Cold brew lovers, this one’s for you. Ever wished you could skip the coffee shop line and make an ultra-smooth, bold coffee-shop cold brew in your own kitchen? You totally can! Brewing your own cold brew coffee is not only simple, but it also saves you money and lets you customize every sip to match your vibe. Whether you're after a bold, strong cold brew concentrate or a mellow, subtle brew, we've got you covered.
Using a cold brew coffee maker like the Hario Cold Brew Coffee Maker, you'll learn how to make cold brew coffee with the perfect cold brew coffee ratio for a smooth and refreshing drink. Plus, we’ll break down the differences between cold brew versus iced coffee, and help you find the best coffee for cold brew to take your at-home brewing experience to the next level.
What is Cold Brew Coffee?
Cold brew is not the same as iced coffee—it’s a completely different brewing method. Unlike traditional coffee, which is brewed quickly with hot water, cold brew is made by steeping coarse coffee grounds in cold water over a long period of time (usually 12–18 hours). This slow extraction creates a smooth, low-acid, naturally sweet coffee that can be enjoyed black or with milk.
Because of its unique extraction process, cold brew brings out different flavors in coffee. It’s often smoother and more chocolatey, with fewer bright, acidic notes. It’s also stronger than regular coffee, so many people dilute it with creamers or milk before drinking.
Why Choose the Hario Cold Brew Coffee Maker?
The Hario Cold Brew Coffee Maker is an excellent choice for anyone looking to make cold brew coffee at home with ease. Here’s why we love it:
- Easy to Use – No complicated techniques or brewing methods needed.
- Built-in Filter – Ensures a clean cup with minimal sediment.
- Sleek & Compact – Takes up little space in your fridge.
- Eco-Friendly – No need for paper filters!
- Consistent Results – Designed to extract a smooth, well-balanced cold brew every time.
What You’ll Need
Equipment:
-
Hario Cold Brew Coffee Maker
-
Grinder (if using whole beans)
Ingredients:
-
80 -100 grams of medium-course ground coffee – We recommend Jude’s Brew for its deep chocolatey notes.
-
1000ml of filtered water
Brew Tip: Always use filtered water for the best-tasting cold brew. Tap water can introduce off-flavors that affect the final taste.
How to Make Cold Brew Coffee at Home
Step 1: Measure & Grind Your Coffee
Cold brew requires a medium-coarse grind—think sea salt or breadcrumbs in texture. A fine grind will over-extract and make your brew bitter and cloudy.
Cold Brew Coffee Ratio: A 1:10 ratio (1g coffee to 10g water) is ideal for a balanced, smooth cup. Stick with 100g coffee to 1000ml water for a bolder brew and less for a slightly lighter brew.
Step 2: Add Coffee to the Hario Cold Brew Coffee Maker
Place your medium-coarse ground coffee into the filter basket of the Hario Cold Brew Maker. Give it a little shake to distribute the grounds evenly.
Step 3: Pour in Filtered Water
Slowly pour the cold, filtered water over the coffee grounds, making sure all grounds get saturated. Pouring in a circular motion helps with even extraction.
Step 4: Stir Gently
Use a spoon (or swirl the brewer lightly) to ensure all the grounds are fully wet. This prevents dry pockets that can lead to weak, uneven brewing.
Step 5: Let It Steep
Seal the lid and place the brewer either at room temperature or in the fridge for 12–18 hours. The longer the brew time, the richer and stronger the flavor.
Brew Tip: If you like a milder cold brew, steep for 12 hours. For a bolder, more intense brew, go for 18 hours.
Step 6: Remove the Filter & Enjoy
Once brewing is complete, remove the coffee filter, letting any excess cold brew drip back into the brewer. Toss the used grounds, give your cold brew a gentle stir, and voilà!—you’re ready to sip.
Hario Cold Brew Tutorial: Watch the Video Guide!
Cold Brew vs. Iced Coffee: What’s the Difference?
Cold brew is not the only way to make chilled coffee. If you’re looking for a quicker option, you might love flash brew coffee (also known as Japanese-style iced coffee).
Cold brew is steeped in cold water for a long period, creating a smooth, low-acid, naturally sweet drink. Iced coffee, on the other hand, is brewed hot and then rapidly cooled over ice, resulting in a brighter, more acidic flavor that closely resembles traditional hot coffee.
Want to learn how to make fllash cold brew coffee at home or explore different methods? Check out our full guide here.
The Best Coffee for Cold Brew
The best cold brew starts with the right beans. We recommend using medium to dark roast coffee for a rich, chocolatey profile. Light roasts can work, but they tend to have brighter, fruitier flavors that may not always complement the smooth, mellow qualities of cold brew.
At Bizarre Coffee, we love using Jude’s Brew for our cold brew—it’s bold, full-bodied, and brings out deep cocoa and nutty flavors.
The Hario Cold Brew Coffee Maker takes all the guesswork out of making smooth, refreshing cold brew right at home. Whether you like it bold and black, creamy with milk, or infused with fun flavors, brewing your own batch is a total game-changer.
So, why wait? Grab your favorite Bizarre Coffee roast, get steeping, and sip on something amazing.
