There’s something truly special about a glass of cold brew coffee. Its character is distinct from its hot-brewed counterpart—smoother, less acidic, and wonderfully rich. While it might seem like a coffee shop luxury, the secret is that it’s one of the easiest coffee preparations to master at home. All you need is a handful of simple ingredients and a tool you probably already have in your cupboard. This guide will walk you through exactly how to make cold brew in a Mason jar: a simple step-by-step recipe that will change your morning routine for the better.
Beyond the incredible ease, making your own concentrate is incredibly cost-effective. A single batch can provide you with days of ready-to-drink coffee, saving you multiple trips to the café. The process is forgiving, requires no special equipment, and allows you to fully customize the strength and flavor to your personal preference. Let’s get started on your new favorite coffee ritual.
Why You’ll Love This Mason Jar Cold Brew Method
Before we measure our first scoop of coffee, let’s talk about why this method is so brilliant. The cold brewing process, which involves steeping coarsely ground coffee in cold water for an extended period, extracts the sugars and oils in the coffee beans differently than heat does. The result is a concentrate that is naturally sweeter and has up to 70% less acidity. This makes it a gentler option for sensitive stomachs and a more mellow flavor experience overall. Using a Mason jar as your brewer is not only charmingly simple but also functional—the airtight lid allows you to easily shake the mixture at the beginning and store it without any fuss.
Gathering Your Simple Tools and Ingredients
Part of the beauty of this method is its simplicity. You won’t need a fancy cold brew machine or any complex gadgets. Here’s your straightforward shopping list:
- A Large Mason Jar: A quart-sized (32 oz) jar is the perfect vessel for creating a manageable batch of concentrate.
- Coarsely Ground Coffee: This is non-negotiable. A coarse grind, similar to what you’d use for a French press, is essential to prevent over-extraction and a muddy, silt-filled final product. You can grind whole beans at home or ask your local roaster to grind them for cold brew.
- Fresh, Cold Water: Filtered water is best, as the quality of your water greatly impacts the final taste.
- A Strainer: A fine-mesh sieve is ideal. For an even clearer brew, you can line it with a cheesecloth, a clean paper towel, or a dedicated nut milk bag.
- An Additional Jar or Bottle: For storing your finished concentrate.
For the coffee itself, a good starting ratio is 1 cup of coarsely ground coffee to 4 cups of water. This creates a strong concentrate that you’ll dilute later.
How To Make Cold Brew in a Mason Jar: A Simple Step-by-Step Recipe
Now for the main event. This process is less about precise technique and more about patience. Set aside just five minutes of active effort for a reward that lasts all week.
- Combine Coffee and Water: Add one cup of coarsely ground coffee to your clean, quart-sized Mason jar. Slowly pour in four cups of cold, filtered water. As you pour, ensure all the coffee grounds are fully saturated. You may see some grounds floating on top, which is perfectly normal.
- Stir and Seal: Gently stir the mixture with a long spoon to make sure there are no dry clumps of coffee. Securely screw on the lid of the jar.
- Steep: Place the jar in a cool, dark spot like a pantry or a countertop away from direct sunlight. Let it steep for 12 to 24 hours. The longer it steeps, the stronger and more robust the flavor will become. A good sweet spot for most people is around 18 hours.
- Strain the Concentrate: After the steeping time is up, it’s time to separate the grounds from the liquid. Place your fine-mesh strainer over a bowl or a second jar. If you’re using a cheesecloth or paper towel, line the strainer with it. Slowly pour the cold brew mixture through the strainer. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overflowing.
- Store and Enjoy: Once strained, you have a beautiful, ready-to-use cold brew concentrate. Transfer it to a clean bottle or jar and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh for up to two weeks.
Tips for the Perfect Batch Every Time
A little knowledge goes a long way in perfecting your personal cold brew. Here are some insights to help you tailor the process to your taste.
Choosing Your Beans: The flavor profile of your cold brew will heavily depend on the beans you choose. Lighter roasts can highlight fruity and floral notes, while medium and dark roasts will yield a richer, more chocolatey and classic cold brew flavor. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different single-origin beans or blends.
The Art of Dilution: Your Mason jar creation is a concentrate, meaning it’s meant to be diluted. A standard ratio is about 1 part cold brew concentrate to 1 part water or milk over ice. Start there and adjust to your preferred strength. You can also drink it straight over ice if you prefer an incredibly strong and bold cup.
Don’t Skip the Second Strain: For an ultra-smooth texture without any fine sediment, a second straining through a paper towel-lined sieve is a game-changer. It takes an extra minute but makes a noticeable difference in the final product’s clarity and mouthfeel.
Your New Go-To Coffee Routine
Making cold brew in a Mason jar is more than just a recipe; it’s a simple, sustainable, and deeply satisfying way to enjoy one of life’s great pleasures. You have complete control over the ingredients, the strength, and the flavor, all without any specialized equipment. With just a few minutes of hands-on time, you can have a steady supply of smooth, refreshing coffee ready whenever you need it. So, find that jar, grab your favorite coffee, and give it a try. Your future self, enjoying a perfectly chilled glass on a busy morning, will thank you.