If you’re a coffee enthusiast looking to up your cold brew game, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll explore all you need to know about choosing the perfect coffee beans. They will give you a smooth and refreshing cold brew.
So grab your favorite mug and let’s dive in!
Oh yes, some of the links are affiliate links from Amazon or other partners. This means that if you click on a link and as a result, you buy from them, I may get a little commission. However, this will not make your products any more expensive. See more about this in my PP.
In this blog post we will look at the following:
Cold Brew Coffee Beans: What You Need to Know
Before we jump into the nitty-gritty of bean selection, it’s important to understand the basics of cold brew coffee beans. We’ll cover the brewing process and the best flavors. We’ll cover all you need for your cold brew adventures.
Cold brew is often served with milk, so that might solve your question and concern: Is Black Coffee Good For You?
Brewing the Perfect Cold Brew
Cold brew coffee is not the same as iced coffee, which is simply hot coffee poured over ice. To make cold brew coffee, steep coarse coffee grounds in cold water. You can also use room-temperature water. You do this for 12 to 24 hours, depending on your preference. This method extracts the beans’ natural flavors and oils. It makes a smooth, low-acid, and highly caffeinated brew. You can enjoy it hot or cold.
Did you know you can make cold brew using pods/capsules? Check out my post on the topic Keurig K Select Vs K Classic. They have several options for your coffee cravings.
To make cold-brew coffee at home, you’ll need a few things:
- A large jar or pitcher with a lid
- A filter or cheesecloth
- Coarsely ground coffee beans (more on that later)
- Cold or room-temperature water
- You can check out my Toddy Cold Brew System Review. A really useful tool there…
The ratio of coffee to water can vary depending on how strong you like your cold brew. A good starting point is 1:4 (one part coffee to four parts water). I have a detailed guide with a “cold brew coffee ratio calculator“. But here are the basic steps to follow:
- Add the ground coffee beans to the jar or pitcher and fill it with water. Stir well to make sure all the grounds are wet.
- Cover the jar or pitcher with a lid and let it sit at room temperature or in the refrigerator for 12 to 24 hours. The longer you steep, the stronger and more flavorful your cold brew will be.
- After the steeping time is up, strain the coffee through a filter or cheesecloth into another container. You can discard the grounds or use them for composting.
- Enjoy your cold brew as it is or dilute it with more water, milk, cream, or sweetener of your choice. You can also heat it up if you prefer a hot drink.
Choosing the Right Coffee Beans for Cold Brew
With so many bean options out there, finding the right ones for your cold brew can feel overwhelming. Fear not! In this section, we’ll break down the types of coffee beans and their unique traits. This will help you find your perfect match.
Exploring Different Bean Types for Cold Brew
Ready to broaden your horizons? We’ll take you on a journey through various bean types, from the exotic and flavorful specialty coffee beans to the rich and bold dark roast delights. Get ready to explore a world of flavors!
Unleashing the Flavor: Specialty Coffee Beans for Cold Brew
For those seeking a taste adventure, specialty coffee beans are the way to go. We’ll cover unique flavors, complex processing, and the artistry behind specialty coffee.
This will ensure your cold brew is extraordinary.
What are specialty coffee beans?
Specialty coffee beans are high-quality. They have been grown, harvested, processed, roasted, and brewed with care and attention to detail. They are graded by experts based on their aroma, flavor, body, acidity, balance, and overall quality.
Only beans that score 80 points or higher on a 100-point scale are considered specialty coffee beans.
Why are they good for cold brew?
Specialty coffee beans are great for cold brew. They have a wide range of flavors and smells. Cold brewing can make these better. Hot brewing can bring out some bad qualities in low-quality beans.
These include bitterness and acidity. Cold brewing is different. It keeps and highlights the natural sweetness and complexity of specialty coffee beans. Some examples of specialty coffee beans that are great for cold brew are:
- Ethiopian Yirgacheffe: with a floral, fruity, and citrusy notes. They make a refreshing and bright cold brew. See my ETHIOPIAN OROMIA YIRGACHEFFE Review here
- Nicaraguan Maragogype: famous for its large size. It has nutty, chocolatey, and caramel flavors. These create a smooth and rich cold brew.
- People prize Hawaiian Kona beans: for their smoothness. They also value their sweetness and hints of tropical fruits. These traits create a balanced and satisfying cold brew. You can read more about coffee from Hawaii here.
Dark Roast Delights: Why They’re Perfect for Cold Brew
If you prefer a bolder and more intense cold brew, dark roast beans are your best friend. We’ll uncover why these beans excel in cold brew. They have strong flavors and can endure the long brewing process.
