Copycat Stōk Cold Brew recipe is one of the easiest ways to make smooth and refreshing cold brew at home. All you need is coarse-ground coffee, cold filtered water, and a little time to let it steep in the fridge. The result is a rich coffee that you can enjoy over ice.

In this guide, I’ll show you the exact recipe, the best coffee to use, simple brewing tips, how to store it, and a few easy tricks to help you get great results every single time.

Table of Contents

Copycat Stōk Cold Brew Recipe Takeaways

Recipe Detail	Information
Recipe Name	Copycat Stōk Cold Brew Recipe
Recipe Type	Beverage / Cold Brew Coffee
Prep Time	10 minutes
Steeping Time	16–18 hours
Active Time	10 minutes
Total Time	About 16 hours 10 minutes
Servings	8 cups
Calories	2 kcal per serving (plain black)
Caffeine	Approximately 170 mg per 8 oz serving
Sugar	0 g
Fat	0 g
Carbohydrates	0 g
Rating	5 stars (294 reviews)

Copycat Stōk Cold Brew Recipe Ingredients

To make Stōk Cold Brew, you will need two main ingredients:

Coarsely ground medium-dark roast coffee beans	1 cup (around 85 grams)
Cold water	7 cups

Optional ingredients are:

½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1–2 teaspoons simple syrup
Milk, oat milk, or sweet cream

These optional ingredients enhance the taste by making it sweet and creamy. However, if you choose to skip them, then it’s still okay. They are optional for a reason, and you can still make a good Stōk Cold Brew without them.

Tools You Will Need for Copycat Stōk Cold Brew Recipe

For a delicious Copycat Stōk Cold Brew, you will need to have a few tools. They help in the recipe and allow you to get the job done smoothly.

The tools you need are:

Kitchen Tool	Why You Need It
Burr grinder (or any coffee grinder)	To grind whole coffee beans
Large glass jar (1.5–2 liters)	For mixing the coffee grounds and water while steeping.
Long spoon or spatula	To stir the coffee grounds and water evenly.
Lid or plastic wrap	To cover the jar while the coffee steeps in the refrigerator.
Measuring cups	To measure the coffee and 7 cups of filtered water accurately.
Fine-mesh strainer	To separate the coffee grounds from the brewed coffee.
Cheesecloth or paper coffee filters	For filtering out fine coffee particles and creating a smooth cold brew.
Large bowl or pitcher	To catch the filtered cold brew during straining.
Airtight glass bottle or pitcher	To store the finished cold brew in the refrigerator.
Serving glass	To serve the cold brew over ice.

Best Coffee Beans for a Copycat Stōk Cold Brew Recipe

For the closest homemade version of Stōk Original Cold Brew, use:

100% Arabica medium-dark roast
Brazilian-Colombian blend (or a quality Brazilian single origin)
Chocolate, caramel, and nutty tasting notes
Freshly ground to a coarse consistency

I recommend these Coffee Beans for making a Copycat Stōk Cold Brew:

Coffee Beans	Why They’re a Great Choice
Counter Culture Forty-Six	It has rich chocolate, caramel, and smoky sweetness, making it one of the closest matches to Stōk.
Lavazza Gran Selezione	The roasted nut flavors are amazing
Stumptown Hair Bender	These beans have chocolate, caramel, and subtle citrus notes
Peet’s Big Bang	Medium roast (with caramel sweetness)
Intelligentsia Black Cat Classic Espresso	Chocolate-forward with a creamy body that works surprisingly well for cold brew.
Stone Street Cold Brew Reserve	These beans are specifically roasted for cold brewing

If you prefer single-origin coffee instead of blends, then op for these origins, as they produce the closest Stōk-style flavor:

Origin	Flavor Profile
Brazil	Chocolate, hazelnut, low acidity
Colombia	Caramel, cocoa, balanced sweetness
Guatemala	Cocoa, honey, mild spice
Sumatra	Earthy, dark chocolate, full body

The coffee beans you should avoid for the Copycat Stōk Cold Brew recipe are:

Light roasts: They taste sour and thin when you make a cold brew.
French or Italian dark roasts: These beans become bitter after steeping.
Ethiopian light roasts: They taste floral and unlike cold brew.
Kenyan coffees: These beans have fruity flavors.

