How to Make the Perfect Cold Brew with Ground Coffee: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cold brew coffee has taken the coffee world by storm with its naturally sweet, smooth, and low-acid profile. Unlike iced coffee, which is brewed hot and then chilled, cold brew is steeped in cold water for 12 to 24 hours, resulting in a concentrate that you can dilute with water or milk. The best part? You don't need any fancy equipment—just a jar, some water, and your favorite ground coffee.

Whether you're a cold brew veteran or a first-timer, using the right grind and roast level makes all the difference. In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know, from choosing the best ground coffee to mastering the perfect steeping time. Let's dive in and make your new favorite summer (or any-season) drink.

Why Ground Coffee Works Best for Cold Brew

Cold brew requires a coarse grind to prevent over-extraction and bitterness. Pre-ground coffee labeled for French press or cold brew is ideal because it's consistent and ready to use. Using ground coffee saves you the step of grinding beans at home, making the process quick and convenient. Hills Bros. offers several ground options that work beautifully for cold brew, such as their French Roast - Dark Roast - Ground, which brings a bold, smoky depth that stands up well to long steeping.

Medium roasts also shine in cold brew, offering a balanced flavor with subtle chocolate and nutty notes. For a versatile option, try the Original Mild - Light Roast - Ground, which yields a lighter, fruitier concentrate perfect for hot summer days. The key is to avoid finely ground coffee, as it can turn your brew muddy and overly bitter.

• Use coarse ground coffee for best extraction and clarity.
• Pre-ground coffee labeled for French press or cold brew is ideal.
• Dark roasts like French Roast add bold, smoky flavors; light roasts like Original Mild give a brighter, fruitier cup.

The Perfect Cold Brew Ratio: Coffee to Water

The golden ratio for cold brew concentrate is 1 cup of ground coffee to 4 cups of cold, filtered water. This yields a strong concentrate that you can dilute with equal parts water or milk. If you prefer a ready-to-drink strength, use a 1:8 ratio instead. For a single serving, mix 1/4 cup of ground coffee with 1 cup of water.

Using a scale ensures accuracy, but volume measurements work fine. Hills Bros. High Yield - Medium Roast - Ground is a great choice for cold brew because it's designed to produce more cups per pound, giving you excellent value when making large batches. Simply combine the coffee and water in a jar, stir gently, and cover.

• Standard concentrate ratio: 1 cup coffee to 4 cups water.
• Ready-to-drink ratio: 1 cup coffee to 8 cups water.
• For single servings: 1/4 cup coffee to 1 cup water.

Step-by-Step Cold Brew Instructions

Start by adding your ground coffee to a large glass jar or pitcher. Pour in cold, filtered water and stir to ensure all grounds are saturated. Cover the container and place it in the refrigerator or at room temperature for 12 to 24 hours. The longer you steep, the stronger and more concentrated the brew becomes. For a balanced flavor, 18 hours is a sweet spot.

After steeping, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve lined with a coffee filter or a nut milk bag. Discard the grounds, and you'll be left with a smooth, dark concentrate. Store it in the fridge for up to two weeks. For a quick and delicious cold brew, try using Hills Bros. Perfect Balance - Medium Roast - K-Cup® Pods if you have a Keurig—just brew over ice for a fast alternative.

• Steep for 12-24 hours; 18 hours is ideal for most roasts.
• Strain with a fine-mesh sieve and coffee filter or nut milk bag.
• Store concentrate in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Tips for Customizing Your Cold Brew

Once you have your concentrate, the possibilities are endless. Serve it over ice with a splash of milk or cream for a classic cold brew latte. Add a dash of cinnamon or vanilla extract for extra flavor. If you prefer a sweeter drink, stir in simple syrup or a flavored creamer. For a caffeine-free option, decaf ground coffee works just as well—try Hills Bros. Decaf Original Blend - Medium Roast - Ground for a smooth, rich cold brew without the jitters.

You can also experiment with different roasts to find your favorite profile. Dark roasts like French Roast create a bold, chocolatey concentrate, while light roasts like Original Mild yield a tea-like, fruity brew. Don't be afraid to mix roasts for a unique blend. Cold brew is incredibly forgiving, so have fun and make it your own.

• Add milk, cream, or non-dairy alternatives for a latte-style drink.
• Flavor with cinnamon, vanilla, or simple syrup.
• Decaf ground coffee works perfectly for a caffeine-free cold brew.

Making cold brew at home with ground coffee is simple, affordable, and endlessly customizable. With the right ratio, a coarse grind, and a little patience, you'll enjoy smooth, delicious cold brew any day of the week. Ready to start brewing? Grab a bag of Hills Bros. French Roast - Dark Roast - Ground for a bold, smoky cold brew that will keep you coming back for more.