COLD BREWCoffee Concentrate for a Crowd
The quick answer
Scale the 1:4 cold brew ratio to feed a crowd: use 250g (about 2.5 cups) coarsely ground coffee to 1,000g (4 cups) cold water. Steep 18-24 hours, strain, and refrigerate. Each 2oz serving of concentrate makes one 12oz drink diluted 1:1, giving you 12-16 servings per batch.
Hosting brunch for 15 people and want iced coffee without standing at a machine all morning? One big-batch cold brew concentrate brewed the night before handles it all.
Scaling cold brew is one of the easiest things in home coffee-making. The 1:4 ratio stays fixed regardless of batch size. Double the recipe for 20+ servings; triple it for a large event. The only constraint is container size - you need something large enough to hold the water and grounds with room to stir.
A large glass pitcher, a clean stockpot, or a 1-gallon jar all work as brewing vessels. Avoid reactive materials like unsealed cast iron or thin aluminum. Stainless steel, glass, and food-grade plastic are all fine. For very large batches, a painter's straining bag or cheesecloth draped in a colander is the most practical filtering method.
Steeping temperature is unchanged for large batches. Refrigerate for 18-24 hours just as you would a small batch. The only difference: a large container takes longer to reach temperature in the fridge, so start brewing 2-4 hours earlier to account for the initial chill-down time.
Presentation is worth thinking about for a crowd. Pour concentrate into a glass pitcher labeled 'cold brew concentrate.' Set out a separate pitcher of water and one of milk. Let guests dilute to their preference. This setup means people control their own strength, which is a small but appreciated detail at any gathering.
Dial it in before you make it
Get the coffee-to-water ratio right for concentrate or ready-to-drink.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Coffee grounds | 189.6 g |
| Coffee grounds (tablespoons) | 35.8 tbsp |
| Water | 948 g |
| Water (cups) | 4.00 cups |
Serving tip
Dilute 1:1 with water or milk to serve — this batch makes ~8.0 cups of ready-to-drink cold brew.
1 tbsp ground coffee ≈ 5.3 g · 1 cup water = 237 g · 1 fl oz water = 29.57 g. Steep 12–24 h in the refrigerator.
Make it
Makes 12 -16 drinks
Ingredients
Steps
We have used this big-batch method for brunch parties of 8-20 people. A single 64oz batch (250g coffee, 1000g water) produces enough concentrate for 16 drinks and requires about 10 minutes of active effort. The convenience-to-effort ratio is one of the best in home coffee-making.
Pro tips
- Brew the night before the event - 18-22 hours fits any morning schedule and gives consistent results.
- Double-filter for a crowd: run through cheesecloth first, then a paper filter to remove fine particles.
- Make a simple label listing the dilution ratio (1:1 with water or milk) so guests know how to serve themselves.
- Store concentrate in multiple smaller jars rather than one large container for easier pouring throughout the event.
- The concentrate keeps for 2 weeks refrigerated, so you can brew up to two weeks ahead of the event.
Frequently asked questions
How much cold brew concentrate do I need per person?
Plan for 2oz (60ml) of concentrate per serving, diluted 1:1 with water or milk and poured over ice in a 12-16oz glass. For 12 people, brew at least 24oz (710ml) of strained concentrate.
What container is best for brewing a large batch of cold brew?
A 1-gallon glass jar, a large glass pitcher, or a clean food-grade stockpot all work well. Avoid unsealed reactive metals. Glass is the easiest to clean and does not retain flavors between batches.
Can I make cold brew concentrate more than 24 hours ahead?
Yes. Strained concentrate keeps in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Brew it a week in advance if needed, as long as it is stored sealed and refrigerated. Never leave unfiltered grounds in the brew past 24 hours.
How do I filter a large batch of cold brew?
Use a large fine-mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth or a coffee filter, set over a large bowl or pot. Pour slowly in batches. For the clearest result, run the filtered brew through a paper filter a second time.
Should I serve cold brew concentrate at a party straight or already diluted?
Set out concentrate alongside pitchers of cold water and milk so guests can dilute to taste. Most prefer 1:1 (concentrate to water), but some like it stronger or weaker. Letting them choose always goes over well.
