or a strong espresso-like coffee, cold brew coffee concentrate is the perfect base. In this guide, you’ll learn how to make cold brew coffee concentrate, understand what is a cold brew coffee concentrate, explore the best cold brew coffee concentrate ratio, and get insights into its caffeine content. We’ll also share a foolproof cold brew coffee concentrate recipe so you can enjoy this delicious beverage at home.

What is a Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate?

Unlike regular cold brew, cold brew coffee concentrate is a highly concentrated form of cold brew that is brewed with a higher coffee-to-water ratio. This results in a stronger coffee that can be diluted to taste, making it a versatile option for different coffee-based drinks.

Why Choose Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate?

• Higher caffeine content than standard cold brew or iced coffee.

• Longer shelf life - can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks.

• Versatile usage - great for iced coffee, lattes, or even cooking and baking.

Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate Recipe

Ingredients:

• Coarsely ground coffee beans – Medium to dark roast works best.

• Filtered water – Enhances flavor and purity.

Equipment:

• Large glass jar or pitcher – For steeping.

• Cheesecloth or fine-mesh strainer – To filter out the grounds.

• Measuring cups – For accurate coffee-to-water ratios.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Measure the Coffee and Water

• Use a cold brew coffee concentrate ratio of 1:4 (1 cup coffee to 4 cups water) for a strong concentrate.

• For a lighter concentrate, try 1:5 or 1:6.

2. Combine Coffee and Water

• Add coarsely ground coffee to a large jar or pitcher.

• Pour in filtered cold water, making sure all grounds are saturated.

3. Steep the Mixture

• Cover and let it steep for 12–24 hours in the refrigerator.

• The longer it steeps, the stronger the flavor.

4. Filter the Coffee

• Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth.

• Transfer the filtered concentrate into a sealed container.

5. Store and Serve

• Refrigerate the concentrate for up to two weeks.

• Dilute before serving: mix 1 part concentrate with 1–2 parts water or milk.

Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate Ratio Guide

• For iced coffee: Mix 1 part concentrate with 2 parts water.

• For lattes: Use 1 part concentrate with 1 part milk.

• For stronger espresso-like coffee: Use a 1:3 ratio (less dilution).

How Much Caffeine is in Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate?

The cold brew coffee concentrate caffeine content depends on the coffee-to-water ratio and steeping time. On average:

• Cold brew concentrate (1:4 ratio) contains 150–200 mg of caffeine per 8 oz serving.

• Diluted cold brew (1:2 ratio) has about 100 mg of caffeine per 8 oz serving.

• Comparatively, a regular hot brewed coffee has 95 mg per 8 oz serving.

This means cold brew concentrate is significantly stronger than regular coffee, making it a great option for those who prefer a bold caffeine boost.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate

Q: How can I make my cold brew coffee concentrate stronger?

A: To achieve a bolder and more intense cold brew concentrate, follow these expert techniques:

• Increase the coffee-to-water ratio: Use a 1:3 ratio instead of the standard 1:4. This means using 1 cup of coarsely ground coffee per 3 cups of cold, filtered water for a more concentrated flavor.

• Extend the steeping time: Let the coffee steep for 18–24 hours instead of the usual 12–18 hours. The longer extraction period enhances the depth of flavors without increasing acidity.

• Use a darker roast: Medium-dark to dark roast beans contain more natural oils and bold flavors, resulting in a richer taste.

• Avoid dilution: When serving, mix with less water, milk, or ice if you prefer a stronger coffee experience.

Q: What is the best coffee roast for making cold brew concentrate?

A: The ideal coffee roast for cold brew depends on your preferred flavor profile, but generally:

• Medium-Dark Roast: Offers a balanced flavor with slight sweetness, chocolatey notes, and a smooth finish.

• Dark Roast: Delivers a bold, rich, and full-bodied taste with strong cocoa, caramel, and nutty undertones.

• Light Roast: Not typically recommended, as it tends to be more acidic and lacks the deep, smooth profile that cold brew is known for.

💡 Pro Tip: Choose single-origin beans if you want to highlight unique flavors or blends for a more balanced taste.

Q: Can I use pre-ground coffee for cold brew concentrate?

A: While pre-ground coffee is an option, it’s not ideal. For the best results:

• Use coarsely ground coffee (similar to sea salt) to ensure even extraction and prevent bitterness.

• Pre-ground coffee (typically fine to medium grind) can lead to over-extraction, resulting in a harsh, overly bitter taste.

• If you must use pre-ground coffee, steep for a shorter time (12–16 hours) to reduce over-extraction.

💡 Solution: Invest in a burr grinder and grind beans fresh before brewing for maximum flavor.

Q: How do I store cold brew concentrate, and how long does it last?

A: Proper storage ensures your cold brew concentrate stays fresh and flavorful:

• Use an airtight glass container (such as a mason jar or bottle) to prevent oxidation and off-flavors.

• Keep it refrigerated at or below 40°F (4°C) to maintain freshness.

• Shelf Life: Cold brew concentrate stays fresh for up to 2 weeks, though its flavor is best within the first 7–10 days.

• Avoid contamination: Always use a clean spoon or measuring cup when pouring to prevent bacteria buildup.

