How to make perfect iced coffee (cold brew) at home? A simple guide for 2025

Iced coffee, or cold brew as it is also called, has become one of the hottest (or perhaps coldest?) trends in the coffee world in 2025. With its smooth, rich flavor and low acidity, iced coffee is not only refreshing – it is also easy to make at home. Whether About you are a coffee enthusiast or a beginner, we guide you step by step to brew the perfect iced coffee – with the right equipment for both small and large batches.

What is iced coffee (cold brew)?

Iced coffee differs from regular brewed coffee by being brewed with cold water over a longer period – usually between 12 and 24 hours. This makes the flavor less bitter and more full-bodied, which is perfect for summer days or as a refreshing boost year-round. In 2025, cold brew is still a favorite among coffee lovers, especially in combination with trendy add-ins like vanilla, cinnamon, or oat milk.

Why should you make iced coffee at home?

• Freshness: You control the quality of the coffee beans and avoid canned options.
• Economy: It is cheaper than buying expensive iced coffee drinks from cafes.
• Customization: Add flavors like chocolate, berries, or spices to create your own signature drink.
• Trendy: Iced coffee is one of the most popular coffee trends in 2025, perfect for impressing friends or customers About if you run a café.

What do you need to make iced coffee?

To get started, you need a few simple tools and ingredients, and with the right products, you can create a complete setup for brewing, grinding, and serving a perfect cold brew. Here’s what you need:

• Coffee beans: Choose a medium or dark roast for a full-bodied flavor. Arabica beans are popular for cold brew.
• Coffee grinder: A coarse Grind works best for cold brew. A manual or electric grinder can give you the precision you need to grind the beans perfectly.
• Cold brewer: A dedicated cold brewer for small batches or a commercial brewer for large volumes, suitable for both everyday and café use. For small batches, you can choose a compact cold brewer, while a commercial brewer like Toddy Coldbrew Commercial Brewer 10L is perfect for large quantities.
• Filter or cheesecloth: To separate the coffee from the grounds, you can use a fine mesh strainer or specially designed filter papers, like Toddy Coldbrew Commercial Paper Filters 50 pcs for large batches or smaller filters for compact brewers.
• Water: Cold, filtered water for the best results.
• Ice cubes and accessories: For serving – plus milk, sugar, or syrup About you want.

Step-by-step guide: How to make perfect iced coffee at home

1. Measure the coffee and water: Use a ratio of 1:4 or 1:5 (1 part coffee to 4–5 parts water). Grind the coffee beans coarsely to ensure even extraction.
2. Mix coffee and water: Place the ground beans in your cold brewer and pour over cold water. Stir About gently to ensure all the coffee gets wet.
3. Let it steep: Cover the container with a lid and let the mixture sit in the fridge or in a cool place for 12–24 hours. The longer it steeps, the stronger the flavor will be.
4. Filter the coffee: Strain the coffee grounds with a fine mesh sieve or filter for a clear and clean brew. Store the finished cold brew coffee in an airtight container in the fridge – it lasts up to a week.
5. Serve: Fill a glass with ice cubes, pour over cold brew (diluted with water or milk for a milder taste if desired) and add optional flavors like vanilla syrup or cinnamon.

Tips to elevate your iced coffee in 2025

• Experiment with flavors: Trendy combinations in 2025 include licorice, matcha, or caramel flavor for a modern twist.
• Use the right Grind: For high precision and consistency, choose a grinder that grinds evenly and coarsely for optimal extraction.
• Try different brewing times: About if you prefer a milder taste, reduce the time to 12 hours. For a more intense flavor, let it steep for up to 24 hours.
• Keep equipment clean: Clean your grinder and cold brewer thoroughly after each use to avoid old flavor residues.

Common questions About iced coffee

How long does cold brew last in the fridge?
Finished cold brew lasts up to a week in an airtight container in the fridge.

Can I use hot brewed coffee for iced coffee?
Yes, but it is then called "iced coffee" and may become more bitter. Cold brew is always brewed cold for a smoother taste.

Is iced coffee healthier?
Cold brew has lower acidity than hot brewed coffee, which can be gentler on the stomach, but the nutritional value is generally the same.

Final words: Become an iced coffee expert in 2025

Making iced coffee at home is not only easy – it is also a perfect way to keep up with the coffee trends of 2025. With the right equipment, you can enjoy a refreshing, flavorful drink anytime. Experiment with different beans, flavors, and accessories to find your favorite!

Recommended products (from cheapest to most expensive)

Coffee grinders

• Tiamo Manual Hand Grinder Slim
• Baratza Encore for filter coffee
• Fellow Opus Coffee Grinder
• 1Zpresso ZP6 Special Manual Coffee Grinder
• Fellow ODE Gen 2 White

Cold brewers

• Kinto CAPSULE Cold Brew 1L
• Timemore Icicle Cold Brewer
• Timemore Cold Brewer
• Kinto LUCE Cold Brewing Carafe 1L
• Toddy Coldbrew Commercial Brewer 10L*

*Note: Toddy Coldbrew Commercial Brewer 10L is ideal for large batches and works best together with Toddy Coldbrew Commercial Paper Filters 50 pcs for optimal filtration.