If you love the energy of coffee but hate the bitterness or the heaviness of milk-based drinks, this cold brew coffee recipe without milk is for you.
I’ve spent years trying different kinds of coffee — hot brews, iced lattes, even trendy café specials. But nothing came close to how refreshing and easy this homemade elderflower cold brew feels. It’s smooth, light, dairy-free, and ridiculously simple to make.
In this post, I’ll show you exactly how to make cold brew coffee at home, using just a few ingredients and no fancy equipment — plus, I’ll share a secret twist that takes it to the next level.
Why I Switched to Cold Brew Coffee
Hot coffee never quite worked for me. It felt too bitter, too acidic, and often left me bloated or uncomfortable — especially when milk was involved. But I still wanted that energizing boost, and I wanted it in a way that felt clean, cooling, and easy on the gut.
That’s when I started experimenting with cold brew recipes. Over time, I found the perfect ratio, the best way to brew overnight, and a few flavor upgrades that make this recipe one of my favorites.
The Perfect Cold Brew Ratio (1:10) – Foolproof Every Time
This easy cold brew coffee recipe uses a classic 1:10 ratio — that means 1 part coffee to 10 parts water. It’s scalable, smooth, and never too strong or too weak.
✅ Ingredients (Serves 2–3)
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50g medium roast coffee beans, coarsely ground
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500ml cold filtered water
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2 tablespoons elderflower syrup (I use Jacobs — the floral flavor is unmatched)
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3–4 ice cubes per glass
How to Make Cold Brew at Home (Step-by-Step)
This is a no-milk cold brew recipe made for busy mornings and slow afternoons. Here’s how I make it:
🥄 Step 1: Grind your beans
Use coarse ground coffee — this is key for cold brew. Fine grind leads to over-extraction and sludge.
🧊 Step 2: Mix in a jar
In a vacuum-sealable glass jar or any airtight container, add:
- 50g coarse coffee
- 500ml cold water
Stir gently. Make sure all the coffee grounds are soaked.
⏳ Step 3: Steep overnight
Refrigerate the jar for 14 to 16 hours. As it steeps, the coffee infuses slowly and naturally. You’ll see the grounds settle to the bottom.
☕ Step 4: Strain
Use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to filter the brew. What you’re left with is a smooth cold brew concentrate — rich, low-acid, and full of flavor.
Elderflower Cold Brew: A Floral Twist on Your Daily Coffee
Here’s where the magic happens.
I like to serve my cold brew with elderflower syrup — it’s floral, subtly sweet, and perfectly balances the coffee’s bitterness.
To Serve:
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Add 3–4 ice cubes to a mug or tall glass
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Pour in 2 tablespoons of elderflower syrup
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Add 200ml cold brew concentrate
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Stir well and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Cold Brew Recipe
✅ No milk, no bloat
✅ Low acidity and zero bitterness
✅ Naturally sweetened with elderflower syrup
✅ Great for summer or year-round sipping
✅ Easy to batch and store for 1–2 days
More Cold Brew Flavor Ideas
Once you master the basic cold brew method, you can experiment with more:
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Orange cold brew with a citrus twist
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Ginger ale cold brew (yes, like Starbucks!)
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Vanilla-maple cold brew for cozy mornings
Cold Brew FAQ
❓ How long should I steep cold brew?
Ideally, steep for 14–16 hours in the refrigerator for the smoothest flavor.
❓ Can I make cold brew without a French press?
Absolutely. A glass jar or any airtight container works perfectly.
❓ Is cold brew less acidic than hot coffee?
Yes! Cold brew coffee is naturally lower in acidity, making it gentler on your stomach.
❓ Can I drink cold brew without milk?
Yes — in fact, this entire recipe is designed as a cold brew coffee without milk. The elderflower syrup adds sweetness without the need for cream or dairy.
Final Thoughts
If you're looking for a refreshing, dairy-free coffee recipe that actually makes you feel good — not bloated or jittery — this cold brew elderflower coffee is a game-changer. It’s smooth, naturally sweet, and incredibly satisfying.
Try it once, and you might never go back to hot coffee again.