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How to Make Cold Brew Coffee at Home (Using Costa Rican Coffee Beans)

  • Mar 6
  • 3 min read

We get asked all the time if we’ll sell our cold brew by the gallon.


It’s that good.


Maybe someday.


In the meantime? You can absolutely make it at home — and it’s easier than you think.


All you need is quality coffee beans, water, and patience.


If you want cold brew that tastes like Exit 11, here’s exactly how to do it.


Why Costa Rican Coffee Beans Make the Best Cold Brew

Not all beans are created equal — especially for cold brew.


We use Costa Rican coffee beans because of their naturally bright and balanced flavor profile. You’ll taste:

  • Floral notes

  • Citrus brightness

  • Apricot and peach undertones


We medium roast these beans in our roasting facility in Washington, MO, which keeps the flavor smooth while allowing the natural characteristics to shine.

When brewed cold, those fruit-forward notes soften into a rich, refreshing, low-bitterness coffee that’s perfect over ice.


If you’re searching for:

  • best coffee beans for cold brew

  • how to make smooth cold brew

  • Costa Rican coffee for iced coffee


You’re in the right place.


Cold Brew Coffee Recipe (1 Gallon Batch)

This recipe makes a full gallon — perfect for keeping in the fridge all week.


Ingredients

  • 200 grams (about 7 oz) coarsely ground Costa Rican coffee

  • 1 gallon filtered hot water

Yes, hot water. We’ll explain why.


Equipment

  • 1 gallon jar or pitcher

  • Coffee sock, fine mesh strainer, or coffee filter

(We prefer a reusable coffee sock for easy cleanup.)

  • Whisk

  • Measuring cup

  • Lid for your jar or pitcher


Step-by-Step: How to Make Cold Brew


1. Choose the Right Beans

If you want Exit 11-style cold brew, start with our Costa Rican beans.

No grinder?

We’ll grind them for you before shipping — or any of our drive-thru baristas can grind them for cold brew. Just tell them you need a coarse grind.


2. Grind Coarse

Cold brew requires a coarse grind.

This prevents over-extraction and keeps your coffee smooth instead of bitter.

Think raw sugar texture — not fine like espresso.


3. Measure the Coffee

For a full gallon:

200 grams (7 oz) coffee to 1 gallon of water

This ratio produces a smooth, strong cold brew concentrate that holds up beautifully over ice.


4. Add the Filter

Place your coffee sock or strainer over the top of the jar or pitcher.

Make sure it wraps securely around the rim so you can still put a lid on.


5. Add the Coffee Grounds

Pour the measured coffee grounds into the sock or filter.


6. Add Hot Filtered Water

Fill the jar with hot, filtered water.

Why hot water for cold brew?

Using hot water creates what’s called a hot bloom. The first 30–40 seconds of brewing releases acidity and aromatic compounds. Giving the coffee that head start produces deeper flavor complexity without bitterness.

We like to use a faucet sprayer to saturate the grounds and activate them fully.


7. Whisk to Combine

Use a whisk to gently mix the grounds and water.

It won’t look smooth — that’s fine. You just want to break up clumps and fully saturate the coffee.


8. Steep for 18–24 Hours

Cover the jar and let it steep at room temperature for 18 to 24 hours.

The long steep time is what makes cold brew:

  • Lower in acidity

  • Naturally sweeter

  • Exceptionally smooth

Don’t rush it.


9. Strain

After steeping:

  • Lift the sock or filter out of the jar

  • Squeeze every last drop out of it

Yes, get all of it.

Then discard or compost the grounds. Wash and dry your reusable filter.


10. Refrigerate & Serve

Your cold brew is ready.

Serve over ice — or level it up the Exit 11 way with coffee cubes (see below).


How to Make Coffee Ice Cubes (So It Never Gets Watery)

Nothing ruins iced coffee faster than melting ice.


Here’s the fix:

  1. Pour cold brew into an ice cube tray

  2. Freeze until solid

  3. Use the cubes in your iced drinks

Now your coffee gets stronger as it melts instead of diluted.


How to Make Bourbon Vanilla Cold Brew

Want the signature Exit 11 flavor?

Add:

  • A spoonful of our house-made Scottie’s Bourbon Vanilla Syrup

  • A splash of half-and-half


Creamy. Smooth. Ridiculously good.


Flavor Variations for Homemade Cold Brew

Cold brew is a blank canvas.

Try adding:

  • Pure vanilla extract

  • Cinnamon

  • Flavored syrup

  • Sweet cream

  • Oat milk


Costa Rican coffee’s natural fruit notes pair beautifully with both dairy and dairy-free options.


Why This Cold Brew Method Works

  • Using high-quality, medium-roast Costa Rican beans

  • Coarse grind

  • Hot bloom start

  • Long steep time

  • Proper filtration


That combination creates a smooth, bold, refreshing cold brew you’ll want on repeat.


Final Thoughts

Making cold brew at home is simple.


With the right beans and the right process, you can keep a full gallon in your fridge and skip the drive-thru whenever you want.


But we’ll still be here when you run out.


Cheers to better coffee at home.

 

 
 
 

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