Frequently asked questions about Cold Brew with our Cold Brew expert and COFFEE PIRATES founder Patrick

We always love to hear about all your mishaps and experiments when making your own cold brew. There are a few questions we've been asked over the years about making this smooth, sweet, cold bean beverage at home. We asked Coffee Pirates founder Patrick Schiller to answer our most frequently asked questions about making cold brew. He offered his cold brew expertise and even gave tips on caring for houseplants.

Which types of coffee are best for cold brew?

For a fruitier profile (and especially if you like your cold brew neat), African coffees are best - try our Ethiopia . If you prefer something smoother with chocolate notes and prefer to sweeten it with milk and sugar, try our Finca Huehuetenango washed from Guatemala. A balanced blend like our house blend " Home Port " is another great option for something complex and sweet that can be enjoyed neat or stand up to milk and sugar.

How long does cold brew last after preparation?

Refrigerated for 7-10 days. If your cold brew doesn't taste so good anymore, some of your plants might be happy! Dilute the cold brew with 2 parts water and 1 part cold brew. Water the plants that prefer slightly acidic soil, like roses, begonias and ferns. But don't overdo it.

Do I need to keep cold brew refrigerated after preparation?

YES!

How long should I let my cold brew brew?

16 hours, but don't stress. Anywhere between 14 and 18 is fine. We've found that the water and coffee reach a balance, which slows the extraction down dramatically toward the end. Just don't go into the 20-24 hour range or you'll get some unpleasant woody notes in terms of taste. If you want a stronger profile, just dilute the concentrate a little less instead of letting it steep longer.

What grind size should I use for cold brew?

Coarse, like you would grind for a French press. This makes filtering nice and easy and allows you to do cold brew extraction while you sleep.

Can I make cold brew with decaffeinated beans?

TOTAL! Our decaf as cold brew is super smooth and sweet.

I don't have space in my fridge - do I need to leave the filter/brewer in the fridge while brewing like the instructions say?

Nope! Room temperature is fine, but you should put the cold brew in the fridge immediately after filtering to cool it as quickly as possible. Use an ice bath and let the container you filtered into float around in it, which will speed up the cooling process. If you steep it in the fridge, try steeping it for a longer time, around 20 hours.

How often can I use the wool filter? Should it be refrigerated?

Very often, if you take care of it. After each use, it's a good idea to rinse with hot water and squeeze until everything runs clear. Then store it in a plastic bag in the freezer. When you're ready to make more cold brew, just let it thaw in some warm water.

What should the coffee-water ratio be?

340 grams of coffee (that's just over a bag of Coffee Pirates coffee) and 1800 grams of water is a good starting point for making cold brew concentrate. You can then dilute it 1:1 with water (or milk!) when you're ready for a caffeinated refreshment .

Should I filter the water I use to make cold brew?

Yes! Cold brew is about 98% water, so make sure it's fresh and clean!

What options do I have if I don't use a filter or use another device with a built-in filter?

My favorite method is to make cold brew in a French press, just like hot coffee, but after 16 hours instead of 4 minutes. Then filter the extract through a paper coffee filter (Chemex, V60, Kalita, Melitta, whatever) to make it a clear liquid.

Would you like more information about brewing cold brew? Check out our Cold Brew Brewguide or our video.