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Copycat Starbucks Cold Brew Coffee Recipe copycat recipe

Copycat Starbucks Cold Brew Coffee Recipe (Better Than the Original!)

This copycat Starbucks Cold Brew Coffee recipe delivers the same smooth, rich, and naturally sweet flavor that coffee lovers crave, but made right at home. The slow steeping process creates a concentrate that's less acidic and more flavorful than traditional iced coffee. With its bold yet mellow taste and velvety texture, this cold brew rivals the original and costs a fraction of the price.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 12 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 4 drinks
Calories: 5
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

For the Cold Brew Concentrate
  • 1 cup coarsely ground coffee medium to dark roast preferred
  • 4 cups cold filtered water room temperature is fine
For Serving
  • 1 cup ice cubes per serving
  • 1/2 cup cold brew concentrate adjust to taste
  • 1/2 cup cold water or milk for diluting
  • 2 tablespoons simple syrup or sweetener optional, to taste

Equipment

  • large glass jar or pitcher
  • Fine-mesh strainer
  • cheesecloth or coffee filter
  • Measuring cups

Method
 

  1. Add the coarsely ground coffee to a large glass jar or pitcher, ensuring the grounds are evenly distributed at the bottom. The grind should resemble coarse sea salt for optimal extraction and to prevent over-extraction that can lead to bitterness.
  2. Pour the cold filtered water over the coffee grounds, making sure all the grounds are fully saturated and submerged. Stir gently with a long spoon for about 30 seconds to ensure even saturation, watching as the grounds bloom and release their aromatic oils.
  3. Cover the jar or pitcher with a lid or plastic wrap and let it steep at room temperature for 12 to 24 hours. The longer steeping time will produce a stronger, more concentrated brew with deeper flavor notes, while 12 hours yields a milder result.
  4. After steeping, line a fine mesh strainer with cheesecloth or a coffee filter and place it over a clean pitcher or bowl. This double filtration method ensures a smooth, sediment-free cold brew that matches the clarity of the Starbucks version.
  5. Slowly pour the cold brew mixture through the lined strainer, allowing gravity to do the work without pressing or squeezing the grounds. The liquid should drip through steadily, producing a dark, glossy concentrate that smells intensely aromatic and slightly sweet.
  6. Discard the used coffee grounds and transfer the strained concentrate to a clean glass jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid. This concentrate can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, maintaining its fresh flavor and smooth character.
  7. To serve, fill a tall glass with ice cubes until it's about three-quarters full, hearing the satisfying clink as they settle. Pour half a cup of the cold brew concentrate over the ice, watching as it cascades through the cubes.
  8. Add an equal amount of cold water, milk, or your preferred dairy alternative to dilute the concentrate to drinking strength, adjusting the ratio based on your taste preference for stronger or milder coffee. Stir in simple syrup or sweetener if desired, mixing until fully incorporated and the drink is perfectly balanced between bold coffee flavor and smooth, refreshing coolness.