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Cold brew coffee seems to be everywhere nowadays. Walk into any busy, bustling high-street coffee shop, and you’ll see a multitude of different cold brew concoctions on the menu. This brew is definitely gaining traction with the hip crowd, and for good reason. It’s known for its smooth and mild flavors combined with minimal acidity and low bitterness.
Cold brewing can be a great method to release a coffee bean’s most subtle flavors. Plus, nothing beats it on a hot summer’s day when the sun is out – it’s the perfect beverage and far better than soda! Any coffee enthusiast owes it to themselves to try and make a batch of cold brew at home, if only once.
But before you run out to buy some coffee beans, you need to know that all are not perfect for cold brew coffee. Luckily for you, Bean Ground has your back. I’ve taken a caffeine-infused trip this past week and tried a vast selection of coffee and handpicked the beans that I truly believe make the best cold brew coffee.
What Is Cold Brew?
I have already written a lengthy post on the ins and outs of this style of coffee, which you can find here, so definitely check that out.
But to briefly summarize. Cold brew coffee is made without any heat at all. The brewing process, more often than not, requires that the coffee beans are steeped in cold water for a more extended period, typically over 12 hours, to extract as much flavor from the beans as possible.
Compared to regular hot coffee, cold brew is very different, and it shouldn’t be confused with iced coffee, which is made from regular brewed coffee that’s then poured over ice. There is a downside to cold coffee brewing.
The process calls for twice the amount of grounds you would use for regular hot coffee, so the costs can stack up. Not only that, this method needs a type of coffee that can endure the long steeping process, and not every bean is up to that job.
But rest assured, all of the coffee varieties I have listed below make a great-tasting cup of coffee with robust flavors – I’m still buzzing from the cold brew taste tests.
Best Coffee Beans For Cold Brew 2023
I’m sure you’re eager to discover our favorite types of beans for this cold brewing process. So without further ado, below, I have listed our top eight, starting with our best recommendations at the top.
Cooper’s Cask Coffee Cold Brew Coffee Box Set
I had such a fantastic time diving into the world of coffee with Cooper’s Cask Coffee Cold Brew Coffee Box Set.
Trying out the different flavors from Colombia, Guatemala, and Peru felt like I was bringing a coffee carnival right into my own kitchen.
The Colombian blend, with its sweet cocoa hint, quickly became my go-to for a morning pick-me-up. Then, in the afternoon, I enjoyed the smooth and chocolatey notes of the Guatemalan blend, which had a touch of caramel that made it even more delightful.
And the Peruvian blend, wow! Its rich flavor with a hint of cherry and citrus gave my cold brew routine an exciting twist.
The best part was how easy it was to brew, thanks to the handy filters included in the set. Plus, with the subscription option, I know I can keep this coffee adventure going. It’s not just a purchase; it feels like I’ve invested in a worldwide coffee journey right in the comfort of my home.
Volcanica Cold Brew Coffee Blend
Stumbling upon Volcanica Coffee’s Cold Brew Coffee felt like stumbling upon a hidden treasure in the coffee world. The combination of strong Sumatra and smooth Arabica beans is a coffee lover’s dream come true, giving my taste buds a gentle and flavorful hug.
The sweet chocolate and nutty flavors made me feel like I was wrapped in warmth on a crisp morning.
I was also impressed by the Kosher certification and the medium roast level, which told me a lot about the coffee’s top-notch quality and craftsmanship. When I followed the brewing instructions, making the perfect cold brew was a piece of cake.
This coffee isn’t just a beverage; it’s a journey through a harmonious blend of flavors that’s both elegant and easy to brew just the way I like it.
Lifeboost Coffee Biotics Cold Brew
Trying Biotics Cold Brew from Lifeboost Coffee felt like having a skilled barista right in my kitchen. Those single-origin Arabica beans, carefully hand-picked, created a medium-roast cold brew that made waking up a true delight. The easy-to-use packaging made brewing cafe-quality coffee at home a piece of cake.
What I loved most was that this coffee brand fits right into my health-conscious lifestyle. It’s non-GMO, dairy-free, and sugar-free, which aligns perfectly with my dietary choices. Each sip tasted as if the beans were freshly roasted, blending health and taste in a way that’s hard to come by.