What are dark roast beans?
Dark roast beans are beans that have been roasted for a longer time and at a higher temperature than light or medium roast beans. This results in a darker color, a stronger flavor, and a lower acidity.
Dark roast beans also have less caffeine than lighter roasts, as some of the caffeine is burned off during the roasting process. You find more details on the different roots in my post “Dark Roast Or Light Roast: What Coffee To Use For Espresso?
Why are they good for cold brew?
Dark roast beans are good for cold brew. They have a bold flavor that can stand up to the dilution from mixing with water, ice, or milk. They also have a lower acidity than lighter roasts, which makes them smoother and easier on the stomach.
Some examples of dark roast beans that are excellent for cold brew are:
- French Roast: This is one of the darkest and most popular roasts, with a smoky, charred, and slightly bitter flavor that creates a strong and intense cold brew.
- Italian Roast: This is another very dark roast, with a rich, dark chocolate, and slightly sweet flavor that produces a smooth and decadent cold brew.
- Espresso Roast: This is a dark roast that is specially designed for espresso machines, with a complex, caramelized, and slightly fruity flavor that results in a flavorful and aromatic cold brew.
Have you ever heard about coffee 2.0. Find out where we are heading!
One Origin, One Amazing Cold Brew: Single-Origin Coffee Beans
For the purists out there, single-origin coffee beans offer a truly distinct and authentic cold brew experience. We’ll explore the appeal of single-origin beans. They bring unique flavors to your cup. They elevate your cold brew game.
What are single-origin coffee beans?
Single-origin coffee beans come from one region, country, or farm. They are not blended with other beans from different origins, which means they retain their original flavor and aroma. Single-origin coffee beans can vary widely.
This variation depends on the climate, soil, altitude, and processing methods of their origin.
Why are they good for cold brew?
Single-origin coffee beans are good for cold brew. They let you appreciate the nuances and subtleties of each origin’s terroir.
Terroir is a French term. It refers to the factors that affect the taste and quality of products like wine, cheese, and coffee.
By using single-origin coffee beans for your cold brew, you can enjoy a pure and unadulterated expression of each origin’s terroir.
Some examples of single-origin coffee beans that are fantastic for cold brew are:
- Colombian Supremo beans: grown in the high altitudes of Colombia. They have a smooth, balanced, and slightly fruity flavor. This flavor makes a refreshing and crisp cold brew.
- Sumatra Mandheling: grown in the volcanic soil of Sumatra. It has an earthy, spicy, and herbal flavor. This flavor creates a complex and exotic cold brew.
- Kenya AA beans: grown on the fertile slopes of Mount Kenya. They have a bright, acidic, berry-like flavor. This makes for a lively and vibrant cold brew.
Arabica Excellence: Why It’s Ideal for Cold Brew
Arabica beans are famous for their great quality and flavors. They are a popular choice for cold brew fans. I’ll explain what makes Arabica beans special. I’ll show how they differ from other beans. And I’ll also say why they’re perfect for your cold brew.
What are Arabica beans?
Arabica beans are one of the two main types of coffee beans in the world (the other being Robusta). They are grown at higher altitudes than Robusta beans. This gives them more time to develop their flavor and aroma. Arabica beans also have more natural sugars and oils. This makes them sweeter and smoother than Robusta beans.
Arabica beans account for about 60% of the world’s coffee production. But, did you know there are several Arabica types? Learn more in my new post Different Arabica Types.
Why are they good for cold brew?
Arabica beans are good for cold brew. They have a more delicate and complex flavor than Robusta beans. The cold brew process can enhance their flavor. They also have less caffeine than Robusta beans. So, you can drink more cold brew without getting jittery.
Some examples of Arabica bean varieties that are wonderful for cold brew are:
- Bourbon: This is one of the oldest and most widely cultivated varieties of Arabica beans. It has a sweet, fruity, and floral flavor that creates a smooth and elegant cold brew. (Here is a link to my Cooper’s Cask Coffee Review.)
- Typica: This is another ancient and widespread variety of Arabica beans. It has a mild, nutty, and chocolatey flavor that produces a balanced and classic cold brew.
- Geisha: This is a rare and highly sought-after variety of Arabica beans. It has a delicate, tea-like, and jasmine-like flavor. This creates a refined and exquisite cold brew.
Going Organic: Sip Responsibly with Organic Cold Brew Beans
Organic coffee beans are grown without synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or GMOs. Various organizations certify them. The groups ensure that organic farming meets environmental and social standards.
