Learn how to make an easy DIY cold brew coffee concentrate using a French press (or a simple alternative). This is my preferred ratio and method for a rich, smooth cold-brew concentrate. Enjoy!
Life as a mom is unpredictable, no matter how much you plan. Even with everything laid out the night before, mornings can still derail—diaper blowouts, toddlers insisting on doing everything themselves, and older kids arguing about who gets out the door first. Sound familiar?
Not much else is certain in a mom’s day except that there will be a morning, an afternoon, and an evening.
But because I know tomorrow will have a morning, I prepare for it with coffee.
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If you found this page, coffee is probably part of your routine too—morning, evening, or anytime. Coffee is one of those things that works at any hour.
My husband and I bonded over coffee in college, spent many dates in local coffee shops, and even had coffee beans as part of our wedding table decor. Coffee has been a meaningful part of our story.
After multiple pregnancies I noticed coffee upset my stomach. My postpartum mornings were rough when coffee made nausea worse. Then I started making my own cold brew concentrate, and it helped—cold brew is often gentler on the stomach.
Research-backed benefits of coffee
- Coffee contains high levels of antioxidants, sometimes even more than green tea.
- It can enhance physical performance in athletes.
- Coffee is associated with a lower risk of liver disease.
- It can help burn fat by increasing metabolism.
- Coffee consumption has been linked with a lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease in some studies.
Why cold brew?
- Cold brew is less acidic, which can be easier on the digestive tract.
- You can reheat cold brew, so it doesn’t have to be served iced if you prefer hot coffee.
- It’s a concentrate, so you can dilute it to your preferred strength.
If coffee upsets you, cold brew may be a helpful alternative. It does require planning since it needs to steep for 12–24 hours, so you’ll need to make it ahead of time. Once you have a routine, it’s very simple to maintain.
Cold brew can be heated
If you prefer hot coffee, you can heat cold brew concentrate. The “cold” part refers only to the brewing method — the finished concentrate can be refrigerated and then warmed on the stovetop or in the microwave. Cold brew does not have to mean iced coffee.
Easiest way to DIY cold brew
Ready? Use a French press. It’s almost too easy and takes only a bit more patience than pressing regular French press coffee.
What you’ll need
- 1 cup freshly ground coffee
- 32 oz filtered water
- French press (or two large containers and a clean tea towel)
This recipe scales easily. Keep the ratio of 1 cup ground coffee to 32 oz water. Examples:
- 1/2 cup coffee : 16 oz water
- 2 cups coffee : 64 oz water (half gallon)
- 4 cups coffee : 128 oz water (one gallon)
Recipe Directions with a French Press
Step One
Grind fresh coffee beans to a medium-coarse setting and add them to the French press.
Step Two
Pour room-temperature filtered water over the grounds, stir briefly, and place the lid on the press without plunging. Let it steep.
Step Three
Steep for 12–24 hours (8 hours may work in a pinch, but longer yields better flavor).
Step Four
Press the plunger down slowly and pour your concentrate. Dilute with water or milk to taste, or heat if you prefer hot coffee.
Enjoy it however you like: diluted with hot or cold water, over ice, or with cream.
Directions without a French Press
If you don’t have a French press, use two large containers and a clean tea towel or cloth napkin to strain.
Step One
Grind the coffee and place it in one container.
Step Two
Add 32 oz room-temperature water, stir briefly, cover with the towel, and let it sit on the counter.
Step Three
Wait 12–24 hours.
Step Four
Place the towel over the empty container and slowly pour the steeped coffee through the towel so it filters into the second container.
How much to dilute the concentrate
Cold brew concentrate is typically diluted 1:1 with water or milk. For example, mix 1/2 cup concentrate with 1/2 cup water. Adjust to taste — start with less dilution if you like it stronger, or more if you prefer a milder cup.
How long does cold brew concentrate last?
Stored in a sealed container, cold brew concentrate can keep for up to two weeks in the refrigerator. In many households, it’s consumed within a few days.
Pair your coffee with a simple breakfast—scones, muffins, or cookies are great companions. If you prefer a ready-made option, there are quality bottled cold brews available in stores.