Folgers Coffee for Cold Brew Concentrate: Which Blends Work Best and How to Make It

Cold brew coffee has taken the coffee world by storm, and for good reason. Unlike traditional hot-brewed coffee that can turn bitter when chilled, cold brew is steeped slowly in cold water, resulting in a naturally smooth, low-acid concentrate that shines over ice or mixed with milk. If you’re ready to make your own cold brew concentrate at home, Folgers offers a range of ground coffee blends that are perfect for this method. In this guide, we’ll explore which Folgers roasts yield the best cold brew concentrate, share a foolproof recipe, and give you tips to customize your brew.

Whether you prefer a bright, mild cup or a deep, bold concentrate, Folgers ground coffee provides consistent quality and familiar flavor. We’ll walk you through the ideal grind size, water-to-coffee ratios, and steeping times so you can create a café-worthy concentrate in your own kitchen. Let’s dive into the best Folgers blends for cold brew and how to make it perfectly every time.

Why Folgers Ground Coffee Is Ideal for Cold Brew Concentrate

Cold brew concentrate requires a coarse grind to prevent over-extraction and bitterness. Folgers ground coffee is already ground to a consistent medium-coarse texture that works wonderfully for cold brewing. You don’t need to buy special beans or grind your own—just open a canister and start steeping. The brand’s reliable roast profiles ensure that you get a balanced, smooth concentrate without any harsh aftertaste.

Another advantage of using Folgers for cold brew is the wide variety of roast levels. From light and bright to dark and smoky, you can tailor your concentrate to match your taste preferences. For example, a medium roast like Folgers 100% Colombian Medium Roast Ground Coffee delivers a clean, chocolatey base that pairs beautifully with milk or cream. On the other hand, a darker roast such as Folgers French Roast Medium-Dark Roast Ground Coffee produces a richer, more intense concentrate that stands up to ice and sweeteners.

• Consistent medium-coarse grind eliminates the need for specialty equipment.
• Multiple roast options let you experiment with flavor profiles.
• Affordable and widely available for making large batches of concentrate.

Best Folgers Blends for Cold Brew Concentrate

When selecting a Folgers blend for cold brew, consider the flavor profile you want. For a classic, well-rounded concentrate that pleases most palates, Folgers 100% Colombian Medium Roast Ground Coffee is a top choice. Its smooth, nutty notes with a hint of cocoa create a versatile base that works in iced lattes, black cold brew, or even cocktails.

If you prefer a bolder, more robust concentrate, try Folgers French Roast Medium-Dark Roast Ground Coffee. This blend offers deep caramelized sugars and a smoky finish that cuts through milk and sweeteners beautifully. It’s ideal for those who like their cold brew with a bit of edge. For a balanced option that falls between light and dark, Folgers House Blend Ground Coffee, Medium Roast provides a mild, approachable flavor that’s perfect for first-time cold brew makers.

• Folgers 100% Colombian Medium Roast – smooth, chocolatey, crowd-pleasing.
• Folgers French Roast Medium-Dark Roast – bold, smoky, great with milk.
• Folgers House Blend Medium Roast – mild and balanced for beginners.

How to Make Homemade Cold Brew Concentrate with Folgers

Making cold brew concentrate at home is surprisingly simple. Start with a ratio of 1 cup coarsely ground Folgers coffee to 4 cups cold, filtered water. Place the coffee grounds in a large jar or pitcher, add the water, and stir gently to ensure all grounds are saturated. Cover and let it steep at room temperature for 12 to 24 hours. The longer you steep, the stronger and more concentrated the brew becomes.

After steeping, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve lined with a coffee filter or a cheesecloth. Discard the grounds, and you’ll be left with a smooth, dark concentrate. Store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. To serve, dilute the concentrate with equal parts water or milk, pour over ice, and enjoy. You can also add flavored syrups or a splash of vanilla for a custom treat.

• Use a 1:4 coffee-to-water ratio for a standard concentrate.
• Steep for 12–24 hours depending on desired strength.
• Strain thoroughly to avoid gritty texture.

Tips for Perfecting Your Folgers Cold Brew Concentrate

For the smoothest cold brew, always use cold or room-temperature water—never hot. Hot water extracts bitter compounds that cold brewing aims to avoid. Also, make sure your container is clean and non-reactive (glass or food-grade plastic works best). Stir the grounds once or twice during the first few hours to ensure even extraction.

If you want to experiment with flavor, try adding a cinnamon stick or a few vanilla beans to the steeping container. For a bolder concentrate, increase the coffee-to-water ratio to 1:3. You can also blend different Folgers roasts—for example, mixing Folgers 100% Colombian Medium Roast with a darker blend like Folgers Black Silk Dark Roast Ground Coffee creates a complex, layered concentrate that’s sure to impress.

• Use cold water only to prevent bitterness.
• Stir occasionally for even extraction.
• Mix roasts to create your own signature concentrate.

Making cold brew concentrate at home with Folgers ground coffee is an easy, rewarding way to enjoy smooth, flavorful iced coffee all summer long. Whether you choose a classic medium roast or a bold dark roast, the key is to experiment and find your perfect balance. Start your cold brew journey today with Folgers 100% Colombian Medium Roast Ground Coffee and discover how simple it is to create café-quality concentrate in your own kitchen.