Organic coffee beans are good for cold brew. They are more eco-friendly, healthy, and often tastier than regular beans.
Some of the best organic coffee beans for cold brew are:
- Bizzy Organic Cold Brew Coffee is a blend of beans from Guatemala, Peru, and Nicaragua. The blend has a smooth, low-acidity taste. It is specially designed for cold brew and comes in coarse ground or whole bean form.
- Tiny Footprint Coffee Organic Cold Brew Cold Press Elixir is 100% organic. It’s made from shade-grown Arabica coffee. It has sweet, bright, and floral notes. It is carbon-negative, meaning it offsets more carbon than it produces.
- Stone Street Coffee Cold Brew Reserve is a dark roast. It has a rich, chocolaty, slightly sweet flavor. It is sourced from Colombia and comes in coarse ground or whole bean form.
So, you got your coffee ready, but like something for the other hand? See what flavors that go with coffee here.
The 5 Best Coffee Beans for Cold Brew
So, what are the best coffee beans for cold brew? You’re looking for the best coffee beans for cold brew. You might want to check these 5 brands I found online. Customers rate them all highly. They offer many flavors and roasts to fit your tastes.
- Death Wish Coffee Company Ground Coffee is one of the strongest coffees. It is also one of the most caffeinated in the world. It has a dark roast and a smooth flavor. It is USDA-certified organic and fair trade and comes in a resealable bag to keep it fresh.
- Peet’s Coffee Big Bang is a medium roast. It has a bright, fruity flavor with notes of citrus, floral, and berry. It is made from 100% Arabica beans sourced from Ethiopia, Kenya, and Latin America.
- Stone Street Whole Bean Coffee is a dark roast. It has a rich, chocolaty flavor. It has low acidity and a smooth finish. It is specially crafted for cold brew and comes in whole bean form to preserve its freshness.
- Bizzy Organic Cold Brew Coffee is a light roast. It has a smooth, sweet flavor with hints of caramel, hazelnut, and chocolate. It is USDA-certified organic and coarsely ground for optimal extraction. See my Bizzy Cold Brew Review for more information on this one.
- This is a light roast coffee. It has a bright flavor with notes of citrus, milk chocolate, and cream. It is made from 100% Arabica beans sourced from Central and South America. See my post Best coffee from South America!
Or, if you rather just buy it pre-made from some of the best brands, learn more in my Java House Cold Brew Review
Another cool and awesome way to make your coffee is the AeroPress. Now, here are two types… So find out more about them in my post AeroPress Original vs Go.
Conclusion – finding the best coffee beans for cold brew
Cold brew coffee is a delicious and refreshing way to enjoy your favorite beverage. You can make it at home. It offers many benefits: a smoother taste, lower acidity, and more caffeine. However, not all coffee beans are suitable for cold brew. You need to choose the right beans that match your preferences and expectations.
In this guide, we have explored the best types of coffee beans for cold brew. They include specialty, dark roast, single-origin, Arabica, and organic beans. I have also shared some of the best cold brew coffee bean brands that you can find online. You can find the perfect beans for your cold brew. They may have a bold and intense flavor, a bright and fruity flavor, or a smooth and sweet flavor.
I hope this guide has helped you to discover the best coffee beans for cold brew. Now you can enjoy your cold brew with confidence and satisfaction. Cheers!
FAQ
Are all coffee beans good for cold brew?
Not all coffee beans are created equal when it comes to cold brew. The ideal beans for this chilly concoction are medium roast. Why? Because they strike the perfect balance between flavor and extraction during the slow steeping process. Their smoother, less acidic profile shines through, resulting in a delightful cold brew experience.
So, while you can technically use any coffee beans for cold brew, remember that the best results often come from choosing the right beans – medium roast is your top pick for that perfect, refreshing sip of cold brew coffee.
What type of coffee bean is best for cold brew?
Arabica beans are the top choice for cold brew. They offer a wide range of flavors, low acidity, and a subtle sweetness, making them perfect for a smooth and delightful cold brew experience. However, if you prefer a bolder taste, Robusta beans can be an alternative.
What bean roast is best for cold brew?
The ideal bean roast for cold brew is a medium roast. Here’s why:
Balanced Flavor: Medium roast beans strike the perfect balance between the rich flavors of dark roast and the bright acidity of light roast. This balance ensures that your cold brew is flavorful and not overly bitter.
Smooth Profile: Cold brew is known for its smooth, less acidic taste, and medium roast beans contribute to this by providing a mellow and well-rounded flavor.
In summary, when it comes to bean roast for cold brew, go for the versatile medium roast for a delightful and refreshing coffee experience.