Cold-Brew Iced Coffee Concentrate
Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 16 Jan 2026
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This homemade cold-brew coffee concentrate is the ultimate solution for those who enjoy a smooth, refreshing caffeine kick without the bitterness of traditional iced coffee. By steeping the beans slowly in cold water, you extract a deep, mellow flavour that is naturally lower in acidity. It is an excellent low-sugar option for your morning routine, as the natural sweetness of the coffee beans shines through without the need for added syrups or sweeteners.
Preparing a large batch of this concentrate is a brilliant way to save time during a busy week. Once filtered, the coffee stays fresh in the fridge for up to fourteen days, ready to be diluted with chilled water or your favourite milk. Serve it over plenty of ice in a tall glass for a sophisticated, barista-quality beverage that is both budget-friendly and delicious.
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Ingredients for Cold-Brew Iced Coffee Concentrate
350g coarsely ground fresh coffee beans
Milk (optional)
Cheesecloth
How to make Cold-Brew Iced Coffee Concentrate
Place ground coffee in a large container. Gradually add 1675ml cold water. Stir gently to be sure all grounds are moistened. Cover with a layer of cheesecloth. Let stand at room temperature for 15 hours.
Remove cheesecloth and use it to line a fine-mesh sieve set over a large pitcher. Pour coffee through sieve into pitcher (do not stir); rinse jar and set aside. Discard cheesecloth with solids.
Line same sieve with a large coffee filter and set over reserved jar. Strain coffee through sieve into jar. (It may take up to 45 minutes for all of the coffee to drip through; do not stir or coffee may become cloudy.) Cover and chill. DO AHEAD: Coffee concentrate can be made 2 weeks ahead. Keep chilled.
Fill a glass with ice. Dilute 1 part coffee concentrate with 1 part milk, if desired, or water.
Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.
Article history
The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
16 Jan 2026 | Originally published
Authored by:
UK recipe editors
Peer reviewed by
UK recipe editors
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