Cold Brew Coffee 101: How to Make Cold Brew at Home (and the Best Coffee to Use)

As the days grow warmer and the sun starts to linger, there’s nothing quite as refreshing as a chilled glass of cold brew coffee. Smooth and incredibly easy to make at home, cold brew is the go-to summer drink for those who want something cool without compromising on flavour.

Whether you’re new to making cold brew at home or looking to perfect your method, this guide covers everything you need to know, starting with what cold brew actually is, to the best coffee and equipment to use.

What is Cold Brew Coffee?

Cold brew is a less acidic, naturally sweeter coffee made by steeping coarsely ground coffee in cold water for an extended period — typically between 8 and 24 hours. Unlike iced coffee (which is brewed hot and cooled), cold brew is never heated, which helps preserve the smoothness and subtle flavour notes of the beans.

Because it’s so gentle, cold brew is ideal for drinking black, though it’s also delicious with milk or your sweetener of choice. It’s versatile, refreshing, and surprisingly easy to make.

How to Make Cold Brew at Home

All you need to make cold brew at home is good-quality coffee beans, cold water, and a brewing vessel. We recommend using the Cold Brew Coffee Filter Bottle — a sleek, easy-to-use cold brew coffee bottle that simplifies the entire process.

Simple Cold Brew Method:

1. Grind 55–60g of your favourite Halo Coffee beans (medium to coarse grind).
2. Add the ground coffee to the filter inside the Hario bottle.
3. Fill with 650ml of filtered water.
4. Seal and refrigerate for 8 to 24 hours, depending on how strong you like your brew.
5. Remove the filter, pour over ice, and enjoy. Add used grounds to your garden bed or home compost.
   
   

Pro tip: The longer you brew, the stronger and bolder the flavour

Best Coffee for Cold Brew

When it comes to flavour, not all beans behave the same in cold brew. That’s why choosing the best coffee beans for cold brew is key to unlocking a smooth, balanced drink. Using medium to dark roast beans provides a less acidic, richer end product.

Jamie, part of the Halo Coffee team, recommends using Ristretto if you enjoy adding milk and sugar to your cold brew. With a full 24-hour steep, it delivers boldness and body that stands up to any extras.

If you prefer your cold brew black, she suggests Nepalese Everest with a 12-hour brew time. The lighter, spice and floral notes come through beautifully without overpowering the cup.

Ready to Brew?

Now you know how to make cold brew at home, all that’s left is to choose your beans and start brewing. Whether you like it bold and milky or bright and black, Halo Coffee’s specialty-grade whole beans are the perfect match for your summer sipping.