How to Make Cold Brew Concentrate at Home Using a Cafetière

Cold brew coffee has taken the coffee world by storm, and for good reason. It’s smooth, low in acidity, and incredibly versatile—perfect for iced coffee, lattes, or even cocktails. But did you know you can make café-quality cold brew concentrate at home using a simple cafetière (French press)? No fancy equipment required, just a few pantry staples and a little patience.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the exact steps to brew a silky, concentrated cold brew using your cafetière. We’ll also share tips on choosing the right beans, grind size, and steeping time so you can tailor the flavor to your liking. Whether you’re a cold brew veteran or a curious beginner, this method delivers consistent results every time.

Why Use a Cafetière for Cold Brew Concentrate?

A cafetière—also known as a French press—is one of the most accessible and effective tools for making cold brew at home. Its built-in mesh filter separates grounds from liquid easily, and the glass or stainless steel carafe is perfect for steeping coffee at room temperature. Unlike paper filters, the mesh allows some of the coffee’s natural oils to pass through, giving your cold brew a fuller body and richer mouthfeel.

Another advantage is control. With a cafetière, you can adjust the steeping time, water ratio, and even the grind size to dial in your perfect concentrate. Plus, it’s a single-vessel method—no need for a separate container or cheesecloth. Just add coffee, water, steep, press, and pour. Cleanup is quick, and the concentrate can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks.

• Use a coarse grind to avoid over-extraction and a muddy texture.
• Start with a 1:4 coffee-to-water ratio for a strong concentrate that can be diluted later.

Choosing the Right Coffee Beans for Cold Brew

Not all coffee beans are created equal when it comes to cold brew. Because cold brewing extracts fewer acidic compounds, you’ll want beans that shine in a smooth, chocolatey, or nutty profile. Medium to dark roasts often work best, but light roasts can also produce surprisingly fruity and complex cold brews if you’re adventurous.

For a classic, crowd-pleasing concentrate, try a blend like the Mocha Java Blend Nº 3. Its combination of earthy, spicy notes and subtle sweetness makes it ideal for cold brew. If you prefer single-origin exploration, the Colombia El Diviso Advanced Washed Nº 368 offers a clean, bright cup with hints of red fruit and caramel—perfect for a more nuanced cold brew. Both are available at RAVE Coffee and will elevate your homemade concentrate.

Step-by-Step: Cold Brew Concentrate in a Cafetière

Start by measuring your coffee. For a standard 1-liter cafetière, use 100 grams of coarsely ground coffee. The coarse grind is crucial—too fine and you’ll end up with a bitter, cloudy brew. Add the grounds to your clean cafetière, then pour in 400 ml of cold, filtered water (room temperature is fine). Stir gently with a wooden spoon or chopstick to ensure all grounds are saturated.

Place the plunger on top but do not press it down. Let the mixture steep at room temperature for 12 to 16 hours. If your kitchen is warm, 12 hours is enough; cooler environments may need up to 18 hours. After steeping, press the plunger down slowly and steadily. Pour the concentrate through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean jar to catch any fine sediment. Store in the fridge.

• Steep time: 12–16 hours at room temperature for best extraction.
• Strain twice if you want an ultra-clear concentrate.

How to Serve Your Cold Brew Concentrate

Cold brew concentrate is intentionally strong—typically 2–3 times more concentrated than regular drip coffee. To enjoy it, dilute with water, milk, or a milk alternative in a 1:1 or 1:2 ratio (concentrate to liquid). Pour over ice for a classic iced coffee, or add a splash of cream and a drizzle of simple syrup for a café-style treat.

You can also use your concentrate as a base for cocktails (try it in an espresso martini), baking (add to chocolate cake batter), or even as a marinade for meats. Because it keeps well in the fridge for up to two weeks, you can batch-brew on the weekend and enjoy hassle-free coffee all week long.

• For an iced latte: 1 part concentrate + 2 parts milk over ice.
• Sweeten with vanilla syrup or a pinch of sea salt for depth.

Tips for Perfect Cold Brew Every Time

Use fresh, high-quality beans. Stale coffee will yield flat, lifeless cold brew. If you’re roasting your own green beans, try the Indonesia Mandheling Green Coffee Beans for a full-bodied, low-acid profile that’s ideal for cold brew. Another excellent green option is the Papua New Guinea Lamari Green Coffee Beans, which offers a clean, bright cup with subtle floral notes.

Always grind just before steeping to preserve volatile aromas. If you don’t have a grinder, many specialty roasters (including RAVE Coffee) offer pre-ground options for cold brew. Finally, experiment with ratios and steep times—every palate is different. Write down what works for you so you can replicate it.

• Store your concentrate in an airtight glass jar in the fridge.
• Don’t steep longer than 24 hours—it can become bitter.

Making cold brew concentrate at home with a cafetière is simple, rewarding, and endlessly customizable. With the right beans and a little patience, you’ll have a smooth, delicious concentrate ready to enjoy all summer long. Ready to start brewing? Grab a bag of Mocha Java Blend Nº 3 or Colombia El Diviso Advanced Washed Nº 368 from RAVE Coffee and taste the difference fresh specialty beans make.