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Welcome to the ultimate guide to cold brew! Whether you're a curious first-timer or a seasoned steeper, we've gathered your most-asked questions right here. Grab a glass, get comfy, and let's dive in!
Q: What is cold brew coffee?
A: Cold brew is coffee made by steeping coarsely ground beans in cold or room-temperature water for many hours—no heat required!
That slow, gentle process pulls out smooth, chocolatey flavors while leaving behind much of the bitterness and acidity you get from hot brewing. The result? A rich, mellow, naturally sweet cup that's incredibly refreshing over ice. Once you taste it, there's no going back!
Q: How do I make cold brew at home?
A: It's wonderfully simple—just combine coarse coffee grounds with cold water, let them steep, then filter out the grounds.
Here's your easy roadmap:
That's it. No fancy skills needed—just a little patience and you're rewarded with a smooth, café-quality concentrate.
Q: What coffee-to-water ratio should I use?
A: For a bold, versatile concentrate, start with a 1:4 ratio—that's one part coffee to four parts water by weight.
This concentrate can be diluted with water, milk, or ice to your liking. If you prefer a ready-to-drink brew you can sip straight, go with a 1:8 ratio instead. Feel free to experiment! A little tweak here or there helps you find your perfect strength.
Q: How long should cold brew steep?
A: With the Ho Tai Cold Brew System you will be able to enjoy cold brew in about 3-4 hours.
The 3-4 hours is a guideline, but will deliver deeper, bolder richness. Trust your taste buds—they know best!
Q: What's the best water temperature for cold brew?
A: Cold or room-temperature water is the way to go—that's the whole magic of cold brew!
Cold water extracts flavor slowly and gently, giving you that signature smooth, low-acid taste. Room-temperature water works well too and can slightly speed up extraction. Whichever you choose, always use filtered water when you can. Clean water means a cleaner, crisper cup!
Q: How do I store cold brew?
A: Keep your cold brew in an airtight container in the fridge—a sealed glass jar or bottle is perfect.
Storing concentrate separately from any milk or water lets you mix fresh cups on demand and keeps everything tasting its best. Always keep it chilled and covered to lock in that fresh, smooth flavor you worked so patiently for.
Q: How long does cold brew last?
A: Cold brew concentrate stays fresh for up to two weeks in the fridge when stored in a sealed container.
Once you've diluted it with water or added milk, enjoy it within 2 to 3 days for the tastiest results. The concentrate lasts longest, so we love brewing a big batch and mixing cups as we go. Fresh, delicious coffee ready whenever you are—how great is that?
Q: How do I serve cold brew?
A: Pour it over a tall glass of ice and sip it as-is, or dress it up however you please!
A few crowd favorites:
Get creative and make it your own—there's no wrong way to enjoy it!
Q: Is cold brew stronger than regular coffee?
A: Cold brew concentrate is often stronger in caffeine, but it depends on how much you dilute it.
Because you're steeping a large amount of coffee, the concentrate packs a punch. Once you add water, milk, or ice, the caffeine level evens out closer to a regular cup. So the strength is truly in your hands—dial it up or down to match your mood and your morning!
Q: Can I heat cold brew?
A: Absolutely—cold brew makes a wonderfully smooth hot coffee too!
Just dilute your concentrate with hot water, or gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave. Avoid boiling it, though, since too much heat can bring out bitterness. You'll get all that low-acid smoothness in a cozy, steaming mug. Best of both worlds, right?
Got a question we didn't cover? We're always happy to help you brew your best cup yet. Happy steeping!
The Ho Tai Cold Brew System
turns cold-steeped craft coffee
into same-day smooth, cafe'
quality coffee right on your
countertop.