Cold brew isn’t just for warm weather. It’s an all-year way to enjoy smooth, bold coffee. Naturally less acidic than hot coffee, cold brew highlights the richness of the beans while delivering a clean, refreshing taste. Whether you drink it straight, pour it over ice, or mix it with milk, the secret to a great cold brew comes down to one detail: the coffee-to-water ratio.
The Standard Cold Brew Ratio
For the best flavor, the golden rule is 1 cup of coarsely ground coffee to 4 cups of cold water. This ratio strikes the perfect balance between strength and smoothness, creating a concentrate that you can enjoy on its own or dilute to your liking.
Too much coffee, and the result can be bitter and heavy. Too little, and your brew may taste weak or flat. Stick to the 1:4 ratio, and you’ll get a cold brew that’s rich, balanced, and flavorful every time.
How to Make Cold Brew at Home
Making cold brew doesn’t require special equipment, just a bit of time and quality beans. Here’s a simple method:
- Grind – Use a coarse grind of Lancaster County Coffee beans. A burr grinder set for French press works well.
- Combine – Mix 1 cup of coffee grounds with 4 cups of cold, filtered water in a jar or pitcher. Stir so all the grounds are fully soaked.
- Steep – Cover and let sit at room temperature or in the refrigerator for 12–18 hours. Longer steeping means a stronger brew.
- Strain – Use a fine mesh strainer, coffee filter, or French press to separate the grounds.
- Serve – Pour over ice, or mix with equal parts water, milk, or cream to customize the taste.
Tips for the Best Brew
- Use filtered water to keep flavors pure and bright.
- Experiment with roast profiles. For example, dark roasts usually give bold, chocolatey notes, while lighter roasts can bring out fruity or floral flavors.
- Store it sealed in the fridge for up to a week to keep it fresh.
Ratio = Flavor
Cold brew is simple, but the ratio makes all the difference. By following the 1:4 guideline, you’ll create a smooth, versatile concentrate that brings out the very best in Lancaster County Coffee beans any day of the year.