This coffee didn’t just perk up my mornings; it seamlessly matched my health-conscious preferences, making it a guilt-free pleasure.
Coffee Bros. Cold Brew Blend
Sipping on Coffee Bros. Cold Brew Coffee Blend felt like a trip to my favorite coffee spots. The mix of Brazilian and Ethiopian Arabica coffee beans wrapped me up in a cozy blend of dark chocolate, mixed berries, and brown sugar flavors. The medium roast had just the right amount of boldness and no bitter taste at all.
Making this coffee was super easy, especially with the mason jar setup they recommended. It transformed my kitchen into a charming little cafe.
Each sip was like a gentle hug for my stomach because it was low on acidity. This blend isn’t just coffee; it’s like having a café experience right at home, and it’s easy on my tummy while still being full of flavor.
Bizzy Organic Cold Brew Coffee
Stepping into the world of cold brew with Bizzy Coffee’s blend was a great experience. The medium roast Arabica beans, with hints of hazelnut and caramel, made me feel like I was in a cozy coffee shop.
What really stood out was Bizzy’s dedication to making each brew smooth and perfect. They pay close attention to the details, like carefully sifting and grinding the beans. It felt like each 2lb bag came with a promise of consistency and a genuine love for coffee that I could taste in every sip.
This blend isn’t just about getting a caffeine boost; it’s a testament to Bizzy’s passion for delivering a flawless cold brew experience every time.
Stone Street Coffee Cold Brew Reserve
I recently tried Stone Street Coffee, which is an American coffee roastery. They’re all about specialty coffee, and just like the others I’ve mentioned, they roast their beans in small batches. What’s cool is that this blend is made specifically for cold brew.
One thing I really appreciate about Stone Street Coffee is their commitment to getting their coffee from small farms that treat their workers well and trade fairly. It makes me feel good about what I’m sipping.
Now, let’s talk about the taste. This blend is made from premium single-origin Colombian Supremo beans that are roasted dark. It gives the coffee a sweet, well-balanced, and bold flavor. I could taste hints of chocolate, sweet caramel, and a bit of fruitiness in there too.
Colombian Supremo beans are known to be some of the best in the world, so you’re definitely in for a treat with this one.
Best Coffee Roast For Cold Brew
A question that often crops up in conversation is what’s the best type of roast for cold brew. To be honest, this isn’t an easy question to answer, and many coffee enthusiasts are divided in their take on it.
But in truth, all coffee roasts will work well in cold brew. Some may taste better than others, but it’s all subjective and varies depending on who’s drinking the coffee.
If you’ve tried to make cold brew concentrate at home and didn’t enjoy the taste, it could very well be due to the roast, grind, or the amount of brew time you left the coffee steeping. Let’s take a closer look at each roast type in more detail.
Dark Roasted Beans
Dark roast and cold brewed coffee go hand in hand, and this type is often touted as one of the best for cold brew coffee, especially if you add a splash of milk to your final brew.
Dark roast cold brew will give you a rich and earthy-tasting coffee. If you add milk, the chocolatey, spicy, and nutty flavors tend to come through better when compared to a lighter roast.
Medium Roasted Beans
Just like dark roasts, medium roast coffee is also a fan favorite for use in the cold brew process. You can expect to find a balanced flavor with pleasing aromas but less bitterness, often found in dark coffee roasts.
Light Roasted Beans
Light roast coffee tends to offer slightly more delicate citrusy notes that can be hit or miss in cold brew, and it’s also pretty tricky to pull the flavors out from the beans. Thus a longer steeping time is required to extract these more nuanced flavors found in lighter roasted beans.
Grind Size and Extraction: Crafting the Perfect Cold Brew
As you venture into the realm of cold brew, understanding the art of grind size and its impact on the extraction process is akin to unlocking the secret to a truly exceptional brew. It’s a science that coffee aficionados hold dear to their hearts, and it can elevate your cold brew game to new heights.
Imagine this: you stand before your coffee grinder, armed with fresh beans and eager to create the perfect cold brew. The choice of grind size becomes your canvas, allowing you to paint a unique flavor profile on your palate.
Practical Tips for Choosing the Right Grind Size
Medium to Coarse Grind: Cold brew thrives on a medium to coarse grind. This means that your coffee beans should resemble sea salt or breadcrumbs rather than the fine powder you might use for espresso. The coarser grind allows for a slower extraction, leading to a smoother and less acidic brew.
