Folgerscoffee

Cold brew coffee has taken the coffee world by storm, offering a smoother, less acidic alternative to traditional iced coffee. While many coffee lovers assume they need specialty beans or expensive equipment, the truth is that you can create a delicious, café-quality cold brew right in your kitchen using your favorite Folgers ground coffee. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process—from choosing the right Folgers blend to perfecting your brew ratio—so you can enjoy a refreshing glass of cold brew any time of the year.

Whether you’re a fan of medium roast classics or prefer something bolder, the versatility of Folgers ground coffee makes it an excellent choice for cold brewing. The slow extraction process brings out natural sweetness and reduces bitterness, making even everyday roasts taste remarkably smooth and rich.

Why Cold Brew with Folgers Ground Coffee?

Cold brewing is fundamentally different from hot brewing. Instead of using heat to quickly extract flavors, cold brew relies on time—typically 12 to 24 hours—to gently pull soluble compounds from the coffee grounds. This method yields a concentrate that is:

• Smoother and less acidic – The cold water extracts fewer acidic compounds, making it gentler on your stomach.
• Naturally sweeter – Subtle chocolate and caramel notes become more pronounced without the bitterness of hot extraction.
• Highly customizable – You can dilute the concentrate with water, milk, or creamer to suit your taste.

Folgers Folgers Classic Roast Ground Coffee, 33.7 Ounce is an excellent starting point for cold brew. Its balanced medium roast profile—with hints of nut and cocoa—develops a silky, full-bodied concentrate that pairs beautifully with milk or ice. For those who enjoy a slightly bolder cup, the Folgers Classic Roast Coffee, Medium Roast Ground Coffee, 39 Ounces provides a similar profile in a larger package, perfect for making a big batch for the week ahead.

Equipment You’ll Need

One of the best things about cold brew is that you don’t need any specialized gadgets. Here’s a simple list of what you’ll need:

• Large glass jar or pitcher (at least 64 ounces)
• Fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth
• Coffee filter (optional, for extra clarity)
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cup
• Refrigerator space

If you have a French press, you can use it to make cold brew as well—just skip the plunging step and strain normally.

Step-by-Step Cold Brew Recipe with Folgers Ground Coffee

Step 1: Choose Your Folgers Blend

The beauty of cold brew is that it works with almost any roast level. Here are a few Folgers options to consider:

Step 2: Measure the Coffee-to-Water Ratio

The standard cold brew ratio is 1 part coffee to 4 parts water by weight. For a concentrate, use 1:3; for a ready-to-drink strength, use 1:5. Here’s a quick guide:

• 1:4 ratio (concentrate): 1 cup (about 100g) coffee to 4 cups (960ml) water
• 1:3 ratio (strong concentrate): 1 cup coffee to 3 cups water
• 1:5 ratio (milder): 1 cup coffee to 5 cups water

For a standard 64-ounce batch, use 1.5 cups of Folgers ground coffee (about 150g) and 6 cups of cold, filtered water.

Step 3: Combine and Stir

Add the ground coffee to your jar or pitcher. Pour in the cold water slowly, stirring gently with a wooden spoon to ensure all grounds are saturated. Cover the jar with a lid or plastic wrap. Do not use hot water—cold water is essential for proper extraction.

Step 4: Steep at Room Temperature or in the Fridge

Place the jar on your counter (away from direct sunlight) or in the refrigerator. Steeping at room temperature extracts flavors slightly faster, while refrigeration yields a cleaner taste. Let it steep for 12 to 24 hours. For Folgers ground coffee, 18 hours is the sweet spot—any longer and the brew may become bitter.

Pro tip: If you’re using a finer grind, steep for 12–14 hours. Coarser grinds (like those in pre-ground Folgers) do well with 16–20 hours.

Step 5: Strain the Concentrate

Line a fine-mesh strainer with a coffee filter or cheesecloth and place it over a clean pitcher or bowl. Slowly pour the coffee mixture through the strainer. Let it drip naturally—don’t press down on the grounds, as that can force sediment through. For maximum clarity, strain a second time through a fresh filter.

