Can you make coffee with cold water?

Sometimes you need your caffeine fix but want your coffee cold. The kettle may not be working or the weather outside is so pleasant and sunny that you’d prefer a cooler drink. Either way, you may be wondering if you can make coffee with cold water. The answer to that depends on the coffee you use – instant coffee or ground coffee.

Making instant coffee with cold water

We all know that making instant coffee is easy. All you need to do is mix a teaspoon or two of the coffee powder with a cup of hot water and stir. If you change things up and mix the coffee powder with a cup of cold water or milk, you’ll still get instant coffee – though it might take five minutes for the coffee powder to completely dissolve. To make it extra frosty and refreshing, you can add some ice cubes to the drink.

Of course, the downside to instant coffee is that its flavour profile isn’t as full, rich and subtle as freshly brewed coffee. (Which is why we always recommend to coffee lovers that they subscribe to Blue Coffee Box and try our delicious speciality roast coffees.) 

But can you make coffee with cold water and grounds? The short answer is – yes. The caveat is that you need more time. A lot more time. 

Cold brew coffee

A cold brew coffee is a coffee that has been brewed without using heat or pressure. Making one requires light or medium freshly roasted coffee, a coffee grinder, a jug, and a strainer.

Here are the steps to follow to brew freshly roasted coffee with cold water:

• grind your beans
• pour the grounds into the jug
• fill the jug up with water
• stir
• let it sit for 8 to 12 hours out of direct sunlight
• strain the drink and enjoy

And that’s it, you now have a cool, refreshing, and incredibly flavourful cold brew coffee – perfect for hot summer months. You can drink it as is, or with a bit of milk and sweetener depending on your preference. If you’re interested in learning more, then check out our tips on making the perfect cold brew coffee.

Making the coffee that’s right for you

So there you have it – the answer to the question ‘can you make coffee with cold water?’ is yes. 

If you’re in a rush and willing to sacrifice on flavour to get your caffeine fix, then an instant coffee with cold water should suit you. But if you have time to spare and enjoy coffee for its rich and full-bodied flavours, then a cold brew coffee made from the finest freshly roasted coffee is perfect for you.