- Best Cold Brew For Caffeine | Death Wish | Find on Amazon
- Best Cold Brew With Added Function | Four Sigmatic | Find on Amazon
- Best Single Origin beans | Cooper's | Find on Amazon
- Best Carbon-Negative Cold Brew Coffee | Tiny Footprint | Find on Amazon
Are you ready to elevate your coffee experience to the next level? If you haven't tried cold brew coffee yet, you're in for a treat! This smooth, mellow, and flavorful coffee has taken the world by storm for good reasons, and it has become a coffee shop essential.
With higher caffeine levels and a smoother taste than traditional iced coffee, it's little surprise that this tasty coffee drink has taken off. Not only does cold brew provide all-day energy, but it also brings out the complex flavors of your favorite roast while minimizing bitterness and acidity.
Because of its lengthy steeping process, cold brew is often more expensive than regular iced coffee filled with ice cubes. But thankfully, it's surprisingly easy to make at home! In this quick guide, we'll break down what cold brew is, how cold brew is made, and the best coffee for cold brew coffee so you can create a perfect cup of joe right at home.
What Is Cold Brew Coffee?
First, it's important to clarify that cold brew refers to the preparation process, not the temperature of the resulting coffee product. Though cold brew is most often served over ice, it can also be served as hot coffee.
Though it's seen a spike in popularity over the past few years, the origins of cold brew coffee can be all the way back to 16th century China. While coffee shops now use technology to ensure precision and consistency, the same fundamental cold brewing process is still in use centuries later.
One of the benefits of refreshing cold brews is that they are less acidic than hot brewed coffee, making cold brews an ideal brew method for people who appreciate low-acidic coffee.
How Cold Brew is Made
Making cold brew coffee is super easy, and it is very doable to make it in the comfort of your home without needing to purchase it from a coffee shop. You don't need fancy equipment to make the best cold brew, and this cold brewing method only requires a mason jar or French press, filtered water, and your favorite cold brew coffee blend.
To make cold brew coffee, ground coffee beans are soaked in room temperature water or cold water for upwards of twelve hours. This lengthy, low-temperature soak extracts the sugars, oils, and caffeine at a slower rate than hot brewing. The result of cold brewing is a highly-concentrated coffee with a smooth, mild flavor, low acidity level, and high caffeine content.
What To Look For When Shopping For Best Coffee Beans For Cold Brew
Determining the "best" coffee beans is a matter of personal preference and can vary from person to person. We suggest trying out different types and blends of coffee beans for your cold brewing until you find the one that suits your individual taste preferences the most.
Roast level
Generally, medium to dark roasts are the best coffee for making cold brew coffee. This is because they have a bold coffee flavor profile and lower acidity, which makes them more suitable for the cold brewing process.
Lighter roasts are not typically used for cold brewing. Lighter roasts may have a more subtle and nuanced flavor profile that can be appreciated in cold brew. However, remember that the resulting cold brew may have a lighter flavor and fewer chocolate notes and nutty taste compared to cold brew made with dark roasts.
Ultimately, the ideal roast level for cold brew coffee varies based on individual taste preferences. Therefore, it's recommended to experiment with different roast levels to determine the one that suits your personal taste the most.
Grind
The grind size is crucial for making the best cold brew, and it needs to be coarse enough to allow for a slow extraction process but not too coarse that the room-temperature water doesn't extract enough flavor from the beans. Look for coffee that is labeled as "coarse grind" or "French press" grind. Also, be on the lookout for coffee that is labeled as coffee for a bold brew for the perfect cold brew coarse grind.
When using pre-ground coffee, it's important to make sure that the coffee grounds grind size is suitable for cold brew because coffee grounds that are too fine can lead to over-extraction and a bitter taste, while coffee that is too coarse may result in a weak and under-extracted cold brew concentrate.
If you have a coffee grinder at home, seeking out whole cold brew coffee beans designed specifically for the cold brewing process is a great idea. Whole beans provide the flexibility to grind the coffee to your preferred consistency, ensuring you get the perfect extraction for your cold brew concentrate.
Flavor profile
When purchasing coffee, it's important to take into account the flavor profile of the beans. Some coffees have fruity, floral, or nutty notes that can come out more prominently in a cold brew. Choose a coffee with a flavor profile that you enjoy and one that will complement the cold brew method. If you are a coffee lover, we recommend starting with the beans you enjoy in hot coffee first.
Origin
Consider where the coffee is from, as this can also affect its flavor profile. Some regions are known for producing coffee with specific flavor notes, such as Central and South American coffees having nutty or chocolatey notes.
Quality
Always look for high-quality coffee beans, ideally single origin and specialty grade, as they will have more complex flavors and will be more enjoyable to drink. Avoid low-quality beans, as they may produce a flat or sour taste in your cold brew.