Discard the used coffee grounds (they make great compost or a body scrub).

Step 6: Store and Serve

Transfer the cold brew concentrate to a sealed container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to two weeks, though the flavor is best within the first week. To serve:

• Classic iced coffee: Fill a glass with ice, add equal parts concentrate and water (or milk), and stir.
• Stronger brew: Use a 2:1 ratio of concentrate to water.
• Flavored cold brew: Add a splash of vanilla syrup, a pinch of cinnamon, or creamer.

For a delicious twist, try using Folgers Hazelnut Cream K-Cup Coffee Pods 12 Count to make a small batch of cold brew—simply open the pods and use the grounds as you would any other ground coffee. The hazelnut flavor infuses beautifully during the long steep.

Tips for the Best Folgers Cold Brew

• Use filtered water – Tap water can introduce off-flavors. Cold brew is all about purity.
• Grind size matters – Pre-ground Folgers is medium-fine, which works well. If you grind your own, aim for a medium-coarse texture (like raw sugar).
• Don’t over-steep – After 24 hours, the brew may become bitter or astringent. Set a timer.
• Experiment with blends – Try Folgers Black Silk for a dark roast cold brew or Folgers 100% Colombian for a brighter cup.

How to Use Cold Brew Concentrate

Cold brew concentrate is incredibly versatile. Beyond the standard glass of iced coffee, you can:

• Make coffee cocktails – Mix with bourbon, ice, and a splash of cream for an adult treat.
• Bake with it – Use concentrate in place of brewed coffee in recipes like tiramisu or chocolate cake.
• Create iced lattes – Combine concentrate with milk and a pump of syrup.
• Freeze into coffee ice cubes – They won’t water down your drink.

Why Folgers Ground Coffee Is Perfect for Cold Brew

Folgers has been a trusted name in American coffee for over 150 years, and their ground coffee is consistent, affordable, and widely available. The medium roast blends, in particular, are ideal for cold brew because they offer a balanced flavor that doesn’t get overwhelmed by the long extraction. The Folgers Classic Roast Ground Coffee, Medium Roast, 25.9 Oz. Canister (Pack of 6) is a fantastic bulk option for households that go through cold brew quickly—you’ll always have a fresh canister on hand.

Moreover, because cold brew mutes bitterness, even budget-friendly ground coffee produces a premium-tasting result. You don’t need expensive single-origin beans; Folgers delivers reliable quality every time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Folgers instant coffee for cold brew?

While you can make iced coffee with instant crystals, true cold brew requires ground coffee. Instant coffee dissolves in cold water, but it lacks the depth of flavor that comes from steeping grounds. Stick with ground coffee for the best results.

How long does cold brew last in the fridge?

Cold brew concentrate keeps for up to 14 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavor is best within the first week.

Is cold brew stronger than regular coffee?

Cold brew concentrate typically has 1.5–2 times the caffeine of regular brewed coffee, but when diluted 1:1, it’s similar to a standard cup. You can adjust the strength to your preference.

Can I make cold brew with flavored Folgers?

Absolutely! Flavored K-Cup pods like Hazelnut Cream or French Vanilla can be opened and their grounds used for cold brew. The flavors infuse beautifully. Just be aware that flavored grounds may leave residual oils in your brewing container.

Conclusion

Making cold brew coffee at home with Folgers ground coffee is simple, cost-effective, and yields a deliciously smooth result that rivals any coffee shop. With just a few basic tools and a little patience, you can enjoy a refreshing glass of iced coffee any day of the week. Whether you prefer the classic taste of Folgers Classic Roast or want to experiment with bolder blends, the cold brew method unlocks a new dimension of flavor from your favorite ground coffee.

Ready to start your cold brew journey? Grab a canister of Folgers Classic Roast Ground Coffee, 33.7 Ounce and brew up a batch tonight. Your taste buds—and your wallet—will thank you.