We’re about to transform your coffee game with the ultimate bulk cold brew recipe that’ll keep you caffeinated all week long. There’s nothing quite like having a pitcher of smooth, rich cold brew waiting in your fridge – ready to fuel your mornings or provide that perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
Cold brew coffee has taken the industry by storm, and for good reason. This brewing method creates a naturally sweet, less acidic coffee concentrate that’s incredibly versatile. You can drink it straight over ice, mix it with milk or cream, or even use it as a base for coffee cocktails.
The beauty of making cold brew in bulk lies in its convenience and cost-effectiveness. Instead of spending $4-6 daily on store-bought cold brew, we’ll show you how to create gallons of premium coffee concentrate for just a fraction of the cost. This recipe scales perfectly whether you’re brewing for yourself or feeding a crowd of coffee lovers.
Equipment and Tools Needed
Creating the perfect bulk cold brew coffee requires minimal equipment that you likely already have in your kitchen. We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of essential tools to ensure your cold brew brewing process runs smoothly and produces consistently delicious results.
Large Brewing Container
A large glass jar or pitcher serves as the primary brewing vessel for your cold brew concentrate. We recommend using a 64-ounce mason jar or a large glass pitcher that can hold at least 8 cups of liquid. Glass containers work best because they don’t retain flavors and allow you to monitor the brewing process visually.
Fine Mesh Strainer
A fine mesh strainer becomes crucial for the initial filtration step. We use this tool to remove the larger coffee grounds before moving to finer filtration methods. Stainless steel strainers work exceptionally well and last longer than plastic alternatives.
Coffee Filters or Cheesecloth
Coffee filters provide the secondary filtration needed to achieve that smooth cold brew texture. We prefer using paper coffee filters for the cleanest result. Cheesecloth offers an alternative option and can be reused multiple times with proper cleaning.
Coffee Grinder
A burr grinder produces the most consistent coarse grind needed for cold brew extraction. We recommend avoiding blade grinders as they create uneven particle sizes that can lead to over-extraction and bitter flavors. If you don’t own a grinder, many grocery stores offer grinding services.
Measuring Tools
Accurate measuring cups and a kitchen scale ensure proper coffee-to-water ratios. We use both volume and weight measurements to maintain consistency across batches. A digital kitchen scale provides the most precise measurements for optimal results.
Storage Containers
Airtight glass containers or bottles keep your finished cold brew concentrate fresh for up to two weeks. We suggest using multiple smaller containers rather than one large container to minimize air exposure each time you pour a serving.
Mixing Spoon
A long-handled wooden or plastic spoon helps combine the coffee grounds and water thoroughly. We avoid metal spoons during the brewing process as they can potentially affect the coffee’s flavor profile.
Ingredients
Making bulk cold brew coffee requires just two simple ingredients that work together to create a smooth and concentrated coffee base. We’ve designed this recipe to yield approximately 64 ounces of cold brew concentrate that will last you an entire week.
Coffee Beans
- 2 cups coarsely ground coffee beans (approximately 8 ounces by weight)
- Choose medium to dark roast beans for optimal flavor extraction
- Single origin or blends work equally well
Water
- 8 cups filtered water (64 ounces)
- Room temperature water works best for extraction
- Avoid tap water with strong mineral content
Optional Flavor Enhancers
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (add after brewing)
- 1 cinnamon stick (add during brewing process)
- 2 tablespoons cocoa nibs (add during brewing process)
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Coarsely ground coffee | 2 cups (8 oz) | Primary flavor base |
| Filtered water | 8 cups (64 oz) | Extraction medium |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | Optional sweetness |
| Cinnamon stick | 1 piece | Optional spice note |
| Cocoa nibs | 2 tablespoons | Optional chocolate hint |
We recommend using a 1:8 coffee to water ratio for this bulk recipe. This proportion creates a concentrate that you can dilute with water or milk according to your taste preferences. Fresh coffee beans ground just before brewing will produce the most flavorful results. Store bought pre ground coffee works as well but may result in a less vibrant flavor profile.
Instructions
We’ll guide you through our foolproof method for creating smooth and flavorful bulk cold brew coffee. These straightforward steps will help you achieve consistent results every time.
Prep the Coffee Grounds
We start by measuring 2 cups of coffee beans and grinding them to a coarse consistency using a burr grinder. The grounds should resemble breadcrumbs rather than fine powder to prevent over-extraction. We ensure our grind is uniform by pulsing the grinder in short bursts instead of running it continuously. Fresh grinding delivers the best flavor extraction while pre-ground coffee works as a backup option.
