How to Make a Perfect Cup of Folgers Coffee with a Cold Brew Pitcher: A Step-by-Step Guide

When summer heat arrives or you simply crave a smoother, less acidic coffee experience, nothing beats a tall glass of cold brew. Unlike traditional iced coffee, which is brewed hot and then chilled, cold brew is steeped in cold water for 12 to 24 hours, resulting in a concentrate that is naturally sweet, mellow, and incredibly versatile. Making it at home not only saves money but also gives you total control over strength and flavor. With the right coffee and a simple pitcher, you can create café-quality cold brew that keeps your fridge stocked all week long.

Folgers has been a trusted name in American coffee for generations, and its classic roasts are surprisingly well-suited for cold brewing. The slow, gentle extraction process highlights the natural chocolate and nutty notes found in medium roasts, while muting bitterness. Whether you prefer a rich, full-bodied concentrate or a lighter, ready-to-drink steep, this guide will walk you through every step—from choosing the right Folgers blend to perfecting your brew ratio. We'll also share storage tips and creative ways to enjoy your homemade cold brew.

Why Cold Brew? The Benefits of Slow-Steeped Coffee

Cold brew coffee has exploded in popularity over the past decade, and for good reason. The cold extraction process produces a coffee that is up to 67% less acidic than hot-brewed coffee, making it gentler on your stomach and teeth. It also lacks the bitter compounds that can develop when hot water over-extracts grounds. The result is a naturally sweeter, smoother cup that shines when served over ice or mixed with milk.

Another major advantage of cold brew is its convenience. A single batch of concentrate can last up to two weeks in the refrigerator, meaning you can prepare a pitcher on Sunday and enjoy effortless iced coffee all week. You can also dilute it to your preferred strength or use it as a base for cocktails, smoothies, and even baking. For busy mornings or lazy weekends, cold brew is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it method.

• Lower acidity means less bitterness and a smoother taste.
• Concentrate stores well for up to two weeks, saving you daily brewing time.
• Versatile base for iced coffee, lattes, frappes, and more.

Choosing the Best Folgers Coffee for Cold Brew

Not all coffee roasts perform equally in cold brew. Because the extraction is slow and cold, medium roasts tend to deliver the most balanced flavor—rich enough to stand up to dilution without becoming harsh. Folgers Classic Roast is an excellent choice for cold brew beginners. Its medium body and smooth, well-rounded profile create a clean concentrate that pairs beautifully with milk or cream.

For those who want a bolder, more complex cup, consider using a dark roast like Folgers Coffeehouse Blend. This medium-dark roast adds a hint of smokiness and deeper chocolate notes that hold up well even when heavily diluted. If you prefer a lighter, more delicate cold brew, try Folgers Breakfast Blend. Its mild roast yields a softer concentrate that is perfect for sipping black over ice. Avoid flavored coffees unless you want that specific taste to carry through, but if you do, a French Vanilla cold brew can be a delightful treat.

• Folgers Classic Roast: Smooth, balanced, and budget-friendly for everyday cold brew.
• Folgers Coffeehouse Blend: Medium-dark roast with a bolder, smokier profile.
• Folgers Breakfast Blend: Light and mild for a delicate, easy-drinking cold brew.

What You'll Need: Equipment and Ingredients

Making cold brew at home requires very little specialized equipment. At minimum, you need a large pitcher (glass or plastic), a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth, and a container for storage. A dedicated cold brew pitcher with a built-in filter can simplify the process, but a regular pitcher and a nut milk bag or coffee filter work just as well. Here's a complete list of what you'll need:

Ingredients: 1 cup (about 4 ounces) of coarsely ground Folgers coffee, 4 cups of cold, filtered water, and optional add-ins like cinnamon sticks or vanilla beans for extra flavor. Equipment: a 1-quart or larger pitcher, a stirring spoon, a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth, and a sealed container for storing the finished concentrate.