Copycat Stōk Cold Brew Recipe

The recipe of Stōk Cold Brew involves two main ingredients and a slow cold-steeping process. You will need coffee and water to make this. It’s an easy and affordable way to enjoy café-quality cold brew at home.

These are the recipe steps:

Step 1: Grind the Coffee

The first step in the Copycat Stōk Cold Brew recipe is grinding the coffee. If you already have ground coffee, then it’s good. You can simply use it as is to make the brew. Medium-dark roast beans with chocolate, caramel, or nutty notes produce the closest flavor to Stōk Original.

If you are using whole beans, grind them to a coarse consistency. Here’s the reference:

I always say this: Your ground coffee should look like raw sea salt or coarse breadcrumbs. Now, you know how much grinding I want from you. I recommend Burr grinders. In my experience, they grind in such a way that every size feels uniform. They don’t make coffee like dust. If your coffee beans turn into dust-like particles, the brew will be cloudy.

Avoid fine grounds, as they can make the cold brew bitter. On top of that, I have found that such coffee is difficult to filter.

Step 2: Combine the Coffee and Water

Next, add the coarse coffee grounds to a large glass jar. If you don’t have it, you can use a pitcher or a French press. It’s completely fine.

In it, slowly pour the 7 cups of filtered cold water over the grounds. Note that cold brew is 95 percent water, and it’s the most important ingredient. And I say this: the taste of your water will decide how your coffee will taste.

When you pour the 7 cups of water over the grounds, do not dump it all at once. What I do is I pour about a third of the water, and then stir to ensure no “dry pockets” exist. After this, I pour the rest.

Gently stir for about 25 seconds until all the grounds are evenly wet. It will look like:

Step 3: Steep the Coffee

In the third step, cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the coffee to steep for 16 to 18 hours.

Many ask me why not let coffee steep on the countertop. Well, it is certainly true that steeping on the counter speeds up the oxidation process. However, it can also make the brew taste flat. On the other hand, refrigeration keeps the coffee crisp and fresh.

Once you put the jar in the fridge, do not shake it. Disturbing the jar will break the sediment layer, and the coffee won’t taste good because of this.

Step 4: Filter the Cold Brew

Now, take out the jar from the fridge and pour the coffee through a fine-mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth. The reason cheesecloth is recommended is that it catches the debris and allows the fine coffee particles to pass through.

If it is not available, opt for a paper coffee filter. Melitta or Chemex filters are the best ones, in my opinion.

For the smoothest texture, I suggest filtering it a second time using a fresh paper coffee filter. In my experience, this removes any remaining fine particles.

Important Note: Do not squeeze the coffee grounds, as this can release bitter compounds into the finished brew.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

In the last step of Copycat Stōk Cold Brew recipe, transfer the filtered cold brew to an airtight glass bottle or pitcher.

Here, refrigerate the coffee for at least 1 hour before serving. The reason to do it is that the flavors fully develop and the coffee becomes ice cold.

After one hour of refrigeration, take the jar out. Fill a glass with ice, and pour the cold brew directly over it. Since this recipe is ready to drink, there is no need to dilute it. The final picture of Stōk Cold Brew is:

Enjoy it black, or add milk, sweet cream, oat milk, or a small splash of vanilla syrup. Whatever you decide!

How to Drink Stōk Cold Brew

Enjoying your Stōk Cold Brew is simple and delicious. Whether you like it black or fancy, you can customize it in seconds to fit your mood. Here are the easiest ways to drink it at home like a pro.

Method	How to Make It
Straight	Pour over plenty of ice and enjoy.
With Milk	Add your favorite milk or creamer to taste.
Sweetened	Stir in a little sugar or flavored syrup.
Coffee Float	Pour over a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

What to Eat with Your Cold Brew

Pairing your cold brew with the right snack makes your coffee break feel special. Since Stōk is very smooth, it tastes great with both sweet treats and savory breakfast foods.

