How Much Does Homemade Cold Brew Actually Cost?
Cold brew coffee has become one of the most popular summer drinks — and one of the most expensive items at the grocery store. A single 11-oz bottle can run $4–$6, which works out to roughly $0.45–$0.55 per fluid ounce. Homemade cold brew made with coarse ground coffee and filtered water typically costs between $0.05 and $0.15 per fluid ounce, making it 3 to 10 times cheaper depending on the beans you choose.
A standard mason jar batch uses about 4 oz of coarse ground coffee steeped in 32 oz of cold filtered water for 12–24 hours, yielding roughly 24–28 fl oz of finished cold brew after straining.
What Coffee Should I Use?
Budget grocery-store brands might cost $8–$10 for a 12-oz bag, putting your per-batch coffee cost under $3. Specialty single-origin beans at $20–$25 per 12-oz bag raise that cost to $6–$8 per batch, but still come in well below store-bought cold brew on a per-ounce basis. Buying coarse-ground coffee in bulk (1–2 lb bags) specifically marketed for cold brew lowers the cost per ounce significantly.
Equipment is a One-Time Cost
A wide-mouth mason jar ($2–$5) and a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth are all you need. These pay for themselves on the very first batch compared to buying store-bought cold brew. Dedicated cold brew makers (Toddy, OXO, etc.) cost $30–$50 and make straining easier, but they do not meaningfully improve flavor or yield.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ratio of coffee to water should I use for cold brew?
A common starting ratio is 1 oz of coarse ground coffee per 8 fl oz of cold water (1:8 by weight-to-volume). This produces a medium-strength cold brew ready to drink straight. For a concentrate you dilute later, use a 1:4 ratio — 4 oz of coffee per 16 oz of water — then dilute 1:1 with water or milk when serving.
How long does homemade cold brew last in the fridge?
Homemade cold brew stored in a sealed mason jar or pitcher keeps well in the refrigerator for 7–14 days. The flavor is best in the first 7 days. Always strain out all the grounds before storing to prevent over-extraction and spoilage.
Is store-bought cold brew concentrate a better deal than regular cold brew bottles?
Cold brew concentrate sold in larger cartons (32–48 fl oz) is usually a better deal than single-serve bottles, but it still costs more per serving than homemade. A 32-oz carton of concentrate at $8–$10 that yields 64 fl oz of finished drink works out to $0.13–$0.16 per fl oz — still 2–3 times more expensive than homemade made with mid-range beans.
Does the type of coffee bean affect cold brew cost and quality?
Yes, both. Lighter roasts tend to produce brighter, fruitier cold brew while dark roasts yield a chocolatey, bold flavor. For cost, buying in 1–2 lb bags reduces cost per batch by 20–40% compared to small 8–12 oz bags.
Do I need special equipment to make cold brew at home?
No special equipment is required. A wide-mouth quart mason jar, cold water, coarse ground coffee, and a fine mesh strainer or two layers of cheesecloth are all you need. Even a premium cold brew maker pays for itself within a few batches given the savings over store-bought.