💡 Pro Tip: Label the container with the date of brewing to track freshness.

Q: Can I heat up cold brew concentrate?

A: Absolutely! Cold brew concentrate is versatile and can be enjoyed hot or cold.

• To make hot coffee, mix 1 part cold brew concentrate with 1 part hot water (or more for a milder taste). This method preserves cold brew’s smooth, low-acid profile while delivering a rich, warm cup of coffee.

• You can also steam milk and mix it with cold brew concentrate for a delicious hot latte.

💡 Bonus Tip: Heating cold brew does not make it taste like regular hot coffee - it retains its smooth, slightly sweet, and less acidic nature.

Elevate Your Cold Brew Experience with Bazan Coffee

At Bazan Coffee, we believe that the key to crafting the perfect cold brew lies in choosing the finest coffee beans. Whether you’re preparing your cold brew at home or personalizing it to your specific taste, the quality of the beans is essential. With Bazan’s specialty-grade beans, you can create a rich, smooth, and bold cold brew that will elevate your coffee experience to new heights.

The New Revolution: Fine Robusta from Vietnam

The coffee you use plays a pivotal role in making your cold brew stand out. Bazan’s Fine Robusta – Krong Nang is the ideal choice for those who love a bold, full-bodied cold brew. Unlike the mass-produced Robusta beans commonly used in commercial cold brew coffees, our Fine Robusta is meticulously sourced and processed to offer a smooth, refined flavor profile. This ensures your cold brew is rich, complex, and thoroughly satisfying.

Why Choose Fine Robusta – Krong Nang?

• Grown at 650m in Krong Nang, Dak Lak: The volcanic soil of this region enhances the coffee’s flavor profile, contributing to deep, complex notes.

• 72-Hour Natural Anaerobic Fermentation: This fermentation method unlocks deep caramelized sweetness, smooth textures, and a creamy body, ideal for cold brew.

• Bold & Full-Bodied: With higher caffeine content than many Arabica beans, Fine Robusta – Krong Nang offers a stronger and more energizing cold brew, making it the perfect choice for coffee enthusiasts who crave a bold cup.

If you’re looking for a full-bodied cold brew with rich caramel and honeyed notes, Fine Robusta – Krong Nang is your perfect match.

Not Just Robusta – The Best of Both Worlds

For those seeking a smoother and more balanced cold brew, Bazan’s Special Vietnam Blend is the ideal choice. This expertly crafted blend combines the lively acidity of high-altitude Arabica beans with the rich body of Fine Robusta, creating a cold brew that strikes a perfect balance between smoothness and boldness.

Why Choose Special Vietnam Blend?

• A Fusion of Arabica & Fine Robusta: The combination of Arabica’s lively acidity and Robusta’s rich body results in a smooth, complex cold brew.

• Tasting Note of Pineapple & Floral Aroma: These fruity and caramel notes provide natural sweetness and complexity, making this blend the perfect match for your cold brew.

• Versatile Brewing: Whether you’re brewing cold brew, making espresso, or creating coffee cocktails, Special Vietnam Blend is ideal for a wide range of brewing methods.

If you’re after a cold brew with natural sweetness, fruity complexity, and balanced flavors, Special Vietnam Blend will elevate your experience.

For a More Refined Cold Brew: Specialty Arabica – Cau Dat

If you appreciate a more delicate and aromatic cold brew, Bazan’s Specialty Arabica – Cau Dat is an excellent choice. This coffee, grown in the cool climate of Da Lat, offers bright acidity, floral complexity, and a smooth finish, making it perfect for those who enjoy a more refined, flavorful cold brew.

Why Choose Specialty Arabica – Cau Dat?

• Grown at 1,550m in Cau Dat, Da Lat: The cool climate and mineral-rich soil provide the ideal conditions for high-quality Arabica beans.

• Fully Washed Processing: This ensures a clean, vibrant cup with floral and caramel undertones, perfect for crafting a refined and aromatic cold brew.

• Complex Tasting Notes: Enjoy layers of bell pepper, spices, and caramel, creating a sophisticated and well-balanced flavor profile.

If you prefer a bright, floral cold brew with delicate complexity, Specialty Arabica – Cau Dat will elevate your cold brew experience.

Which Coffee Should You Choose for Your Cold Brew Ritual?

• For a bold, full-bodied cold brew with deep caramelized sweetness → Fine Robusta – Krong Nang
  

• For a smooth, well-balanced cold brew with fruity complexity → Special Vietnam Blend
  

• For a refined, bright cold brew with caramel and spicy notes → Specialty Arabica – Cau Dat
  

You’re Just One Brew Away from a Better Day

Crafting the perfect cold brew starts with selecting the right beans. Whether you're brewing a single cup or preparing a batch for friends, Bazan Coffee ensures that every cup delivers outstanding flavor and quality.

Shop Bazan Coffee Today and Brew the Best Cold Brew!

Explore our premium selection of specialty-grade Vietnamese coffees and elevate your cold brew experience. Don’t settle for ordinary coffee—discover the rich, complex flavors of Vietnam’s finest with Bazan Coffee. Your perfect cold brew is just one click away!