master-cooks | The Absolute Best Steep Time For Cold Brew, According To An Expert

Cold brew coffee has gained immense popularity due to its smooth, rich flavor and low acidity. The steeping time is a crucial factor in achieving the perfect cold brew. According to coffee experts, the ideal steeping time for cold brew is generally between 12 to 24 hours. This time frame is considered optimal because it allows the coffee grounds to fully infuse the water with flavor while minimizing the extraction of bitter compounds. Steeping for less than 12 hours may result in a weaker taste, lacking the depth and richness that cold brew enthusiasts seek. On the other hand, extending the steeping time beyond 24 hours can lead to over-extraction, introducing unwanted bitterness and astringency to the brew. The steeping process should ideally occur in a refrigerator or a cool, dark place to maintain a consistent temperature, which helps in achieving a balanced flavor profile. The grind size of the coffee also plays a role, with a coarse grind being preferred to ensure a slow, even extraction. Ultimately, personal preference will determine the exact steep time within this range, but adhering to these guidelines will ensure a satisfying cold brew experience.

Experimenting with steep time

Every barista and coffee enthusiast has their own preferred recipe and steeping duration, so keep in mind that the 12-to-18-hour guideline is not a strict rule. Some individuals steep for up to 24 hours, although it's uncommon to steep for less than 12. For instance, Starbucks allows its cold brew to steep for 20 hours. It's perfectly fine to taste the brew during the steeping process to assess whether it needs more time or if it's ready to be strained.

When you start making your own cold brew at home, your initial attempt may not turn out to be the best. It may take a few tries to discover the adjustments that align with your personal taste. A lighter brew steeped for 12 hours might be ideal for enjoying black, while a more concentrated brew steeped for 18 hours could be just right with a splash of oat milk creamer. It's generally better to have a stronger brew, as you can always dilute it with water or milk.

Begin with a steeping time in the middle range—around 15 to 16 hours—and make adjustments from there. Young also recommends this approach. "You might need to experiment a bit until you pinpoint exactly what you need to achieve your perfect flavor. As long as you keep the fundamental principles of grind size and steeping time in mind, you can easily make any necessary tweaks."

Other considerations for making cold brew

If you've already adjusted the steeping time and the flavor still isn't to your liking, consider other factors. Young identifies several elements that can affect steeping time, such as "particle size, water volume, coffee type, water type, etc." For grind size, aim for a medium-coarse texture, which is slightly coarser than what is typically used for cold brew. A good cold brew recipe uses a ratio of 1 cup of coffee grounds to 4 cups of water; this ratio can be easily scaled up for larger batches throughout the week.

To achieve a stronger coffee, adhere to the recommended steeping time but slightly increase the amount of coffee grounds. If you've adjusted the water ratio to 1 part coffee to 5 parts water, you can extend the steeping time. Steeping for up to 24 hours is sometimes practiced to maximize flavor extraction when using a smaller quantity of coffee.

Lastly, the type of coffee you choose is important: medium or dark roasts are often preferred for cold brew because their rich, roasted flavors are more pronounced. Light roasts provide more delicate, unique flavors and can benefit from longer steeping times to enhance flavor extraction.

The Absolute Best Steep Time For Cold Brew, According To An Expert

Experimenting with steep time

Other considerations for making cold brew

Recommended

Next up