• Use coarse grind (similar to breadcrumbs) to prevent over-extraction and silt.
• Cold, filtered water produces the cleanest flavor—avoid tap water with strong mineral tastes.
• A glass pitcher is preferable to plastic as it won't retain odors.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Cold Brew with a Pitcher

Step 1: Combine coffee and water. Add the coarsely ground Folgers coffee to your pitcher. Pour the cold water over the grounds, stirring gently to ensure all coffee is saturated. Place the lid on the pitcher (or cover with plastic wrap) and let it sit at room temperature for 12 to 24 hours. The longer it steeps, the stronger and more concentrated the brew becomes. For a balanced concentrate, 18 hours is ideal.

Step 2: Strain the mixture. After steeping, line a fine-mesh strainer with a coffee filter or cheesecloth and place it over a large bowl or another pitcher. Slowly pour the coffee slurry through the strainer. Let it drip naturally; do not press on the grounds as this can release bitter compounds. Discard the used grounds. If your concentrate still looks cloudy, strain it a second time through a fresh filter.

Step 3: Store and serve. Transfer the strained concentrate to a sealed container and refrigerate. To serve, fill a glass with ice, pour one part concentrate to one or two parts water or milk (adjust to taste). For a classic iced coffee, add a splash of cream and a drizzle of simple syrup. The concentrate will keep in the fridge for up to two weeks.

• Steep at room temperature—refrigeration slows extraction and may produce a weaker brew.
• Always strain twice if you want a crystal-clear concentrate with no sediment.
• Label your container with the date to track freshness.

Tips for the Best Results Every Time

Consistency is key when making cold brew. Use a kitchen scale to measure your coffee and water for repeatable results. A ratio of 1:4 (coffee to water) by weight yields a strong concentrate; for a ready-to-drink brew, try 1:8. Always start with freshly roasted coffee—Folgers packaging ensures freshness, but once opened, store your coffee in an airtight container away from light and heat.

Experiment with steeping time. If you prefer a milder brew, steep for 12 hours; for a robust concentrate that can stand up to lots of milk, go the full 24 hours. You can also add flavor during steeping by tossing in a cinnamon stick, a few cardamom pods, or a split vanilla bean. For a touch of sweetness, stir in a tablespoon of maple syrup or honey after straining.

• Use a 1:4 coffee-to-water ratio for concentrate, or 1:8 for ready-to-drink.
• Steep 12-24 hours depending on desired strength.
• Add spices or vanilla during steeping for infused flavor.

Creative Ways to Enjoy Your Folgers Cold Brew

Cold brew concentrate is incredibly versatile. Beyond the classic iced coffee, you can use it to make blended frappes, coffee cocktails, or even cold brew lattes. For a quick morning treat, pour concentrate over ice and top with cold foam made from frothed milk and a dash of vanilla syrup. For an afternoon pick-me-up, mix equal parts concentrate and chocolate milk for a mocha-style drink.

You can also use cold brew in baking and cooking. Substitute it for water in brownie recipes to add a subtle coffee flavor, or use it as a liquid in overnight oats. For a refreshing summer cocktail, combine cold brew with bourbon, a splash of simple syrup, and a dash of bitters over ice. The possibilities are endless, and having a pitcher of concentrate on hand makes it easy to experiment.

• Cold brew lattes: concentrate + milk + ice + flavored syrup.
• Cold brew mocha: concentrate + chocolate milk or cocoa powder.
• Coffee cocktails: mix with bourbon, rum, or Kahlúa for a boozy treat.

Making cold brew at home with a pitcher is one of the simplest and most rewarding ways to enjoy Folgers coffee. With just a few minutes of prep and a little patience, you can create a smooth, delicious concentrate that transforms your daily coffee routine. Whether you prefer the classic richness of Folgers Classic Roast or the bolder notes of Folgers Coffeehouse Blend, cold brewing unlocks a new dimension of flavor. So grab your favorite Folgers ground coffee, a pitcher, and some cold water—your perfect iced coffee awaits. For a convenient, ready-to-brew option that's perfect for cold brew, try our Folgers Classic Medium Roast Coffee in a 5-pack of 48-ounce cans—it's an excellent value for batch brewing and ensures you always have plenty on hand.