What is the recommended water-to-coffee ratio for cold brew?

The recommended water-to-coffee ratio for cold brew typically falls within the range of 1:4 to 1:8. This means that for every part of coffee, you would use four to eight parts of water. This ratio allows for a concentrated brew that can be diluted later based on personal preference, achieving a smooth and flavorful cold coffee beverage. Cold brew coffee relies on a higher coffee concentration to extract the flavors over an extended steeping time, generally around 12 to 24 hours, which makes this ratio effective for ensuring that the resulting brew has the right balance of boldness and smoothness.

Contrary to other ratios, such as those that suggest higher levels of dilution, the 1:4 to 1:8 ratio ensures that the natural flavors of the coffee beans shine through without becoming too weak or watery, which is essential for the unique characteristics that cold brew coffee provides.