Snack Type	What to Pair
Sweet	Donuts, muffins, or a chocolate cookie.
Savory	Avocado toast, eggs, or a breakfast bagel.
Light	A bowl of yogurt or a handful of nuts.
Crunchy	Buttered toast or a flaky croissant.

Why does SToK Cold Brew taste so good?

SToK Cold Brew tastes so good because it is brewed slowly. During the 10 to 20-hour cold brewing process, the coffee extracts natural chocolate, caramel, and nutty flavors. Also, cold water is used instead of hot water, which allows the flavors to show their true colors. Note that hot brewing produces a bitter taste, which many of us dislike.

Moreover, if you filter out the brew correctly, you will enjoy the smoothest texture. It won’t have any gritty sediment, and the whole experience will be better.

Cold brew is also less acidic when you compare it with iced tea. That’s why people find it easy on the stomach and a healthier version.

What is the ratio for SToK Cold Brew?

The ratio for SToK Cold Brew is 1:7, which means 1 cup of coarse-ground coffee to 7 cups of filtered cold water. Make sure the measuring cup is accurate and is not damaged in any way.

When you are sure about the measurement, add a cup of coffee to a jar and then add the water. Pour water slowly and keep stirring in between so that the two ingredients blend smoothly.

Sweetened Cold Brew Recipe

The sweetened cold brew recipe is easy.

Start by pouring 1 cup of cold brew into a glass filled with ice and adding 1 to 2 teaspoons of simple syrup. Stir well.
Mix in 4 tablespoons of any milk. It can also be oat milk, almond milk, or cream.
In the next step, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla syrup or a few drops of vanilla extract.
Then, taste the coffee and add more sweetener (if needed).
Stir well and enjoy.

If you are craving a chocolate beverage, then try the copycat Dunkin’ Frozen Hot Chocolate recipe. It’s amazing.

How to make a Stok cold brew taste good

STōK Cold Brew already has a bold flavor, but you can make it even better with a few simple tips:

Always serve the brew over plenty of ice so that it feels refreshing.
Add a splash of milk, cream, or your favorite plant-based milk if you want a “fatty” touch..
If you prefer sweet taste, Sweeten it with simple syrup or maple syrup.
Add a few drops of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
Sprinkle a little cinnamon or cocoa powder on top.
Use coffee ice cubes so your drink doesn’t get watered down.

Where to Get stok cold brew concentrate?

Many people search for STōK Cold Brew Concentrate, but there is one important thing to know. STōK does not make a cold brew concentrate. All of its bottled black cold brew coffees are ready to drink, so you can pour them over ice without adding water.

You can find STōK Cold Brew at most large grocery stores and online retailers. Top choices are:

Walmart
Target
Kroger
Safeway
Publix

Copycat Stōk Cold Brew Recipe Variations

If you want to try different variations of Copycat Stōk Cold Brew, then I have got some great recommendations for you. I have tried many and have found these to be really amazing.

1. Decaf Cold Brew

Love the smooth taste of Stōk but want to skip the caffeine? Just use decaf coffee beans instead of regular ones. Follow your normal recipe. Use a coarse grind and steep in cold water for 12 to 24 hours. It tastes just as rich and chocolatey, so you won’t miss the caffeine at all.

2. Keto-Friendly Cold Brew

The good news is that you can stay on your keto diet while enjoying a creamy coffee. Skip the sugar and regular milk you use for your brew. Instead, add a splash of heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk to your cold brew for a velvety texture.

3. Vegan Cold Brew

Making a vegan brew version is simple. Just choose your favorite plant-based milk, and I always go for Oat milk because it is naturally creamy. If you want it lighter, try almond or soy milk. Add a dash of vanilla extract or maple syrup to make it extra tasty.

4. Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew

You can have the cozy taste of pumpkin spice all year round. Simply mix a spoonful of pumpkin puree, a dash of cinnamon, and a little maple syrup into your milk. Pour this spiced mixture over your cold brew and stir. It’s that simple.

If you are into unique lattes, then I have a great recommendation. Try a Dunkin’ Cookie Dough Latte recipe and tell me how it tastes.