The Best Coffee for Cold Brew
Jo's Coffee Stone Cold Jo
Best Dark Roast
Source: Amazon
Jo's Coffee's Stone Cold Jo was crafted with cold brew lovers in mind, and it is perfect for coffee lovers who crave a smooth, refreshing, and satisfying cold brew experience. Made from the finest organic coffee beans and meticulously crafted to produce a consistently smooth and delicious brew, Jo's Coffee Stone Jo is the perfect way to beat the summer's heat.
The dark roast coffee beans have a robust flavor, low acidity, and silky smooth brew that's perfect for creating your favorite summer beverage at home. The long, slow steep helps bring out the hints of toffee, chocolate, and grape. Like all of Jo's Coffee's products, the Stone Cold Jo roast Arabica beans are organic and Fair Trade certified, so you can feel good about what you're putting into your body and enjoy drinking cold brew.
Our Ratings
Overall Rating: 4.5/5 Freshness: 4.6/5 Flavor: 4.5/5 Value for Money: 4.4/5 Quality: 4.5/5
Ingredients | Organic Arabica raw coffee |
Roast | Dark roast coffee |
Taste | Hints of toffee, chocolate, and grape |
Type | Ground |
Features | USDA Certified Organic, Fair Trade Certified, and Kosher Certified |
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Bizzy Organic Cold Brew Coffee Smooth & Sweet Blend
Best Medium Roast
Source: Amazon
If you are seeking a smooth and sweet blend coffee for cold brew, then you must check out Bizzy Organic Cold Brew Coffee. Its smooth and sweet flavor profile is perfect for cold brew, with notes of caramel and hazelnut that are balanced and delicious.
Bizzy Organic Cold Brew Coffee is expertly crafted from a blend of high-quality organic coffee beans sourced from Guatemala, Peru, and Nicaragua. With its coarse ground and micro-sifted texture, this coffee is specifically designed to deliver a consistently smooth and satisfying cold brew experience, making it the perfect way to beat the heat on a hot summer day. Whether you're a cold brew connoisseur or just getting started, this coffee blend is sure to deliver the perfect cup every time.
Our Ratings
Overall Rating: 4.6/5 Freshness: 4.6/5 Flavor: 4.6/5 Value for Money: 4.4/5 Quality: 4.5/5
Ingredients | Guatemala, Peru, and Nicaragua organic coffee |
Roast | Medium roast coffee |
Taste | Caramel and hazelnut |
Type | Ground |
Features | USDA Certified Organic, Fair Trade Certified |
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Allegro Coffee Organic Breakfast Blend
Best Breakfast Blend
Source: Amazon
If you are seeking the best coffee for cold brew that is light and mellow, look no further than Allegro Coffee Organic Breakfast Blend. This blend is perfect for coffee enthusiasts who want a smooth and mellow cold brewing experience that is a perfect choice to start the day. Made from a blend of organic beans sourced from Latin America and Ethiopia, Allegro Coffee Organic Breakfast Blend is the perfect way to start your day or enjoy a refreshing iced coffee.
The light roast features a smooth and balanced flavor profile. It has notes of milk chocolate, caramel, and citrus that are irritably delicious. And because it's made with high-quality non-GMO, organic beans and fair trade certified so you can feel good about purchasing and using this product. If you are to use this light roast for making a cold brew, keep in mind that it will be a lighter result than what you might be used to.
Our Ratings
Overall Rating: 4.5/5 Freshness: 4.5/5 Flavor: 4.2/5 Value for Money: 4.2/5 Quality: 4.5/5
Ingredients | Latin America and Ethiopia Coffee |
Roast | Light roast coffee |
Taste | Milk chocolate, caramel, citrus |
Type | Ground |
Features | USDA Certified Organic, Fair Trade Certified, Non-GMO verified |
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Death Wish Coffee Dark Roast Whole Beans
Best Cold Brew for Caffeine
Source: Amazon
If you're in need of a serious caffeine hit, a cold brew coffee made with Death Wish Coffee's Dark Roast will do just the trick! The New York-based coffee roaster boasts it has "the world's strongest coffee" thanks to a unique roasting technique that results in twice the caffeine of your average cup. With these high-caffeine coffee beans, you can make some serious cold brew concentrate that is sure to give you the jolt you need to tackle anything that comes your way.
When it comes to making the best coffee for cold brew that is highly caffeinated, Death Wish coffee is an excellent choice. Its bold and robust flavor profile lends itself well to the cold brew process, resulting in a smooth and satisfying cold brew. Their Dark Roast is made with a blend of USDA-certified organic and fair-trade Arabica and Robusta beans with no additives or artificial ingredients. The low acidity level, smooth taste, and subtle hints of cherry make it the perfect choice for cold brew. What we love about this whole bean coffee is you can grind it to the perfect coarse ground coffee, that is, if you have a coffee grinder at home.
It's worth noting that Death Wish coffee is not recommended for those with a low tolerance for caffeine. With its high caffeine content, this coffee packs a serious punch that may not be suitable for everyone. However, if you're looking for a strong and flavorful cold brew that will help you power through your day, Death Wish coffee is definitely worth a try.
