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Mason Jar Cold Brew is a simple and convenient way to make delicious and smooth cold brew coffee at home without the need for specialized equipment.
Can I make cold brew in a mason jar?
Making cold brew in a mason jar is certainly possible and quite popular due to the convenience, ease of use, and easy maintenance of the jars. Moreover, no fancy equipment is required to prepare cold brew in a mason jar.
The process of making cold brew in a mason jar produces a large quantity of concentrate that can be stored in the refrigerator for several days. It’s a great option for those who don’t have access to a coffee maker or prefer the simplicity of using a mason jar.
Best Coffee for Cold Brew
While it’s true that personal preference plays a big role in choosing the best coffee for cold brew, many people do prefer using dark roast coffee beans for their cold brew. This is because dark roast beans have a bold, full-bodied flavor that can stand up well to the long steeping process.
Additionally, dark roast beans tend to have a lower acidity level than lighter roasts, which can result in a smoother and less bitter taste when cold brewed. This is important because cold brewing extracts less acidity from the coffee, which can make high-acidic coffees taste sour or unpleasant.
Ingredients Needed
- Coarsely Ground Coffee – If you’re looking for a coffee with a strong and rich taste that can withstand longer brewing times and has a lower acidity than lighter roasts, then dark roast coffee is your best bet. You have the option to either grind your own coffee beans with a coffee grinder or purchase them pre-ground to a coarse texture.
- Filtered Water – To enhance your coffee-drinking experience and fully appreciate the natural flavors and aromas, it’s recommended to use filtered water. However, if filtered water isn’t readily available, tap water can be used as an alternative.
Equipment Needed
- Coffee Grinder or Mill (optional) – For a delicious cold brew coffee, the ideal coffee grounds are coarsely ground to extract the optimal flavor. You can either grind the coffee beans yourself to a medium-coarse consistency using a coffee grinder or purchase pre-ground coffee. Although a handheld coffee mill is an option, it may take more time to grind the amount of coffee needed for cold brew. Using an electric grinder is often the most convenient and efficient method as it can process larger amounts of coffee quickly, resulting in perfectly ground coffee that is ideal for a refreshing cold brew.
- Large Mason Jar – A 32-ounce sized mason jar is an appropriate container for making cold brew coffee due to its capacity. Cold brew requires a specific coffee-to-water ratio, which can be achieved by measuring out a specific amount of coffee and water in the jar.
- Cheese Cloth – When making cold brew coffee in a mason jar, cheesecloth is a commonly used filtering method to remove any remaining coffee particles or sediment from the liquid.
Cold Brew Ratio
If you’re making mason jar cold brew coffee, it’s important to note that the coffee-to-water ratio differs from the French Press Cold Brew ratio. What is the cold brew coffee ratio, you ask? Typically, the standard cold brew ratio is 1:8, whereas the mason jar cold brew ratio is 1:4. After brewing the cold brew concentrate, you have the option to dilute it with water based on your personal taste preferences.
- Coffee grounds to water ratio: When preparing coffee, it’s recommended to use a coffee-to-water ratio of 1:4 for optimal flavor. This means that for every 6 cups of water, you’ll need 1 and a half cups of coffee grounds. It’s worth noting that this ratio may differ if you’re making cold brew coffee using a French press, so it’s important to adjust accordingly.
- Concentrate to water ratio: Mason jar cold brew produces a highly concentrated coffee that can be stored in a pitcher or the same jar. When it’s time to serve, it’s recommended to dilute the concentrate with an equal amount of water or milk, using a ratio of 1:1. This involves filling your glass with equal parts of concentrate and water or milk. By doing so, you can adjust the strength of the coffee to your liking while ensuring a consistent flavor.
How to Make Cold Brew Coffee in a Mason Jar
- Grind the coffee beans. Grind 2 cups of whole coffee beans until a coarse meal is formed. Alternatively, purchase coarsely ground coffee if you don’t want to grind it yourself.
- Mix the coffee grounds and water. Pour the ground coffee into a 32-ounce-sized mason jar and pour 4 cups of filtered water on top. Stir to mix the grounds and water together and cover with the lid.
