Toddy Artisan Cold Brewer: Step-by-Step Small Batch Cold Brew

Why the Toddy Artisan fits small batch brewing

The Toddy Artisan Cold Brewer is designed for making cold brew coffee and artisanal tea in small quantities. It brews up to 17 oz. (500 mL) at a time, which is ideal if you want fresh cold brew without committing to a large batch. The brew-and-store container fits neatly into most refrigerator doors, so you can steep, store, and serve from the same vessel.

Unlike larger cold brew systems, the Artisan encourages experimentation. You can try different specialty coffees, fine-tune your recipe, and keep notes on what works. This guide walks you through the process step by step, with practical checkpoints for ratio, steeping time, and dilution.

The brewer at a glance

• Toddy® Artisan Small Batch Cold Brewer: Brews up to 17 oz. (500 mL) of cold brew in a convenient brew-and-store container that tucks neatly into most refrigerator doors. This capacity defines your batch size and helps you plan how much coffee to use and how long it will last in the fridge.

  

Step-by-step: brewing cold brew with the Toddy Artisan

Follow these steps for a smooth, consistent cold brew. Adjust the coffee amount to your taste after your first batch.

1. 1. Measure your coffee: Use a coarse grind, similar to sea salt. For a 17 oz. batch, start with 1 cup (about 85 g) of coffee. This yields a concentrate that you can dilute to taste.
2. 2. Add water: Pour 17 oz. (500 mL) of cold, filtered water over the coffee grounds in the brew container. Stir gently to ensure all grounds are saturated.
3. 3. Steep: Cover and steep in the refrigerator for 12 to 18 hours. A longer steep extracts more flavor and caffeine; start at 12 hours and adjust based on your preference.
4. 4. Strain: After steeping, strain the concentrate through the included filter or a fine-mesh sieve lined with a coffee filter. Discard the grounds.
5. 5. Store: Pour the strained concentrate back into the brew-and-store container. It keeps in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Getting the ratio right for your taste

The small batch cold brew ratio is a starting point, not a rule. The 1:8 coffee-to-water ratio (by weight) above produces a concentrate. If you prefer a ready-to-drink cold brew, use less water or more coffee. For a lighter, tea-like brew, use less coffee or a shorter steep.

Keep a simple log of your ratios and steep times. The Toddy Artisan's small capacity makes it easy to iterate without wasting much coffee.

How to dilute cold brew concentrate

Cold brew concentrate is strong by design. Dilute it with water, milk, or a combination to taste. A common starting point is 1 part concentrate to 1 part water or milk. For a stronger cup, use 2 parts concentrate to 1 part water. Serve over ice and adjust as you like.

If you plan to drink it black, try a 1:1 dilution first. For a latte-style drink, use milk instead of water and add sweetener if desired.

Steeping time: what to expect

The Toddy cold brew steeping time affects flavor and caffeine. A 12-hour steep yields a smooth, balanced concentrate. At 18 hours, the brew becomes bolder and more caffeine-rich. Avoid steeping beyond 24 hours, as it can turn bitter.

For tea, follow the tea vendor's recommendations, as steeping times vary by type.

Common questions about the Toddy Artisan

Can I make tea in the Toddy Artisan?

Yes, the brewer is designed for both coffee and artisanal tea. Use the same steeping and straining process, but adjust the amount and steeping time based on the tea type.

How long does cold brew concentrate last?

Stored in the refrigerator in the brew-and-store container, it keeps for up to 1 week.

Do I need a special grind?

A coarse grind works best. If you use pre-ground coffee, choose a coarse setting or a cold brew-specific grind.