Cold Brew Ratio in Grams: The Perfect Recipe for Smooth Coffee
Cold brew has become one of the most popular ways to make coffee at home. It’s smooth, low in acidity, and refreshing - great for sipping straight or mixing with milk. But the big question is: what’s the best cold brew ratio in grams?
Whether you’re brewing a single cup, a full liter, or experimenting with your own methods, getting the coffee-to-water ratio right makes all the difference.
Standard Cold Brew Ratio in Grams
The most common cold brew recipe uses a 1:8 ratio (coffee to water). In grams, that looks like:
- 125 grams of coffee per 1 liter (1000 ml) of water
- 30 grams of coffee per 240 ml (1 cup) of water
This ratio gives you a rich concentrate you can enjoy black or dilute with water or milk.
Cold Brew Ratio Grams Per Liter
If you’re scaling up for batch brewing, here’s a quick guide:
- Mild brew: 60-70 grams per liter
- Standard brew: 100-125 grams per liter
- Strong concentrate: 150-160 grams per liter
This flexibility lets you adjust based on how bold or smooth you like your coffee.
Cold Brew Ratio Grams to Cups
Not everyone measures in milliliters, so here’s a simple conversion:
- 30 grams coffee = ~4 tablespoons (1 cup water)
- 60 grams coffee = ~8 tablespoons (2 cups water)
- 125 grams coffee = ~16-18 tablespoons (1 liter / 4 cups water)
Using a scale is always more accurate, but this makes it easier if you’re eyeballing.
Cold Brew Ratio Calculator
Don’t want to do the math every time? A cold brew ratio calculator makes it easy. Just plug in how much coffee or water you’re using, and it gives you the matching ratio. Perfect for consistent results.
Step-by-Step Cold Brew Recipe
- Grind: Use coarse-ground beans (like raw sugar).
- Measure: 125 grams of coffee per liter of water.
- Mix: Combine coffee and water in a jar or French press. Stir well.
- Steep: Refrigerate for 12-18 hours.
- Strain: Use a fine strainer or paper filter to remove grounds.
- Serve: Drink black, over ice, or with milk.
Cold Brew Ratio Tips from Reddit & Coffee Lovers
Coffee communities often suggest starting with 1:8 (125g:1L). Some prefer a stronger 1:6 (166g:1L) ratio for a bold concentrate. The key is experimenting until you find your sweet spot.
FAQs About Cold Brew Ratios
Q: What’s the best cold brew ratio in grams for 1 cup?
A: Around 30 grams of coffee per 240 ml of water.
Q: Can I brew strong and dilute later?
A: Yes! Brew a concentrate (125-150g per liter), then cut it 1:1 with water or milk.
Q: Do I need a cold brew ratio calculator?
A: Not really, but it helps if you brew different batch sizes often.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right cold brew ratio in grams is easy once you know the basics. Start with 125 grams per liter, then adjust for strength and taste.
Whether you’re following a recipe, using a calculator, or tweaking based on community tips, consistency is key. Weigh your coffee, measure your water, and enjoy cafe-quality cold brew at home.