If you're one of those people who can't imagine summer without a good iced coffee, cold brew is here to stay. And I say that from experience — since discovering it, I've never made iced coffee the same way again. It's smooth, aromatic, less acidic than traditional coffee and has a depth of flavour that simply can't be achieved any other way.
Today I'll explain what cold brew actually is, how it differs from iced coffee, and how to make it at home — including how to have it ready in just minutes without waiting for hours!
What is cold brew?
Cold brew — or cold-infused coffee — is coffee prepared without heat. Instead of passing hot water through ground coffee, cold or room-temperature water is used and left in contact with the coffee for an extended period of time.
The result is a concentrated, smooth coffee with much lower acidity than conventional coffee. And here's the key point: it's not the same as cooled-down hot coffee — it's a completely different brewing method, with its own flavour profile that, once you've tried it, is hard to give up.
How is cold brew different from iced coffee?
This is the question I'm asked most often. And the answer is simple:
Iced coffee is simply coffee prepared in the usual way — espresso, Americano or filter coffee — with ice added afterwards. The result can be good, but hot coffee that has been cooled loses some of its nuances and can become bitter or watered down.
Cold brew never comes into contact with heat. It is brewed directly in cold water, which preserves the coffee's oils and aromas in a completely different way. The result is far smoother, naturally sweeter and more complex in flavour than traditional iced coffee.
Once you understand the difference, there's no going back.
Benefits of cold brew
- Lower acidity — because no heat is used, fewer acids are extracted from the coffee. Ideal if you have a sensitive stomach or experience acidity with conventional coffee. Personally, this has made a huge difference for me.
- Smoother and more aromatic — the slow cold-brewing process extracts the coffee's finest notes without the bitter compounds often produced by hot water.
- More caffeine — as it is a concentrate, cold brew generally contains more caffeine than a standard filter coffee. You can dilute it with water or milk to suit your taste.
- Lasts for days in the fridge — when prepared correctly, cold brew can keep for up to 2 weeks. I make it once and have cold coffee ready all week long. A real game-changer.
- Extremely versatile — enjoyed on its own, with milk, tonic water or cream... the possibilities are endless, and every version is delicious.
How to make cold brew at home: the traditional method
The classic method is very simple, but it does require some planning as it needs time to infuse.
Ingredients:
- 100g coarsely ground coffee
- 1 litre cold water
Method:
- Mix the ground coffee with the cold water in a container and stir well to ensure all the coffee is fully saturated.
- Cover the container and leave it in the fridge for between 12 and 24 hours. The longer it infuses, the more concentrated and intense the flavour will be.
- Once the brewing time is up, filter the coffee through a paper filter (we highly recommend using a Chemex filter, as it is thicker than standard filters) or a fine muslin cloth to remove the grounds.
- The result is a cold brew concentrate ready to enjoy. Dilute it with water or milk in a 1:1 ratio, although you can adjust it to your personal preference.
My tip: use a quality coffee with a medium or medium-dark roast. Very dark roasts can become overly intense when used for cold brew.
Chemex: the cleanest and most elegant cold brew
If you're someone who enjoys the process of making coffee just as much as drinking it, the Chemex coffee maker is an excellent choice. This iconic brewer — instantly recognisable thanks to its hourglass shape and wooden collar — not only looks beautiful on the worktop, but also produces one of the cleanest and most elegant cold brews you can make at home.
Its secret lies in its special paper filter, which is significantly thicker than those used in standard drip coffee makers. This filter retains oils and impurities, resulting in an exceptionally clear, clean cold brew with a delicacy of flavour that few other methods can match.
How to make cold brew in a Chemex step by step
What you'll need:
- 60g coarsely ground coffee
- 600ml cold water
- Chemex filter
- Fridge
Method:
- Fold the Chemex filter and place it in the top of the coffee maker, with the three-layer side facing the pouring spout.
- Add the coarsely ground coffee to the filter. Do not press it down — leave it loose so the water can pass through freely.
- Pour a small amount of cold water over the coffee — around 50ml — and wait 30 seconds. This initial contact hydrates the coffee evenly and improves extraction.
- Continue adding the remaining cold water gradually, pouring in small circular motions and ensuring all the coffee is evenly saturated.
- Once all the water has been added, cover the Chemex with cling film or its lid and place it in the fridge.
