Making cold brew in 5 steps: the summer favourite

Why cold brew?

Because no heat is involved, less bitter acidity is extracted from the coffee. The result is a softer, chocolatey flavour that's perfect over ice, with milk, or as the base for a coffee cocktail.

What you'll need

• 100 g coarsely ground coffee (think of our Miles Away or Somewhere Soft: their full-bodied, slightly chocolatey notes work brilliantly cold)
• 800 ml cold tap or bottled water
• A large jug or jar with a lid
• A fine sieve or cheesecloth
• Coffee filter (optional, for an extra-clear cold brew)

How to make cold brew in 5 steps

1. Choose the right coffee and grind coarsely. A coarse grind (similar to sea salt) stops your cold brew from turning cloudy or bitter. Ask for a coarse grind when ordering, if you'd like.
2. Combine coffee and water. Put the ground coffee in the jug and pour cold water over it. Stir well so all the coffee is wetted. Ratio: 1 part coffee to 8 parts water for a concentrated cold brew.
3. Let it steep. Cover the jug and leave it in the fridge (or a cool, dark spot) for 12 to 24 hours. The longer it steeps, the more intense the flavour.
4. Strain the mixture. Pour the cold brew through a fine sieve or cheesecloth to remove all the coffee grounds. For an extra-clear cold brew, filter it a second time through a coffee filter.
5. Dilute and serve. You now have a concentrate. Dilute it 1:1 with water, milk or a plant-based milk, pour over ice cubes, and you're done. Store any unused concentrate in the fridge for up to a week.

Tips from NOT NOW

• Always use cold water: warm or lukewarm water speeds up extraction and makes your cold brew more bitter.
• Cold brew is naturally less acidic, which also makes it suitable for anyone with a sensitive stomach.
• Play around with the steeping time: 12 hours gives a lighter, fresher cold brew, while 24 hours produces a fuller, more intense flavour.

FAQ about cold brew

How long should cold brew steep? Between 12 and 24 hours, in the fridge or a cool spot. Most people find 16 to 18 hours the perfect balance between flavour and freshness.

What's the difference between cold brew and iced coffee? Iced coffee is hot-brewed coffee that's cooled down and served over ice. Cold brew is steeped cold from start to finish, giving it a softer, less acidic flavour.

Which coffee is best for cold brew? A medium to dark roast with chocolatey or nutty notes, such as our Miles Away or Somewhere Soft, gives the smoothest cold brew.

How long does cold brew concentrate keep? Up to a week in a sealed jug in the fridge.

Fancy giving it a go yourself? Discover our coffee for cold brew (Miles away and Somewhere Soft), and make your own summer favourite this year.