Step 1

Freshly grind the coffee beans on the coarsest setting. If you don't have a grinder, ask a local roaster to grind their beans on the coarsest or French Press setting, or grind them as such at the grocery store. I don't recommend using preground coffee for cold brew.

Step 2

Place the grounds in a quart-sized mason jar or similar sized vessel. As long as you can cover it - even with plastic wrap - and the liquid will fit, you're set! If adding a cinnamon stick or vanilla bean paste, do so now.

Step 3

Pour the water over the beans, working to saturate all of the grounds. As needed, use a spoon to gently mix in all the grounds to ensure that they are all wet.

Step 4

Cover the cold brew and let rest on the countertop or in the fridge for 14-24 hours, as desired. I like to brew for about 18 hours.

Step 5

Place a fine-mesh sieve over a bowl and spread a piece of cheesecloth or a nut milk bag on top of the sieve (see the post for additional straining options). Pour the coffee into the bowl to strain it.

Step 6

To serve, fill a glass with ice and add the cold brew. If the coffee is stronger than you'd like, dilute it with water or add cream, milk, or flavored simple syrup as desired and enjoy!