How to: make your own cold brew coffee sustainably at home

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The effects of caffeine on health and mood are a bit of a mixed bag (this article from Very Well Mind sums them up quite well). However, there is something to be said for the joy that a ritual can impart, as well as the joy gained from small experiences we truly enjoy. Morning coffee would certainly fall into the category of enjoyable experiences for many of us, myself included (I'm trying to avoid making "loves coffee" as part of my identity but we're nearly there).

Now, I love buying coffee as much as anyone else, but single-use plastic is a bummer for everyone (understatement), and should be avoided if possible (this article from nrdc.org gives a good overview as to why). To avoid receiving your coffee in a single-use plastic cup, you can bring a reusable cup to the coffee shop, or make your coffee sustainably at home!

The sustainable method I now utilize to brew my own cold brew at home requires no packaging for the brewing process, and if you buy your coffee beans at a bulk or zero waste store, removes the need for packaging from the process completely. Here's how it works:

Mason jar cold brew coffee kit

1. I purchased this Mason Jar Coffee Maker Kit for less than $25 back in 2017. It has been used heavily for the last five years and is still in great condition. I can't recommend it enough!

2. Ground coffee is added to the filter. I typically use a medium roast coffee, but sometimes I use a mix of caffeinated and decaffeinated beans if I want less caffeine in the brewed coffee (so I can drink more throughout the day). A nice benefit of brewing your own cold brew at home is your ability to customize the mix of caffeine, roasts and flavors used.

3. Add filtered water to fill up the jar. I pour some water through the filter itself to ensure the grounds are saturated, then I slightly lift the filter to pour water into the jar itself, replacing the filter once water nears the top 1/4 of the jar so that I don't accidentally overflow the entire mixture onto the counter (a lesson learned through experience). Top off the jar by pouring water through the filter, then replace the lid.

4. I let my cold brew sit out on the counter for at least 24 hours, sometimes more. I find that I like the strength my cold brew reaches after about 48 hours, but if you can't wait that long, you'll have a slightly weaker brew after about 24 - 36 hours. Still delicious and still very drinkable. You can also let this brew in the refrigerator, which takes a bit longer.

5. Once the desired strength has been reached, I remove the filter and discard the used grounds (or try composting them), replace the lid on the mason jar, and store it in the refrigerator.

Pouring water into coffee grounds housed in the reusable stainless steel filter

Now the brewing process begins!

That's it! This process is simple and produces delicious coffee. Depending on how much coffee I'm drinking, the mason jar of cold brew lasts me 5 - 7 days.

Let me know if you try this and how you like it!