How to make cold-brew coffee at home, no special tools required

Cold-brew concentrate can be mixed with water, left, or milk, right. Scott Suchman for The Washington Post; food styling by Lisa Cherkasky

During summer in my hometown of New Orleans, it can be sweltering even at 7 a.m. But I don’t sweat it. I’ve whittled down the time it takes for me to get out of bed and prepare my morning cold-brew coffee to a record low. Fill a cup with ice, splash in some concentrate and water, and I’m good to go.

I’ve never needed soaring temps to appreciate cold brew, though. I drink it year-round. It’s brighter, smoother and naturally sweeter, with less acidity and bitterness, than hot-brewed coffee. It’s also remarkably thirst-quenching.

Even better, it’s simple to prepare a week’s worth of cold-brew concentrate at home, ensuring coffee is always on hand. Ther