Vent: My cold brew concentrate came out way too strong, even for me.

I steeped a 1:4 coffee to water ratio for 18 hours in my fridge, thinking it would be perfect. Now it's basically motor oil and I have to dilute it with like 3 parts water. What's your go-to ratio for a concentrate that's actually drinkable?

3 comments

3 Comments

ray_miller418h ago

Yeah, that 1:4 ratio will get you rocket fuel every time. I was doing the same thing and it was brutal. I switched to a 1:8 coffee to water ratio, still for about 18 hours in the fridge, and it comes out perfect. I only need to cut it with a little water or milk.

charles_kelly433h ago

Man, I've definitely made that same rocket fuel mistake before. I was so proud of my super strong cold brew until I took a sip and my heart tried to jump out of my chest. It tasted like I was drinking straight bitterness. Your 1:8 ratio sounds way smarter, I'm gonna try that next time. I guess I just got too excited and thought more coffee meant better coffee, which is clearly not true lol.

the_laura5h ago

Totally been there with the motor oil brew (it's the worst). Dialing it back to a 1:6 ratio for 16 hours made all the difference for me. Now it's strong but actually drinkable with just a splash of water.