Our Ratings
Overall Rating: 4.7/5 Freshness: 4.6/5 Flavor: 4.5/5 Value for Money: 4.4/5 Quality: 4.5/5
Ingredients | Arabica and Robusta whole coffee beans |
Roast | Dark roast coffee |
Taste | Stone fruit and dark chocolate flavor |
Type | Whole coffee beans |
Features | USDA Certified Organic, Fair Trade Certified |
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Organic Ground Coffee by Four Sigmatic
Best Cold brew with added function
Source: Amazon
Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee with Immunity Support is the perfect cold brewing coffee for coffee lovers who want to boost their immune system while enjoying a delicious cold brew coffee. Made from a blend of high-quality organic coffee beans and immune-supporting mushrooms, Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee with Immunity Support is the perfect way to kick-start your day or power through an afternoon slump.
Unlike the other coffee grounds, Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee features the unique use of medicinal mushrooms, such as chaga and reishi, which are known for their immune-boosting properties. These mushrooms are carefully selected and blended with the beans to create a delicious and healthy cold brew coffee that's perfect for any time of day.
When it comes to flavor, Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee Mix with Immunity doesn't disappoint, as it does not taste like mushrooms. Its smooth and well-balanced flavor profile, with hints of chocolate and cinnamon, is perfect for cold brew, and its low acidity makes it easy on the stomach. Since Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee is crafted using top-notch organic coffee beans and mushrooms, you can feel confident about the quality of the ingredients that you're consuming. Available in six different functions that vary from immune support to gut health, you will find one that fits your needs.
Our Ratings
Overall Rating: 4.5/5 Freshness: 4.5/5 Flavor: 4.2/5 Value for Money: 4.2/5 Quality: 4.5/5
Ingredients | 100% Arabica from Marcala, La Paz |
Roast | Medium roast coffee |
Taste | coffee or hot cacao |
Type | Ground |
Features | USDA Certified Organic |
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Cooper's Cask Coffee Guatemalan Coffee Beans
Best Single Origin beans
Source: Amazon
Cooper's Cask Coffee Guatemalan Coffee Beans is a delicious and refreshing way to enjoy the perfect cold brew experience. It is considered one of the best cold brew coffee on the market as it is made from a single origin of 100% organic Guatemalan coffee beans, this cold brew coffee is the perfect combination of quality, taste, and sustainability.
Cooper's Cask Coffee Guatemalan Coffee Beans boast a smooth and rich flavor profile that won't disappoint. With notes of creamy caramel with a subtle hint of orange and cherry, this coffee is the perfect choice for cold brew enthusiasts looking for a flavor-packed experience. Moreover, with whole cold brew coffee beans, you have complete control over the grind size to achieve the perfect brew. And for added convenience, pre-ground beans are also available for those without a grinder.
Our Ratings
Overall Rating: 4.6/5 Freshness: 4.5/5 Flavor: 4.2/5 Value for Money: 4.2/5 Quality: 4.5/5
Ingredients | Guatemalan Reserve Coffee |
Roast | Medium roast coffee |
Taste | Caramel with a touch of cherry and orange |
Type | Whole bean |
Features | USDA Certified Organic |
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Tiny Footprint Coffee
Best carbon-negative cold brew coffee
Source: Amazon
Tiny Footprint Coffee Organic Cold Brew Elixir is the perfect solution for coffee lovers who want a unique and delicious cold brew coffee experience. This cold brew elixir is made from a blend of high-quality, organic coffee beans that are carbon-negative, meaning that they have a net positive impact on the environment.
When it comes to flavor, Tiny Footprint Coffee Organic Cold Brew Elixir has a smooth and well-balanced flavor profile that is sweet and silky rich with subtle flavor notes of bright fruit and floral tones infused in a cocoa-like body. Since it's made with premium, organic coffee beans, you can have peace of mind knowing that you're consuming a high-quality product when drinking this coffee.
One distinctive aspect of this product is its dedication to sustainability. Tiny Footprint Coffee is the first coffee company in the world to be carbon-negative, and they allocate a portion of their earnings towards reforestation initiatives in Ecuador's Mindo cloud forest. This means that not only will you enjoy a delicious cold brew coffee, but you'll also be supporting environmental conservation efforts.
Our Ratings
Overall Rating: 4.5/5 Freshness: 4.5/5 Flavor: 4.2/5 Value for Money: 4.3/5 Quality: 4.5/5
Ingredients | Ecuador coffee |
Roast | Medium roast coffee |
Taste | Sweet, silky richness with subtle flavor notes of bright fruit and floral tones infused in a cocoa-like body |
Type | Ground |
Features | USDA Certified Organic |
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How We Picked
Our selection process for the best coffee beans for cold brew involves a meticulous approach, blending personal experience with comprehensive research of customer reviews from various retail platforms and expert barista feedback. We prioritize crucial factors such as coffee bean origin, flavor profile, taste, and overall quality to ensure we curate a premium collection that meets the highest standards. Our goal is to provide our esteemed readers with the top recommendations for the ultimate cold brew experience.
