Cold Brew Guide

What You'll Need

  • Large jar, pitcher, cold brew maker, or a French press
  • Fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or paper filter (if not using a French press)
  • Grinder (burr grinder recommended)
  • Fresh roasted Bluestem coffee — we recommend our Brazilian Lusitano for cold brew
  • Cold or room temperature filtered water
  • Scale (recommended)
  • Refrigerator

No Special Equipment? Use a French Press

A French press works great for cold brew. Add your grounds, pour in cold water, place the lid on top without plunging, and steep as directed. When it's ready, slowly press the plunger and pour. Easy.

Coffee to Water Ratio

Cold brew is brewed as a concentrate, then diluted to serve.

Concentrate: 1:4 (coffee to water)
→ 100g coffee : 400g water

When serving, dilute 1:1 with water or milk:

  • 1 part concentrate + 1 part water = a balanced, full-strength cold brew
  • Adjust to taste — more water for lighter, less for stronger

For a ready-to-drink (non-concentrate) brew, use 1:8 and skip the dilution step.

Grind Size

Coarse — similar to raw sugar or coarse sea salt. A coarse grind slows extraction and reduces bitterness over the long steep.

Brewing Instructions

1. Measure & Grind

Grind fresh, just before brewing. Add grounds to your jar, pitcher, or French press.

2. Add Water

Pour cold or room temperature filtered water over the grounds. Give it a gentle stir to make sure all the coffee is saturated.

3. Steep

Cover and steep for 12–24 hours.

  • Room temperature: 12–16 hours (faster extraction)
  • Refrigerator: 18–24 hours (slower, slightly smoother)

Start checking at 12 hours and taste as you go. Longer steep = stronger, more intense flavor.

4. Strain

Pour through a fine mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth or a paper filter into a clean jar or pitcher. If using a French press, slowly plunge and pour. This may take a few minutes — don't rush it.

5. Store & Serve

Store your cold brew concentrate in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Serve over ice, diluted to taste.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Grinding too fine — Fine grounds over-extract during the long steep and make straining difficult. Go coarse.
  • Steeping too long — Past 24 hours, cold brew can turn bitter and harsh. Taste it before it goes too long.
  • Plunging too early (French press) — Wait until the full steep time is done before pressing. Patience pays off.
  • Skipping the strain — Sediment left in the brew will continue extracting and muddy the flavor. Strain thoroughly.
  • Using warm water — Cold brew is a cold process. Warm water speeds extraction unevenly and changes the flavor profile.
  • Forgetting to dilute — If you brewed at 1:4, it's a concentrate. Dilute before serving.

Final Note

Cold brew is one of the most forgiving methods — low acid, smooth, and easy to make in big batches. Our Brazilian Lusitano is a natural fit here: its smooth body and subtle sweetness shine in a cold steep. It's a great way to keep great coffee on hand all week without any morning effort.

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