Brew Guide
How To Make
Cold Brew Coffee
The Cold Dripper
A slow, gravity-fed method that produces impossibly smooth, sweet cold brew. All you need is a cold drip system, good coffee, and patience.
The Method
Cold Drip Coffee, Explained
To make cold drip coffee, set up a cold drip system with a 1:9 coffee-to-water ratio using a medium coarse grind. Adjust the valve to about 6 drips per 10 seconds and let gravity slowly extract the coffee over 3–4 hours. The result is a smooth, sweet, low-acidity concentrate you can serve over ice, with cream, or straight.
Cold drip is different from cold brew immersion—instead of soaking grounds in water for hours, cold water drips slowly through a bed of coffee, one drop at a time. The result is cleaner, brighter, and more nuanced than immersion brewing. It's a beautiful method to watch, and the coffee it produces is exceptional.
What You Need
Cold Drip Equipment
The key piece of equipment is a cold drip system with an adjustable valve, filters for the top and bottom of the coffee bed, and a carafe or vessel to collect the brew. Here are some popular options.
gosh! Cold Dripper
A sleek, compact cold drip tower that looks great on the counter. Adjustable valve, glass carafe, and easy to clean.
Cold Bruer
An affordable, well-designed system that's perfect for beginners. Sits on top of a standard mason jar and produces excellent results.
Nispiria Cold Dripper
A premium option with precision valve control and beautiful design. Produces consistently excellent cold drip coffee.
Yama Tower Dripper
The classic cold drip tower—tall, dramatic, and produces stunning coffee. A conversation piece for any kitchen or coffee bar.
Step by Step
7 Steps to Cold Drip Coffee
Acquire a Cold Drip System
You need a system with an adjustable valve to control drip speed, filters for the top and bottom of the coffee bed, and patience. Any of the systems above will work beautifully.
Dose & Grind
Use a 1:9 coffee-to-water ratio. For a standard batch, that's about 50g of coffee to 450ml of cold water. Grind medium coarse—think raw sugar or coarse sand. Too fine and the water will pool; too coarse and you'll under-extract.
Saturate the Coffee
Pre-wet the bottom filter and place it in the brew chamber. Add your ground coffee and give it a gentle stir to level the bed. Add the top filter on top of the grounds—this distributes the dripping water evenly across the coffee bed.
Set the Drip Rate
Fill the top reservoir with cold water and adjust the valve to approximately 6 drips per 10 seconds. Count it out—this pace produces the best balance of extraction and clarity.
Wait
Gravity does the work from here. The brew takes about 3–4 hours depending on your batch size. Check in occasionally—the drip rate can shift as the coffee bed saturates, so readjust the valve if needed.
Drink
Serve your cold drip over ice for a refreshing drink, with a splash of cream for something richer, or drink it straight to appreciate the full complexity. Cold drip highlights sweetness and reduces bitterness—it's remarkably smooth.
Adjust for Next Time
A faster drip rate produces a lighter, more tea-like brew. A slower drip rate produces a bolder, more concentrated cup. If water pools on the coffee bed, try a coarser grind. If the brew tastes thin, try a finer grind or slower drip.
Good to Know
Storage & Pro Tips
Keeps 2 Weeks
Cold brew keeps beautifully in a sealed container in the fridge for up to two weeks. Make a big batch and enjoy it all week.
Use Fresh Beans
Even for cold brew, freshly roasted beans make a noticeable difference. Use beans within 3–14 days of their roast date for the best flavor.
Filtered Water
Use cold, filtered water for the cleanest, sweetest result. Tap water with heavy chlorine or minerals will muddy the delicate flavors cold drip highlights.
Common Questions
Cold Drip Coffee FAQ
How long does cold drip coffee take to brew?
Typically 3 to 4 hours, depending on batch size and drip rate. At about 6 drips per 10 seconds, a standard batch finishes in approximately 3.5 hours.
What is the best coffee-to-water ratio for cold drip?
A 1:9 ratio is a great starting point—for example, 50g of coffee to 450ml of water. Adjust up for a stronger concentrate or down for a lighter brew.
How long does cold brew coffee keep in the fridge?
Cold brew keeps well for up to 2 weeks in a sealed container in the fridge. The flavor stays smooth and consistent, making it a perfect make-ahead drink.
What grind size should I use for cold drip coffee?
Medium coarse—similar to raw sugar or coarse sand. Too fine and water will pool on the coffee bed. Too coarse and water passes through too quickly, under-extracting the coffee.
What is the difference between cold drip and cold brew immersion?
Cold drip uses gravity to slowly drip water through a coffee bed over several hours, producing a clean, bright concentrate. Cold brew immersion steeps grounds in water for 12–24 hours, producing a heavier, more full-bodied result. Cold drip generally yields a cleaner, more nuanced cup.
Cold Brew Deserves Great Beans
Fresh roasted, single origin specialty coffee delivered to your door. Try your first bag for $1.
Free shipping · Cancel anytime · 200% money back guarantee