Mason Jar Cold Brew Coffee: Simple Iced Coffee Recipe

How to make cold brew iced coffee at home. This cold brew coffee recipe is made overnight in a mason jar.

Today I’m sharing my favorite cold brew iced coffee method that you can make in a mason jar. I love visiting local coffee shops and over the years I developed a real appreciation for smooth cold brew. This simple technique delivers café-quality cold brew at home and saves money compared to buying it out.

What is cold brew coffee?

Cold brew is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee in cold or room-temperature water for an extended time, usually 12–24 hours. The slow, cold extraction produces a mellow, less acidic concentrate that’s perfect for iced coffee.

Why drink cold brew coffee?

Cold brew is significantly less acidic than hot-brewed coffee—often around 60% less—because you never heat the grounds. That means fewer bitter notes and less chance of heartburn. If you prefer a smoother, milder iced coffee, cold brew is a great choice.

Cold Brew Iced Coffee Ingredients

• One 24–36 oz mason jar
• 4 heaping tablespoons dark roast coffee grounds
• 3 cups cold water
• Fine mesh strainer (mini or standard)
• Cheesecloth (optional, for extra-fine filtering)

Instructions:

1. Add 4 heaping tablespoons of your favorite dark roast to a 3-cup mason jar.
2. Pour in 3 cups of cold water, covering the grounds.
3. Stir or seal the jar and shake vigorously to combine grounds and water.
4. Refrigerate and steep for 12–24 hours. I usually prepare it the night before and let it steep for about 12 hours.

After 12–24 hours your cold brew is ready to be strained and enjoyed.

Cold Brew Coffee

A straightforward cold brew recipe: grab a mason jar and some coffee grounds for smooth, low-acid iced coffee at home.

Prep Time
5 minutes

Additional Time
12–24 hours

Total Time
12–24 hours + 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 Tbsp dark roast coffee grounds
• 3 cups cold water
• 24 oz or 32 oz mason jar
• Fine strainer or cheesecloth

Instructions

1. Place 4 heaping tablespoons of ground coffee into the mason jar.
2. Add 3 cups of cold water to the jar.
3. Cover the jar and shake or stir to combine.
4. Refrigerate and steep for 12–24 hours.
5. Strain the brew into another jar or glass using a fine mesh strainer; use cheesecloth if needed for finer filtering.
6. If the concentrate is too strong, dilute with cold water or serve with a splash of creamer or sugar to taste.

To strain, position your fine mesh strainer over a clean mason jar or glass and pour the steeped coffee through. If you notice small grounds in the strained liquid, line the strainer with cheesecloth and filter again for a clearer concentrate. A good strainer often catches most grounds, making cheesecloth optional.

Finish by diluting to taste, adding your favorite creamer or sugar, and serving over ice. Enjoy a smooth, low-acid cold brew made easily at home.