Experiment and Observe: Don’t hesitate to experiment with different grind sizes. It’s all about finding that sweet spot that aligns with your taste preferences. Start with a medium-coarse grind and adjust from there based on your observations of flavor and strength.
Consistency Matters: Aim for uniformity in your grind size. Consistent particle size ensures even extraction. If some particles are too large, they may not release their flavors fully, while overly fine particles can lead to over-extraction.
Stay Patient: Patience is the key to cold brew success. Cold water and coarse grounds require time to work their magic. Allow your coffee to steep for at least 12 hours or even up to 24 hours for a stronger concentrate. The extended steeping time allows the flavors to develop gradually, resulting in a nuanced and rich brew.
I recall the first time I experimented with grind size for my cold brew. I started with a medium-coarse grind and steeped the coffee for a little over 18 hours.
The result was a revelation – a velvety, full-bodied brew with notes of dark chocolate and a hint of nuttiness. It was a far cry from the bitter experiences I had encountered with finer grinds in the past.
Over time, I fine-tuned my grind size to match the origin and roast level of the beans I used. Each batch became a personal journey of discovery, and I marveled at how a slight adjustment could bring out entirely different flavor profiles.
So, when you embark on your cold brew adventure, remember that grind size is your ally. It’s the compass that guides you toward a cold brew that’s uniquely yours. Embrace the experimentation, relish the process, and savor the extraordinary flavors that emerge from the perfect grind.
A Quick And Simple Cold Brew Recipe
Ingredients:
- Coarsely ground coffee beans (about 1 cup)
- Cold, filtered water (4 cups)
Equipment:
- A large jar or pitcher with a lid
- A fine-mesh sieve or coffee filter
- Cheesecloth (optional)
- Ice cubes (optional)
- Milk, cream, or sweeteners (optional)
Instructions:
- Grind the Coffee Beans: Start by coarsely grinding your coffee beans. The grind should be similar to sea salt or breadcrumbs, not too fine.
- Combine Coffee and Water: In your large jar, pitcher, or French Press, add the coarsely ground coffee beans. Pour in the cold, filtered water. Stir gently to ensure all the coffee grounds are fully saturated.
- Steep: Cover the jar or pitcher with a lid and let it steep at room temperature for at least 12 hours, or even up to 24 hours for a stronger concentrate. This slow steeping process allows the coffee to extract its flavors gradually.
- Strain the Coffee: After steeping, use a fine-mesh sieve or a coffee filter to strain the coffee into another container. If you prefer a smoother brew, you can line the sieve with cheesecloth. This will help remove any remaining fine coffee particles.
- Serve: Fill a glass with ice cubes (if desired) and pour the cold brew coffee over the ice. You can dilute the concentrate with water or milk to your preferred strength. Add any sweeteners or flavorings you like, such as sugar, syrups, or cream.
- Enjoy: Stir your cold brew coffee well and enjoy your refreshing, smooth, and flavorful cold brew coffee. You can also store any leftover concentrate in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Feel free to customize your cold brew with your favorite milk or sweeteners to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy!
How To Serve Cold Brewed Coffee
The best way to serve this style of cold coffee is to fill a glass with ice and fill it halfway with cold water. Take your cold brew concentrate and fill the rest of the glass to the top.
Another method is to replace water with milk and top up with your cold brew concentrate – you’ll get an impressive swirling effect as the milk and coffee combine. Coffee concentrate can keep fresh in the refrigerator for around two weeks, although the flavor does start to deteriorate after the first week.
Tips For Success
When you make cold brew coffee, I suggest that you grind your coffee relatively coarse somewhere between a medium and coarse grind is perfect. Any finer than that, and the coffee can become over-infused and have a gritty or muddy mouthfeel. Just like regular coffee brewing, always try to use fresh filtered water whenever possible. Believe it or not, just using good-quality water can elevate the taste of your brewed coffee.
Most recipes call for a minimum of 12 hours of steeping time. If you’re in a hurry, it’s okay to cut that time a little short, but remember that ground coffee needs time to extract all of the flavors and nuisance from the coffee, so longer steeping is going to reward you with a better-tasting cup.
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