- Steep for 12 to 24 hours. To steep your beverage, simply place the mason jar on the counter or in your pantry for a period of 12 to 24 hours. While a longer steeping time of 24 hours will result in a richer flavor, be mindful not to over-steep it, as this can lead to a loss of flavor.
- Filter the coffee. To prepare your cold brew coffee, pour it through a strainer lined with cheesecloth, and filter it into a separate container (or mason jar). Once the filtering process is complete, your delicious cold brew is now ready to drink! It is recommended to dilute the coffee concentrate with equal parts cold water to achieve the desired strength.
FAQS
To make cold brew in a mason jar, it is recommended to steep the coffee for at least 12 hours and up to 24 hours. The steeping time can vary depending on personal preference and the type of coffee used. A longer steeping time will result in a stronger and more robust flavor, but be careful not to over-steep it, as it can lead to a bitter taste.
Cold brew coffee can typically last up to 10-14 days when stored in a mason jar in the refrigerator.
Storage Information
To store mason jar cold brew, simply place the lid on the jar and store it in the refrigerator. Cold brew can typically last up to 10-14 days when stored properly in the refrigerator. However, the exact shelf life can vary based on factors such as the freshness of the coffee, the cleanliness of the jar, and the temperature of the refrigerator.
Consuming the cold brew within a week of making it is recommended to ensure the best quality and flavor. If the cold brew develops an off taste or odor, it is best to discard it. Additionally, it is important to note that homemade cold brew may not have the same shelf life as store-bought cold brew, which may contain additional preservatives to extend its shelf life.
Recipe Notes and Tips
- Grind the coffee beans coarsely: Grinding the coffee beans too fine can result in over-extraction, leading to a bitter taste. A coarse grind is ideal for mason jar cold brew.
- Use cold, filtered water: Use cold water to make your cold brew, and make sure it is filtered to remove any impurities.
- Use a 1:4 coffee-to-water ratio: A good starting point is to use one cup of coffee grounds for every four cups of water. Adjust the ratio based on your personal preference.
- Dilute with water: When serving, dilute the cold brew concentrate with water to your desired strength.
- Experiment with flavor additions: You can add various flavors to your mason jar cold brew, such as cinnamon sticks, vanilla beans, or even syrups such as Brown Sugar Syrup, to create a unique and personalized taste.
More Cold Brew Recipes
Mason Jar Cold Brew
Equipment
- 32-ounce Mason Jar with Lid
- Cheesecloth
Ingredients
- 1½ cups Coarsely Ground Coffee
- 6 cups Water plus more for diluting the concentrate
Instructions
- Grind the coffee beans. Grind 2 cups of whole coffee beans until a coarse meal is formed. Alternatively, purchase coarsely ground coffee if you don't want to grind it yourself.
- Mix the coffee grounds and water. Pour the ground coffee into a 32-ounce-sized mason jar and pour 4 cups of filtered water on top. Stir to mix the grounds and water together and cover with the lid.
- Steep for 12 to 24 hours. To steep your beverage, simply place the mason jar on the counter or in your pantry for a period of 12 to 24 hours. While a longer steeping time of 24 hours will result in a richer flavor, be mindful not to over-steep it, as this can lead to a loss of flavor.
- Filter the coffee. To prepare your cold brew coffee, pour it through a strainer lined with cheesecloth, and filter it into a separate container (or mason jar). Once the filtering process is complete, your delicious cold brew is now ready to drink! It is recommended to dilute the coffee concentrate with equal parts cold water to achieve the desired strength.
Notes
- Grind the coffee beans coarsely: Grinding the coffee beans too fine can result in over-extraction, leading to a bitter taste. A coarse grind is ideal for mason jar cold brew.
- Use cold, filtered water: Use cold water to make your cold brew, and make sure it is filtered to remove any impurities.
- Use a 1:4 coffee-to-water ratio: A good starting point is to use one cup of coffee grounds for every four cups of water. Adjust the ratio based on your personal preference.
- Dilute with water: When serving, dilute the cold brew concentrate with water to your desired strength.
- Experiment with flavor additions: You can add various flavors to your mason jar cold brew, such as cinnamon sticks, vanilla beans, or even syrups such as Brown Sugar Syrup, to create a unique and personalized taste.