Combine Coffee and Water
We pour the coarsely ground coffee into our large glass jar or pitcher first. Next we add 8 cups of filtered water slowly while stirring gently with a wooden spoon. The coffee grounds will float initially so we stir thoroughly to ensure all grounds are saturated. We make sure every coffee particle comes into contact with water for optimal extraction. Room temperature or cold filtered water works best for this brewing method.
Steep the Coffee
We cover our brewing vessel with a lid or plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for 12 to 24 hours. The longer steeping time extracts more flavor compounds from the coffee grounds. We avoid disturbing the mixture during this period to allow proper extraction. Room temperature steeping is possible but refrigeration prevents any bacterial growth and produces cleaner flavors.
Strain the Cold Brew
We remove the cold brew from the refrigerator and stir it gently once before straining. First we pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into another container to remove the bulk of the grounds. Then we line the strainer with coffee filters or cheesecloth and strain the liquid again for crystal clear results. We press the grounds lightly to extract remaining liquid without pushing sediment through the filter.
Store Your Bulk Cold Brew
We transfer our finished cold brew concentrate into clean airtight glass containers for storage. The concentrate stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to two weeks when properly stored. We label our containers with the brewing date to track freshness. Glass containers preserve flavor better than plastic while airtight seals prevent oxidation that can affect taste quality.
Serving Suggestions
Your bulk cold brew concentrate opens up endless possibilities for creating delicious coffee drinks that satisfy any preference or occasion. Let’s explore the most popular ways to transform your smooth concentrate into memorable beverages.
Hot Coffee from Cold Brew
We can easily transform our cold brew concentrate into a warming hot beverage by diluting it with hot water. Mix equal parts concentrate and hot water for a balanced cup that maintains the smooth characteristics of cold brew while providing the comfort of a hot drink. The concentrate heats quickly without developing the bitter notes that often come from reheating regular coffee.
For a richer hot coffee experience we recommend using a 2:1 ratio of concentrate to hot water. This creates a bolder flavor profile that stands up well to milk or cream additions. Steam milk separately and add it to your hot cold brew mixture for a unique take on a café latte that showcases the naturally sweet qualities of cold brew extraction.
Iced Coffee Variations
Classic iced coffee starts with our concentrate mixed with cold water in a 1:1 ratio served over ice. This creates a refreshing drink that highlights the smooth flavor profile we’ve worked to develop. Add milk cream or your favorite non-dairy alternative to taste for a customized experience.
We love creating flavored iced coffee by adding simple syrups before serving. Vanilla syrup complements the natural sweetness while caramel syrup adds richness. For chocolate lovers we suggest mixing in chocolate syrup or a tablespoon of cocoa powder stirred directly into the concentrate before dilution.
Coffee ice cubes prevent dilution while maintaining flavor strength. Simply pour diluted cold brew into ice cube trays and freeze overnight. These cubes ensure your iced coffee stays strong and flavorful from first sip to last drop.
Cold Brew Cocktails
Evening cocktails benefit from the smooth complexity of our cold brew concentrate. Mix 2 ounces of concentrate with 1 ounce of bourbon and a splash of simple syrup for a sophisticated coffee old fashioned. Garnish with an orange peel to enhance the aromatic experience.
For lighter summer drinks we combine 3 ounces of concentrate with 1 ounce of vodka and ½ ounce of coffee liqueur over ice. Top with a splash of heavy cream for a white Russian inspired beverage that showcases the coffee’s natural sweetness.
Brunch cocktails shine when we blend equal parts concentrate and Irish cream liqueur with a shot of espresso. This creates a rich indulgent drink that pairs perfectly with weekend breakfast foods. Serve in a rocks glass over ice with a cinnamon stick for stirring and added warmth.
Storage and Shelf Life
Proper storage techniques ensure your bulk cold brew maintains its fresh taste and quality for optimal enjoyment. We recommend storing your concentrate in airtight glass containers immediately after straining to preserve flavor compounds and prevent contamination. Mason jars work exceptionally well for this purpose since they provide excellent sealing and allow easy portioning of your concentrate.
Refrigeration maintains the integrity of your cold brew concentrate for up to two weeks when stored correctly. Temperature consistency plays a crucial role in preserving flavor profiles. We suggest keeping your containers in the main body of your refrigerator rather than the door where temperature fluctuations occur more frequently.
Glass containers offer superior storage benefits compared to plastic alternatives. They prevent flavor absorption and maintain the coffee’s natural taste without introducing unwanted odors or chemicals. Also, glass containers allow you to monitor your concentrate levels easily and assess quality through visual inspection.
