How to Make Cold Brew Coffee at Home with a Toddy System

Why Cold Brew Coffee?

Cold brew coffee has earned a loyal following for good reason. Compared to hot-brewed coffee that is chilled after the fact, cold brew is steeped in cold water over an extended period — typically 12 to 24 hours. The result is a concentrate that is remarkably smooth, low in acidity, and naturally sweet without any bitterness.

If you have ever struggled with hot coffee that tastes harsh or upsets your stomach, cold brew offers a gentler alternative. And making it at home with a dedicated system removes all the guesswork.

What Is a Toddy Cold Brew System?

The Toddy Cold Brew System is a purpose-built brewer designed specifically for cold brew at home. It consists of a plastic brewing container with a stopper and filter, a glass decanter for storing the finished concentrate, and a reusable felt filter that catches grounds and produces a clean, sediment-free result.

Unlike improvised methods involving mason jars and cheesecloth, the Toddy system is consistent and easy to use. Once you have brewed a batch, the concentrate keeps in the fridge for up to two weeks — making it ideal for coffee drinkers who want a ready supply on hand.

What You Need

• Toddy Cold Brew System — brewing container, glass decanter, and felt filter
• Coarsely ground coffee — around 340g (12oz) for a standard batch
• Cold filtered water — approximately 1.5 litres
• A fridge with space for the brewing container during steeping

Coffee selection matters here. A medium or dark roast with chocolatey or nutty notes works beautifully in cold brew, where the lack of heat keeps things smooth and round. Avoid overly light or acidic roasts — their brightness can come across as sharp in the concentrate.

Step-by-Step Cold Brew Instructions

Step 1 — Prep the filter. Soak the felt filter in cold water for a few minutes and insert it into the Toddy brewing container with the rubber stopper in place.

Step 2 — Add coffee and water. Pour your coarsely ground coffee into the container. Add cold filtered water slowly, pouring in a circular motion to saturate all the grounds evenly. Do not stir — just let the grounds settle naturally.

Step 3 — Steep in the fridge. Cover the container and place it in your fridge. Steep for 12 to 24 hours. A 12-hour steep produces a lighter, more delicate concentrate; 24 hours gives you something bolder and more intense.

Step 4 — Drain the concentrate. Remove the rubber stopper and allow the concentrate to drain into the glass decanter. This process takes around 20 to 30 minutes. Once drained, seal the decanter and store it in the fridge.

How to Serve Your Cold Brew

Cold brew concentrate is strong — typically 2 to 3 times more concentrated than regular coffee. When serving, dilute it to taste:

• Over ice — combine one part concentrate with one to two parts cold water or milk
• With oat or almond milk — adds creaminess without overpowering the coffee
• Black — dilute with water and serve over ice for a clean, bold drink
• As a hot drink — dilute concentrate with hot water for a surprisingly smooth hot coffee

Tips for the Best Results

• Use a coarse grind — finer grounds can make the concentrate bitter and cloudy
• Start with a medium roast if you are unsure — it produces a balanced, approachable cold brew
• Experiment with steep time to find your preferred strength
• Clean and dry the felt filter thoroughly between uses to extend its life
• Always use filtered water — water quality has a noticeable impact on cold brew taste

Choosing the Right Coffee for Cold Brew

The best cold brew starts with quality beans. A well-sourced, freshly roasted coffee ground specifically for cold brew makes a significant difference in the final cup. Look for beans with tasting notes of chocolate, caramel, or nuts — these characteristics tend to translate beautifully through cold brew’s gentle extraction.

Browse the range of specialty coffees at Neli Coffee to find the ideal bean for your next cold brew batch. Whether you prefer a single origin or a thoughtfully crafted blend, the right coffee is the foundation of an exceptional result.