Making Cold Brew Coffee With Folgers

Quick answer

• Yes, you can make cold brew coffee with Folgers.
• Use a coarser grind than you would for hot coffee to prevent bitterness.
• A 1:4 coffee-to-water ratio is a good starting point for a concentrate.
• Allow at least 12-24 hours for steeping at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
• Strain the cold brew thoroughly to remove fine grounds.
• Dilute the concentrate with water or milk to your preferred strength.

Who this is for

• Anyone who enjoys smooth, low-acid coffee and has Folgers grounds on hand.
• Home brewers looking for a simple, no-equipment-needed coffee method.
• Those who want to experiment with cold brew without buying specialized coffee beans.

What to check first

Brewer type and filter type

For cold brew, you don’t need a fancy brewer. A large jar, pitcher, or even a French press can work. The key is having a way to strain the grounds out effectively. Paper filters, fine-mesh sieves, or cheesecloth are common choices.

For cold brew, you don’t need a fancy brewer. A large glass pitcher is an excellent and simple option for steeping your coffee grounds.

No products found.

Water quality and temperature

Use filtered water for the cleanest taste. Tap water can introduce off-flavors. While cold brew is made with cold water, the steeping temperature can vary. Many people steep at room temperature, which is around 70°F. Others prefer steeping in the refrigerator, which is typically around 40°F. Both methods work, but room temperature steeping might extract flavor slightly faster.

Grind size and coffee freshness

The grind size is crucial for cold brew. You want a coarse grind, similar to breadcrumbs or sea salt. If the grind is too fine, it can lead to over-extraction and a bitter, muddy brew. Freshness matters for any coffee, but with cold brew’s long steep time, stale coffee will taste even flatter. If your Folgers is an older can, it might not yield the best results.

Coffee-to-water ratio

The ratio determines the strength of your cold brew concentrate. A common starting point is 1:4 (one part coffee to four parts water by weight or volume). For example, 8 ounces of coffee grounds to 32 ounces of water. You can adjust this based on your preference for a stronger or weaker concentrate.

Cleanliness/descale status

Ensure your brewing container, straining tools, and any storage vessels are clean. Residual oils from previous brews can turn rancid and impart unpleasant flavors. If you’re using a French press, make sure it’s properly descaled according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step-by-step (brew workflow)

1. Measure your coffee grounds.

• What “good” looks like: Coarse, even grounds.
• Common mistake: Using a fine grind meant for drip coffee.
• How to avoid: If grinding your own Folgers, set your grinder to the coarsest setting. If using pre-ground Folgers, it might be too fine; consider buying a coarser grind if possible, or accepting a slightly less ideal result.

2. Measure your water.

• What “good” looks like: Clean, filtered water.
• Common mistake: Using tap water with strong chlorine or mineral tastes.
• How to avoid: Use a water filter pitcher or tap filter for best results.

3. Combine coffee and water.

• What “good” looks like: All coffee grounds are saturated with water.
• Common mistake: Not ensuring all grounds are wet, leading to uneven extraction.
• How to avoid: Gently stir the mixture after adding water to make sure there are no dry pockets.

4. Steep the mixture.

• What “good” looks like: The mixture sits undisturbed for 12-24 hours.
• Common mistake: Steeping for too short a time (less than 12 hours) or too long (over 24 hours).
• How to avoid: Set a timer or reminder. 18-24 hours is a good target for a balanced flavor.

5. Prepare for straining.

• What “good” looks like: Your chosen strainer is ready over a clean container.
• Common mistake: Using a strainer with holes too large, allowing fine grounds to pass through.
• How to avoid: Line a fine-mesh sieve with a coffee filter, cheesecloth, or a clean paper towel for a cleaner result.

6. Strain the concentrate.

• What “good” looks like: A clear, dark liquid with minimal sediment.
• Common mistake: Rushing the straining process, forcing grounds through the filter.
• How to avoid: Let gravity do the work. If you’re using a paper filter, it may clog; be patient. You might need to strain in batches.

7. Second strain (optional but recommended).

• What “good” looks like: An even clearer concentrate with no visible grounds.
• Common mistake: Skipping this step and ending up with a gritty cup.
• How to avoid: Re-strain the coffee through a clean filter or sieve.

8. Store the concentrate.

• What “good” looks like: The concentrate is in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Common mistake: Leaving the concentrate at room temperature for extended periods.
• How to avoid: Cold brew concentrate should be refrigerated and consumed within 1-2 weeks for best flavor.

9. Dilute to taste.

• What “good” looks like: Your coffee is at your preferred strength and temperature.
• Common mistake: Drinking the concentrate straight, which is very strong.
• How to avoid: Start with a 1:1 ratio of concentrate to water or milk, and adjust from there.

10. Serve and enjoy.

• What “good” looks like: A smooth, refreshing cup of coffee.
• Common mistake: Adding too much sweetener or milk, masking the coffee flavor.
• How to avoid: Taste your diluted coffee before adding extras.

Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

Mistake	What it causes	Fix
Using a fine coffee grind	Bitter, over-extracted, muddy coffee; grounds clog filters	Use a coarse grind (like sea salt or breadcrumbs).
Not saturating all coffee grounds	Uneven extraction, weak spots, potential sourness	Stir gently after adding water to ensure all grounds are wet.
Steeping for too short a time (<12 hrs)	Weak, underdeveloped flavor; not enough extraction	Increase steeping time to at least 12 hours, aiming for 18-24.
Steeping for too long (>24 hrs)	Bitter, astringent, or “off” flavors due to over-extraction	Stick to the 12-24 hour window. Taste a small sample if unsure.
Using tap water with strong flavors	Off-flavors in the final brew that detract from the coffee’s natural taste	Use filtered water.
Inadequate straining	Gritty, sediment-filled coffee; unpleasant texture	Use a fine-mesh sieve, lined with a coffee filter or cheesecloth. Strain twice if necessary.
Not cleaning brewing equipment	Rancid oils and stale flavors contaminating the fresh brew	Wash all equipment thoroughly after each use.
Storing concentrate improperly	Spoilage, loss of flavor, potential for mold growth	Store concentrate in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Drinking concentrate straight	Overpoweringly strong, bitter, and unpleasant taste	Dilute with water or milk to your preferred strength. Start with a 1:1 ratio.
Using stale coffee beans/grounds	Flat, dull, or stale-tasting cold brew that lacks desirable coffee notes	Use the freshest Folgers you have. For best results, use freshly roasted whole beans ground coarse.
Over-agitation during steeping	Can lead to over-extraction and bitterness, similar to a fine grind	Once initially stirred to saturate, let the coffee steep undisturbed.

Decision rules (simple if/then)

• If your cold brew tastes bitter, then you likely used too fine a grind or steeped for too long, because these lead to over-extraction.
• If your cold brew tastes weak or sour, then you may not have steeped it long enough or used too little coffee, because insufficient extraction leads to underdeveloped flavors.
• If you see fine sediment in your final cup, then your straining method was insufficient, because larger gaps in your filter allowed grounds to pass through.
• If you want a stronger concentrate, then use a higher coffee-to-water ratio (e.g., 1:3), because more coffee means a more concentrated brew.
• If you prefer a less intense cold brew, then dilute your concentrate with more water or milk, because this reduces the overall coffee flavor intensity.
• If your cold brew has an off-flavor, then check your water quality or the cleanliness of your equipment, because these are common sources of unwanted tastes.
• If you are in a hurry, then cold brew is not the best method, because it requires a long steeping time.
• If you prefer a hot cup of coffee, then cold brew concentrate needs to be heated after dilution, because it is brewed cold and served cold or over ice.
• If your Folgers grounds are very fine, then you might need to strain twice or use a finer filter material, because fine grounds are harder to remove completely.
• If you want to experiment with different flavor profiles, then consider using different types of coffee beans in the future, because the bean itself greatly impacts the cold brew taste.
• If you notice oils floating on top, it’s normal for cold brew, but too many might indicate over-extraction or an issue with the coffee’s freshness.

FAQ

Can I use pre-ground Folgers for cold brew?

Yes, you can use pre-ground Folgers. However, pre-ground coffee is often finer than ideal for cold brew. You may need to strain it more carefully or accept a bit more sediment.

How long does Folgers cold brew concentrate last?

Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, Folgers cold brew concentrate should be consumed within 1 to 2 weeks for the best flavor.

What’s the best ratio for Folgers cold brew?

A good starting point for Folgers cold brew concentrate is a 1:4 ratio of coffee grounds to water (by weight or volume). You can adjust this based on how strong you like your coffee.

Should I use hot or cold water to start cold brew?

You should use cold or room temperature water to start cold brew. Hot water will begin the extraction process too quickly and can lead to a bitter taste, defeating the purpose of cold brewing.

How do I make my Folgers cold brew less bitter?

To reduce bitterness, ensure you’re using a coarse grind, not over-steeping (stick to 12-24 hours), and straining thoroughly. Using filtered water can also help.

Can I reheat cold brew coffee?

Yes, you can reheat diluted cold brew coffee. Pour your diluted cold brew into a saucepan and heat gently on the stovetop, or microwave it in a mug. Avoid reheating the concentrate directly, as it can become very bitter.

What kind of container is best for steeping?

A large glass jar or pitcher with a lid is ideal. Any non-reactive container that can be sealed will work. Ensure it’s large enough to hold all the coffee grounds and water.

How much caffeine is in Folgers cold brew?

The caffeine content can vary significantly based on the coffee-to-water ratio, steep time, and dilution. Cold brew generally has more caffeine than drip coffee due to the higher coffee-to-water ratio used for the concentrate.

What this page does NOT cover (and where to go next)

• Specific brewing equipment reviews or recommendations. (Next: Research dedicated cold brew makers or French presses.)
• Detailed comparisons of different coffee bean varietals for cold brew. (Next: Explore single-origin beans or blends specifically roasted for cold brew.)
• Advanced cold brew techniques like Japanese-style iced coffee (flash chilling). (Next: Look into methods that involve brewing hot coffee directly over ice.)
• Recipes for cold brew cocktails or elaborate coffee drinks. (Next: Search for recipes that incorporate cold brew as an ingredient.)