Labeling your containers with brewing dates helps track freshness and ensures you consume your cold brew at peak quality. We recommend using waterproof labels or permanent markers to prevent smudging when condensation forms on container surfaces. This simple practice prevents confusion when you have multiple batches in storage.
| Storage Method | Shelf Life | Container Type | Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigerated concentrate | 14 days | Glass airtight | 35-40°F |
| Diluted cold brew | 3-5 days | Glass container | 35-40°F |
| Frozen concentrate | 6 months | Freezer-safe glass | 0°F |
Quality indicators signal when your cold brew concentrate requires replacement. Fresh concentrate maintains a rich aroma and smooth taste profile. We notice that expired concentrate develops sour or off flavors and may appear cloudy or develop sediment. Trust your senses when evaluating freshness since taste and smell provide reliable quality assessments.
Freezing extends storage capabilities for long-term preservation. We recommend portioning concentrate into ice cube trays or small containers before freezing to create convenient single-serving portions. Frozen concentrate maintains quality for up to six months and thaws quickly when needed for immediate use.
Scaling the Recipe
Our bulk cold brew recipe adapts beautifully to meet any demand. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or planning for extended consumption, these scaling techniques ensure consistent quality in every batch.
Making Larger Batches
We maintain the same 1:8 coffee-to-water ratio when scaling up our cold brew recipe. For a gallon-sized batch, we use 4 cups of coarsely ground coffee with 16 cups of filtered water, yielding approximately 128 ounces of concentrate. This larger volume requires a bigger brewing vessel such as a 5-gallon food-grade bucket or multiple glass containers.
Steeping time remains consistent at 12 to 24 hours regardless of batch size. We recommend dividing larger batches into smaller containers for easier handling during the straining process. The filtration stage requires patience with bigger volumes, so we suggest straining in smaller portions using our fine mesh strainer and coffee filter setup.
Storage becomes crucial with larger batches. We divide the finished concentrate into multiple airtight glass containers rather than storing everything in one large vessel. This approach preserves freshness and allows us to use portions without exposing the entire batch to air repeatedly.
Adjusting Concentrate Strength
We customize concentrate strength by modifying the coffee-to-water ratio while maintaining our proven brewing method. For a stronger concentrate, we increase the ratio to 1:6 using 2 cups of coffee with 6 cups of water. This creates a more intense flavor profile that works perfectly for coffee cocktails or when you prefer minimal dilution.
Our milder concentrate option uses a 1:10 ratio with 2 cups of coffee and 10 cups of water. This gentler strength appeals to those who enjoy a subtler coffee flavor or prefer drinking the concentrate with minimal dilution. The brewing and straining processes remain identical regardless of strength adjustments.
| Concentrate Strength | Coffee Amount | Water Amount | Final Yield | Best Uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strong (1:6) | 2 cups | 6 cups | 48 oz | Cocktails, Hot Coffee |
| Standard (1:8) | 2 cups | 8 cups | 64 oz | All-purpose, Iced Coffee |
| Mild (1:10) | 2 cups | 10 cups | 80 oz | Light Drinks, Flavor Additions |
We test concentrate strength by tasting small samples mixed with equal parts water. This allows us to adjust future batches based on personal preference without wasting ingredients. Remember that stronger concentrates require less dilution when serving, making them more economical for high-volume consumption.
Troubleshooting Tips
We’ve compiled answers to common cold brew challenges that can help you achieve perfect results every time. Understanding these issues before they occur saves time and prevents wasted coffee.
