Classic Cold Brew Recipe — Smooth, Strong, and Built for Long Shifts

Cold brew is less acidic than hot-brewed coffee, naturally sweeter, and hits different on a hot day. Steep it overnight, strain it in the morning, and you've got fuel for the whole shift. Make a double batch Sunday night and you're set for the week.

What You'll Need

• 1 cup coarsely ground coffee (we recommend The Long Haul — Cowboy Blend)
• 4 cups cold water
• Large jar or pitcher
• Fine mesh strainer or coffee filter

Instructions

1. Combine: Add coffee grounds and cold water to your jar. Stir gently.
2. Steep: Cover and refrigerate for 12–24 hours. Longer = stronger.
3. Strain: Pour through a fine mesh strainer or coffee filter into a clean container.
4. Serve: Dilute with water or milk to taste (1:1 for concentrate). Serve over ice.

Pro Tips

• Use a 1:4 coffee-to-water ratio for concentrate, then dilute to taste
• Coarse grind is essential — too fine and it'll be bitter and hard to strain
• Cold brew concentrate keeps in the fridge for up to 2 weeks
• Add a pinch of salt to reduce any residual bitterness
• Make a double batch on Sunday and you're set for the week

Best No Shift Coffee for Cold Brew

Bold, dark roasts hold up best in cold brew — the long steep brings out depth without bitterness. Light roasts can taste thin and sour over a long cold steep.

• The Long Haul — Cowboy Blend | 12oz — Cocoa, caramel, and vanilla tones in a dark & medium blend. Makes a rich, smooth cold brew concentrate that's naturally sweet over ice.
• The Midnight Grind — 6-Bean Dark Roast | 12oz — Deep, complex 6-bean dark roast. Bold and layered — perfect for cold brew you can feel.

FAQ

Q: How long should I steep cold brew?
A: 12–24 hours in the refrigerator. 12 hours produces a lighter concentrate; 18–24 hours produces a stronger, more intense result. Don't steep longer than 24 hours or it can become bitter.

Q: What grind size is best for cold brew?
A: Extra coarse — like sea salt. A coarser grind prevents over-extraction during the long steep and makes straining much easier.

Q: How do I dilute cold brew concentrate?
A: Start with a 1:1 ratio — one part concentrate to one part water or milk. Adjust to taste. If you brewed at a 1:4 coffee-to-water ratio, it's a concentrate and needs dilution before drinking.

Q: How long does cold brew last in the fridge?
A: Up to 2 weeks as a concentrate. Diluted cold brew is best within 3–5 days.