There’s something magical about that first sip of cold brew espresso—bold, refreshing, and smooth all at once. It’s the kind of coffee that makes you feel like you’ve got your life together, even if you brewed it in a mason jar with what you had lying around. And guess what? That’s exactly what makes it so perfect.
But before we dive into the how-to, let me tell you a quick story.
A Little Story From My Kitchen
A few summers ago, my air conditioner broke down in the middle of a July heatwave. The last thing I wanted was to turn on the stove—or even the kettle. So I rummaged through the pantry, found a half-used bag of espresso ground coffee, and remembered an old trick my abuela used to swear by: “Let it sit cold and strong. That’s real coffee.”
I mixed it with cold water, let it rest overnight, and strained it through a dish towel (because I was out of filters). The next morning, I poured it over ice, added a splash of oat milk, and… wow. It was rich, punchy, and not a single dollar spent at a coffee shop. I’ve been making cold brew espresso at home ever since.
Cold Brew Espresso – The Easy, Affordable Way
This recipe is all about keeping things simple, flavorful, and wallet-friendly—just the way I like it.
What You’ll Need:
- ¾ cup espresso ground coffee (any brand you love)
- 4½ cups cold water
- A large jar or pitcher
- A coffee filter or clean cloth for straining
- Optional: milk, sweetener, or flavored syrups
Instructions:
- Mix It
In a large pitcher, stir together the espresso grounds and cold water. - Let It Rest
Cover and refrigerate for 12 to 24 hours. The longer it steeps, the stronger the flavor. - Strain & Store
Strain the mixture through a coffee filter or cheesecloth to remove the grounds. Compost the grounds if you can! - Serve Over Ice
Pour into a glass filled with ice. Add milk, sugar, or just sip it straight—whatever fits your mood.
Why It Works (Even on a Tight Budget)
- No fancy equipment needed—just time and a little patience.
- Espresso ground coffee gives it a bold, full-bodied kick without the bitterness of hot-brewed coffee.
- It’s cheaper than buying cold brew at the store and makes enough to last a few days.
Make It Your Own
The best part? You can easily customize this:
- Add cinnamon or cocoa before steeping for a flavor boost.
- Mix in vanilla extract or a splash of maple syrup for natural sweetness.
- Try dairy-free creamers for a vegan twist.
Final Thoughts
Cold brew espresso has become one of my favorite kitchen hacks—not just because it’s easy and cheap, but because it reminds me that good things don’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re powering through a busy workday or lounging on a sunny porch, a glass of homemade cold brew is just what you need to feel like you’ve got a little luxury in your life.
So go ahead, give this a try. Your wallet (and your taste buds) will thank you.
FAQ
Is cold brew stronger than espresso?
Not exactly. Cold brew espresso has a smoother, less acidic taste and is often brewed in larger quantities, making it feel milder. However, espresso contains more caffeine per ounce, so it delivers a stronger, quicker jolt in small doses. Cold brew is brewed over hours, not seconds, and can be diluted—making its strength customizable.
Does cold brew have more caffeine than espresso?
Per serving, espresso usually has more caffeine because it’s concentrated. But since cold brew espresso is typically consumed in larger volumes, a single glass may contain equal or even more caffeine than a standard shot of espresso—depending on the beans and brew time.
What is the De’Longhi Eletta Explore and how does it make cold brew espresso?
The De’Longhi Eletta Explore is a fully automatic espresso machine that brews everything from hot espresso to cold brew. With its Cold Extraction Technology, it mimics the long steeping process of traditional cold brew in minutes—perfect for those who want cold brew espresso fast, without sacrificing flavor.
Does cold brew or espresso have more caffeine?
Espresso has more caffeine per ounce, but cold brew espresso often comes in larger servings. So, while a single espresso shot hits faster, a full glass of cold brew may pack equal or more total caffeine, especially if undiluted.
Is cold brew or espresso stronger in taste?
Espresso is stronger in taste—bold, intense, and slightly bitter. Cold brew espresso, on the other hand, is smoother, less acidic, and naturally sweet, making it ideal for those who enjoy a mellow but rich coffee experience. Plus, cold brew pairs well with protein add-ins like collagen powder or plant-based protein shakes, turning your morning coffee into a more balanced, energizing option. If you’re after a quick hit of flavor and caffeine.
Cold Brew Espresso Recipe: Budget-Friendly, Bold & Refreshing
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This cold brew espresso recipe delivers a bold, smooth coffee experience with minimal effort and maximum flavor. It’s easy to make, affordable, and perfect for warm days or whenever you need a refreshing caffeine kick. No fancy gear required—just a jar, coffee grounds, and time.
Ingredients
¾ cup espresso ground coffee (your favorite brand)
4½ cups cold water
Optional: milk, sweetener, or flavored syrups
For straining: coffee filter, cheesecloth, or clean dish towel
Instructions
-
In a large jar or pitcher, combine the espresso grounds with cold water and stir well.
-
Cover and refrigerate for 12 to 24 hours, depending on how strong you want it.
-
Strain the mixture using a coffee filter, cheesecloth, or clean dish towel to remove the grounds.
-
Transfer the strained cold brew to a clean jar or bottle and store in the fridge.
-
To serve, pour over ice and customize with milk, sweetener, or flavored syrups to your liking.
Notes
Add cinnamon or unsweetened cocoa powder before steeping for added depth.
Sweeten with a splash of vanilla extract or maple syrup.
Use oat, almond, or coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
Cold brew concentrate can be diluted 1:1 with water or milk depending on taste preference.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Drink
- Method: Cold Brew
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (8 oz)
- Calories: 2 kcal (without milk/sweetener)
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: cold brew espresso, homemade cold brew, budget coffee, iced espresso, easy cold brew recipe