Common Mistakes That Can Ruin Homemade Cold Brew

Want to make perfect cold brew every time? Many people accidentally make their coffee taste bitter or weak. Avoid these common mistakes to ensure your homemade cold brew is as smooth and delicious as the famous Stōk brand.

Using a Fine Grind: Never use coffee meant for drip machines. It makes your coffee muddy and bitter. Always use an extra-coarse grind for a clean, smooth taste.
Wrong Water Quality: Since your drink is mostly water, use filtered water. Tap water with a strong chlorine taste will ruin the flavor of your premium coffee beans.
The “Guessing” Game: Don’t just pour water in randomly. Use a consistent 1:4 ratio (1 part coffee to 4 parts water). This ensures your brew is strong and bold every single time.
Steeping Too Long: Leaving your grounds in for more than 24 hours makes the coffee taste woody. Stick to the 16–20 hour “sweet spot” for the best results.
Skipping Double Filtration: If your coffee is gritty, you didn’t filter it enough. Use a fine-mesh sieve first, then pass it through a paper filter to get that silky, professional texture.

How to Store Homemade Cold Brew Properly

Proper storage is the secret to keeping your cold brew fresh for the whole week. Follow this quick guide to keep your batch tasting like you just made it, every time you pour a glass.

Storage Tip	Why It Matters
Use Airtight Glass	Keeps out fridge odors and prevents the coffee from going stale.
Keep it Concentrated	Store as a strong concentrate to save space and keep flavor intense.
Refrigerate Promptly	Always keep it in the fridge (not on the counter) to stop bacteria growth.
Avoid the Door	Store in the back of the fridge to keep the temperature steady.
Shelf Life	Your homemade batch will stay fresh for up to 7–10 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make This Copycat Stōk Cold Brew Without a French Press?

Yes, you can. You don’t need a French press to make great cold brew. Just use a clean, large mason jar or any glass pitcher. Add your coarse coffee grounds and cold water, then stir everything together. Cover it with a lid or plastic wrap and let it sit on your counter or in the fridge. When it’s done, just pour the mixture through a paper coffee filter or a fine-mesh sieve into a new jar. It’s that simple!

How Long Should Homemade Cold Brew Steep?

For the best taste, let your coffee steep for 16 to 20 hours. This is the perfect amount of time to get that bold Stōk flavor. If you steep for less than 12 hours, your coffee will taste weak. If you go longer than 24 hours, it might start to taste bitter or woody.

Why Does My Cold Brew Taste Bitter?

Bitter coffee is usually caused by two things: the grind is too fine, or it is steeped too long. If your grounds look like flour, they will over-extract and turn bitter. Make sure they are coarse, like sea salt. Also, never steep for more than 24 hours. Lastly, make sure you use filtered water. If your tap water has a strong chlorine smell, that taste will end up right in your coffee.

How Long Does Homemade Cold Brew Last?

Can I Use Pre-Ground Coffee?

You can, but it’s not the best choice. Most pre-ground coffee in stores is ground too finely, which makes cold brew taste bitter and gritty. If you have to use pre-ground, try to find a bag labeled “French Press” or “Coarse.”

Can I Add Milk Before Storing Cold Brew?

No, please don’t! You should keep your cold brew concentrate black and add milk or cream only when you are ready to drink a glass. Dairy and plant milks can spoil, so mixing them into a whole pitcher will make the coffee go bad much faster.

Is Homemade Cold Brew Stronger Than Regular Coffee?

Yes, homemade cold brew is stronger than regular coffee. Cold brew is made as a concentrate, which means it uses much more coffee than a regular cup. Because you use so many grounds, the caffeine levels are naturally higher. However, you are meant to dilute it. Most people mix one part cold brew concentrate with one part water or milk. If you drink it straight, it will be very strong.

Conclusion

This Copycat Stōk Cold Brew recipe is very easy to make at home. Simply mix coarse-ground coffee with cold filtered water and let it steep in the refrigerator for 16 to 18 hours. Once it is ready, strain the coffee well to remove the grounds and chill it before serving. Pour it over ice and enjoy a smooth, rich cold brew just like Stōk.