Weak or Watery Cold Brew
Our concentrate should taste rich and full-bodied when properly extracted. If your cold brew tastes weak, check your coffee-to-water ratio first. We recommend maintaining the 1:8 ratio for optimal strength. Consider these adjustments:
- Increase steeping time to 18-24 hours for stronger extraction
- Use a coarser grind to prevent over-extraction while allowing more steeping time
- Verify your coffee measurements using a kitchen scale for accuracy
- Switch to a darker roast blend for more pronounced flavors
Overly Bitter Cold Brew
Bitterness in cold brew typically results from over-extraction or incorrect grind size. We can fix this issue by making these modifications:
- Reduce steeping time to 12-15 hours
- Use a coarser grind to slow extraction
- Check water temperature during preparation (room temperature works best)
- Ensure your coffee beans are fresh and not stale
Cloudy or Gritty Texture
Clear cold brew requires proper filtration techniques. Cloudy concentrate indicates insufficient straining or incorrect grind size. We recommend these answers:
- Double-strain through fine mesh strainer followed by coffee filters
- Use cheesecloth for additional filtration if needed
- Grind coffee beans coarser to reduce fine particles
- Allow sediment to settle before final straining
Inconsistent Flavor Between Batches
Maintaining consistent results requires attention to variables that affect extraction. We track these factors to ensure repeatability:
| Variable | Optimal Range | Impact on Flavor |
|---|---|---|
| Water temperature | 68-72°F | Higher temps increase extraction |
| Grind size | Coarse (sea salt) | Finer grinds over-extract |
| Steeping time | 12-24 hours | Longer steeping intensifies flavor |
| Coffee freshness | 2-4 weeks from roast | Stale coffee lacks complexity |
Mold or Off Flavors
Contamination can occur when proper sanitation isn’t followed. We prevent this by implementing these practices:
- Sterilize all equipment before brewing
- Use filtered water to eliminate chlorine and impurities
- Store concentrate in refrigerated conditions only
- Keep brewing vessel covered during steeping process
- Discard any batch showing signs of mold or unusual odors
Equipment Issues
Sometimes our tools create problems that affect the final product. We address common equipment challenges:
- Replace worn coffee filters that allow grounds to pass through
- Clean grinder burrs regularly to maintain consistent particle size
- Use glass containers instead of plastic to prevent flavor absorption
- Ensure strainer mesh is fine enough to catch coffee particles
Temperature Problems
Cold brew requires consistent refrigeration throughout the steeping process. We maintain proper temperature by:
- Keeping brewing vessel in main refrigerator compartment
- Avoiding temperature fluctuations during steeping
- Using insulated containers if transporting during brewing
- Monitoring refrigerator temperature to stay below 40°F
Scaling Issues
- Using weight measurements rather than volume for coffee
- Keeping the same steeping time regardless of batch size
- Ensuring adequate filtration equipment for larger volumes
- Testing small samples before committing to full batches
Conclusion
Making bulk cold brew coffee at home transforms your daily coffee routine into something special. We’ve shown you how to create a smooth rich concentrate that’ll last up to two weeks while saving money compared to store-bought options.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. Whether you’re brewing for one or hosting a crowd you can easily scale the 1:8 ratio to meet your needs. From morning iced coffee to evening cocktails your homemade concentrate opens up endless possibilities.
With proper storage techniques and our troubleshooting tips you’ll consistently produce café-quality cold brew. Start with our basic recipe then experiment with different beans and flavor additions to discover your perfect cup. Your taste buds and wallet will thank you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ideal coffee-to-water ratio for bulk cold brew?
The recommended ratio is 1:8 (coffee to water), which means 2 cups of coarsely ground coffee to 8 cups of filtered water. This creates a balanced concentrate that yields approximately 64 ounces. You can adjust this ratio to 1:6 for stronger concentrate or 1:10 for milder flavor based on your preferences.
How long should I steep cold brew coffee?
Steep your cold brew for 12 to 24 hours in the refrigerator. This extended steeping time allows for optimal flavor extraction from the coffee grounds. Steeping in the refrigerator ensures cleanliness and prevents bacterial growth while maintaining consistent temperature throughout the brewing process.
What equipment do I need to make bulk cold brew?
Essential equipment includes a large glass jar or pitcher for brewing, a fine mesh strainer for initial filtration, coffee filters or cheesecloth for secondary filtration, and airtight glass containers for storage. A burr grinder and accurate measuring tools are also recommended for best results.
How long does cold brew concentrate last in the refrigerator?
Cold brew concentrate stays fresh for up to two weeks when stored in airtight glass containers in the refrigerator. For longer storage, you can freeze the concentrate in portioned sizes for up to six months. Always label containers with brewing dates to track freshness.
What grind size should I use for cold brew coffee?
Use a coarse grind consistency for cold brew coffee. This grind size ensures optimal extraction during the long steeping process and makes filtering easier. A burr grinder provides the most consistent results, though pre-ground coffee can work but may produce less vibrant flavor.
How do I serve cold brew concentrate?
Cold brew concentrate is versatile and can be diluted with hot water (1:1 ratio) for hot coffee, mixed with cold water (1:1 ratio) for iced coffee, or used in cocktails. You can customize with simple syrups, milk, or other flavorings to create various coffee drinks.
Why is my cold brew weak or watery?
Weak cold brew typically results from insufficient coffee grounds, inadequate steeping time, or grind size that’s too coarse. Increase your coffee-to-water ratio, extend steeping time to 18-24 hours, or use a slightly finer (but still coarse) grind to improve extraction and flavor strength.
Can I make cold brew without special equipment?
Yes, you can make cold brew with basic kitchen items. Use any large jar or pitcher for brewing, a fine mesh strainer, and coffee filters for filtration. While specialized equipment helps achieve better results, the basic method works well with common household items.