- Leave to infuse for 12 to 18 hours. The longer the brewing time, the more concentrated and intense the flavour will become.
- Remove the filter containing the coffee grounds and serve directly from the Chemex.
The Japanese method: cold brew with ice
If you'd like to take things one step further, try the Japanese method. Instead of using cold water, place ice directly over the ground coffee in the filter using your Chemex and allow it to melt slowly at room temperature. The process takes between 3 and 4 hours and the result is spectacular — an exceptionally aromatic, delicate cold brew with a clarity of flavour that's difficult to achieve any other way.
The Chemex doesn't make cold brew in minutes — but if you have the time and enjoy the ritual, the result is worth every second.
What if you don't have time? Cold brew in minutes with a coffee machine
The traditional method is excellent, but it has one drawback: you need to plan ahead. And some days you want your cold brew right now, without the wait.
Here's the game-changing secret: there are coffee machines and systems specifically designed to prepare cold-infused coffee in just minutes. And at Claudia&Julia we have several options that I absolutely love.
Coffee makers for preparing cold brew in minutes — no waiting for hours
The traditional method is wonderful, but let's be honest: we don't always have 12 hours to spare. That's why I love these three options available at Claudia&Julia, which allow you to prepare cold-infused coffee in a fraction of the time.
- Ninja semi-automatic coffee machine: The Ninja features a dedicated cold coffee function that brews directly over ice in a matter of minutes. The result is a concentrated, refreshing cold brew ready to enjoy immediately. No waiting, no fuss. If you're someone who wants their cold coffee straight away, this is the machine for you.
- OXO manual coffee maker: The OXO is one of my favourites for those who enjoy the brewing process. Its manual drip system allows you to prepare cold brew with complete control — you decide the water quantity, contact time and strength. Elegant, simple and capable of producing exceptional results. Perfect for filter coffee enthusiasts looking to explore cold brew.
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Sage Barista Touch Impress automatic espresso machine: The Sage Barista Touch Impress is one of the most complete coffee machines on the market — and it has a feature that makes it especially appealing to cold brew enthusiasts: an integrated cold extraction function. It grinds the coffee, extracts it and prepares your cold coffee directly, with all the precision and technology Sage is known for. If you're looking for a high-performance machine that can also make cold brew effortlessly, this is a premium choice.
All three are excellent options — the right choice depends on whether you prefer a hands-on approach, full automation or maximum versatility. Not sure which one is right for you? Ask me in the comments and I'll be happy to help.
My favourite cold brew recipes
Once your cold brew is ready, the possibilities are endless. Here are my three favourites:
- Cold Brew Tonic: Concentrated cold brew over ice with tonic water in a 1:1 ratio. Add a few slices of orange or lime on top. Refreshing, elegant and with a wonderfully distinctive bitter edge. Perfect for summer.
- Cold Brew Latte: Concentrated cold brew with cold milk or a plant-based alternative over ice. Add a dash of vanilla syrup if you'd like it sweeter. The iced latte of summer.
- Cold Brew with cream: Cold brew served over ice topped with a generous spoonful of lightly whipped cream. The cream slowly cascades into the coffee, creating a beautiful visual effect. Sweet, creamy and irresistible.
Frequently asked questions about cold brew
- Which coffee is best for making cold brew? A medium or medium-dark roast coffee with a coarse grind. Finely ground coffee can make the brew cloudy and may result in excessive bitterness.
- How long does cold brew last in the fridge? When properly filtered and stored in a sealed container, it can keep for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
- Does cold brew contain more caffeine? Generally, yes. As it is usually prepared as a concentrate, it tends to contain more caffeine. The exact amount depends on the coffee-to-water ratio used and how much you dilute it before drinking.
- Can cold brew be made with any coffee? Yes, although the results will vary depending on the origin and roast profile. Coffees with fruity or floral notes often produce particularly impressive cold brew.
- Is cold brew the same as nitro cold brew? No. Nitro cold brew is cold brew infused with nitrogen, which gives it a creamy texture and its characteristic foamy head. It's much less common to prepare at home.
Cold brew is much more than a passing trend — it's a different and delicious way to enjoy coffee. Lower in acidity, smoother in flavour and with a versatility that hot coffee simply can't match.
And with the right equipment, making it at home is easier than you might think.
Have you tried cold brew yet? What's your favourite recipe? Let me know in the comments — I always love discovering new ideas!
