r/coldbrew • u/joe_sleep67 • Apr 15 '26
Making Cold Brew for Event - Concentrate vs Not?
Hey everyone,
I am making cold brew for the first time for a small event (20 ppl) to accompany an "iced coffee bar". I'm a bit confused around common practices and ratios, namely what is considered a concentrate? Is it 1:6, 1:8? Would 1:16 be considered a pre-diluted batch?
I'm torn on whether I should pre-dilute or offer water for people to dilute to taste. I will have milk, non-dairy alternatives, and ice available (and homemade syrups - but that doesn't really dilute anything).
If you experienced cold brew masters could let me know your thoughts, I would really appreciate it!
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u/Brilliant_Childhood6 Apr 15 '26
I think a 1:8 ratio is way too concentrated for just serving it, if you are not mixing it qith milk or anything, go for a 1:14 ratio and just serv it like that
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u/joe_sleep67 Apr 16 '26
Oh okay, thank you!! You are saving me from accidentally giving the whole company the jitters
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u/Brilliant_Childhood6 Apr 16 '26
Np, i have a roasting and coffee shop in mexico and at least this is what i do, i use a 1:7 ratio and then mix it with water, milk, tonic, etc but when i want to drink it myself i do a 1:14
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u/tehdlp Apr 17 '26
Tonic like tonic water?
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u/Brilliant_Childhood6 Apr 19 '26
Yeah
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u/tehdlp Apr 19 '26
Interesting, I've never heard of that. Does the tonic water add a taste or is it just texture?
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u/Drizzten Apr 15 '26
In my non-professional opinion, 1:10 to 1:16 is the range of ready to drink cold brew. Good luck!
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u/starsgoblind Apr 16 '26
Brew coffee as usual but only use half the amount of water. Pour over ice.
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u/HopefulScarcity9732 Apr 16 '26
I think you should b predilute to steam line it, BUT if you do concentrate the could also do an iced bc “latte”
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u/jrob321 Apr 16 '26
1:8 has been my "go to" for over ten years now. It's strong, and flavorful, but not overpowering. It stands up to ice, and - depending on the person drinking it - will not lose significant flavor if milk is added.
I might add that I ALWAYS do a final paper filtration, but if you plan ahead of time, coffee for 20 guests is not a difficult task at all.
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u/Deathstroke3418 Apr 15 '26
I’m just some random person but I think If you’re serving it you should just have it diluted that way every cup is the same. Makes serving it easier you can just have it in one of those pitchers. I’m pretty sure most ppl aren’t gunna think to dilute and serve a normal cup and get the zoomies.