What Is Cold Brew Concentrate?
Cold brew concentrate is coffee brewed slowly in cold water over 12–24 hours. Unlike hot-brewed coffee, the cold extraction process produces a smooth, low-acidity concentrate that's rich in flavour and free from bitterness. At Bru Crew, we craft our concentrate with care — using quality beans and a slow, deliberate brew that honours the craft of great coffee.
How to Dilute Cold Brew Concentrate
Getting the ratio right is the key to a perfect cup. Because it's a concentrate, it's meant to be mixed — not drunk straight. Here's a quick guide:
- Standard serve: 1 part concentrate to 2 parts water (or milk)
- Stronger brew: 1 part concentrate to 1 part water
- Lighter serve: 1 part concentrate to 3 parts water
Trust your palate — there's no wrong answer. Start with a 1:2 ratio and adjust to taste.
Best Ways to Enjoy Bru Crew Cold Brew Concentrate
Classic Iced Cold Brew
Fill a glass with ice. Add 60ml of The Original Bru concentrate and top with 120ml of cold water. Simple. Clean. Deeply satisfying.
Cold Brew Iced Latte
Mix 60ml concentrate with 120ml of your milk of choice — full cream, oat, or almond all work beautifully. Pour over ice. Add a touch of honey or a vanilla pod if you like it slightly sweet. Try it with The Vanilla Bru for a naturally sweet twist.
Cold Brew Tonic
One of our favourites. Pour 60ml of concentrate over ice and top slowly with 120ml of tonic water. The subtle bitterness of the tonic plays off the natural sweetness of the cold brew — it's a surprisingly elegant combination. Garnish with a slice of orange for a finishing touch.
Cold Brew Smoothie
Blend 60ml concentrate with a frozen banana, a scoop of peanut butter, and 200ml oat milk. A rich, energising start to the morning — no barista required. The Hazelnut Bru adds an extra nutty depth here.
Hot Cold Brew
Yes, really. Dilute concentrate 1:1 with hot water for a smooth, quick cup of coffee with no bitterness. Perfect for mornings when you want warmth without the wait.
Storing Your Concentrate
Keep your Bru Crew concentrate refrigerated and consume within 2 weeks of opening. Always seal the bottle tightly after use. Cold brew concentrates are best enjoyed fresh — so don't let it sit too long (though in our experience, it rarely does).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drink cold brew concentrate straight?
Technically yes, but it's very strong. We recommend diluting it first to get the full flavour balance — and to make your bottle last longer.
Is cold brew concentrate high in caffeine?
Yes — because it's concentrated, it has a higher caffeine content per millilitre than regular brewed coffee. Once diluted at the standard 1:2 ratio, it's roughly comparable to a regular cup of coffee. If you're caffeine-sensitive, start with a lighter dilution.
Can I use it in cooking or baking?
Absolutely. Cold brew concentrate adds a rich coffee depth to chocolate brownies, tiramisu, marinades, and even braai sauces. South African cuisine and coffee? A pairing we're very much here for.
Ready to Brew?
Explore the full Bru Crew range and find your perfect concentrate — from the clean classic of The Original Bru to the indulgent warmth of The Hazelnut Bru and the smooth sweetness of The Vanilla Bru. Crafted in South Africa, brewed for everyone who takes their coffee seriously.