Cold brew coffee has become a staple for its exceptionally smooth, less acidic, and naturally sweet character. Unlike traditional hot brewing methods that can extract bitter oils and acids, the slow, cold steeping process results in a mellow concentrate that is incredibly versatile. Whether you enjoy it black over ice or diluted with your favorite milk, the foundation of a perfect cold brew is, without a doubt, the coffee beans you start with.
Choosing the right coffee can feel overwhelming with so many options available. The best beans for cold brew are often those with chocolatey, nutty, or fruity notes that become pronounced during the long brew time. From coarse grounds designed specifically for immersion to convenient concentrates and single-origin whole beans, this roundup will guide you to the ideal bag for your brewing journey.
The Best Coffee Beans and Concentrates for Cold Brew
- Low Acid Organic Coffee by Java Planet
- Stone Street Cold Brew Reserve Colombian Coffee
- Bizzy Organic Cold Brew Coffee
- Cooper’s Cask Coffee Ethiopian Cold Brew Blend
- Cold Brew Lab All Day Cold Brew Coffee Bags
- Peet’s Coffee Baridi Cold Brew Blend
- La Colombe Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate
- Kicking Horse Coffee, Kick Ass, Dark Roast
Low Acid Organic Coffee by Java Planet
For those who find regular coffee too harsh on their stomach, Java Planet offers an exceptional solution. This Guatemalan single-origin coffee is a medium roast, which helps retain its natural flavor profile while significantly reducing the acidity. You can expect a smooth, full-flavored cup with distinct notes of caramel, chocolate, and subtle fruit undertones, a complexity that comes from being shade-grown under a canopy of guava, plantain, and banana trees.
Beyond being stomach-friendly, this coffee is committed to purity and sustainability. It is certified Organic and Smithsonian Bird Friendly, ensuring the beans are grown without pesticides and that farmers are rewarded for their eco-friendly practices. Every batch is independently tested to be free from mold and heavy metals, so you are getting only the beneficial antioxidants from high-altitude grown beans.
Stone Street Cold Brew Reserve Colombian Coffee
Stone Street Cold Brew Reserve is a purpose-built option for cold brew enthusiasts. Sourced from a single origin in Colombia, these beans are specifically roasted and then coarse ground to optimize the cold extraction process. The coarse grind is essential as it prevents over-extraction and sediment in your final brew, resulting in a remarkably clean and crisp cup.
This coffee is known for producing a smooth, low-acidity cold brew with a well-rounded body. The flavor profile typically features classic notes of dark chocolate and nutty undertones, making for a consistently satisfying and robust concentrate. If you want a no-fuss, high-quality coffee that is tailored from the start for your cold brew maker, this is a fantastic choice.
Bizzy Organic Cold Brew Coffee
Bizzy Organic Cold Brew Coffee takes the guesswork out of grinding by providing a ready-to-use coarse ground blend. Made from 100% organic Arabica beans, it is designed to deliver a smooth, less acidic result every time. This is an excellent option for beginners or anyone who values convenience without compromising on quality.
The blend is crafted to highlight a smooth and slightly sweet flavor profile that stands up well to dilution and ice. By focusing on a single product specifically for cold brew, Bizzy ensures that the roast and grind are perfectly calibrated for a long, slow steep. It’s a reliable and efficient way to make a great batch of cold brew at home.
Cooper’s Cask Coffee Ethiopian Cold Brew Blend
For a cold brew with a brighter, more complex character, consider Cooper’s Cask Ethiopian Yirgacheffe blend. Sourced from the famous Yirgacheffe region, these whole beans are known for their floral and citrus notes. When used for cold brew, these characteristics translate into a remarkably vibrant and aromatic concentrate that is different from the typical chocolatey profiles.
This blend is roasted with the cold brew method in mind, aiming to balance the delicate, tea-like qualities of the Ethiopian beans with a body that holds up to the brewing process. If you enjoy a fruit-forward and nuanced cold brew that is both refreshing and complex, this whole bean coffee offers a unique and rewarding experience.
Cold Brew Lab All Day Cold Brew Coffee Bags
Cold Brew Lab Coffee Bags are the ultimate solution for convenience and easy cleanup. Functioning much like large tea bags, they are pre-filled with the ideal amount of coarse ground coffee. You simply steep the bag in water for the recommended time and then dispose of it—no messy filters or separate grinding required.
This format is perfect for single servings or making a small pitcher of cold brew without any special equipment. It’s an ideal choice for office kitchens, travel, or anyone with a busy lifestyle who still wants to enjoy a fresh, homemade cold brew. The result is a smooth, balanced cup with minimal effort.
Peet’s Coffee Baridi Cold Brew Blend
Peet’s Coffee, a name synonymous with quality, has created a blend specifically for cold brewing: Baridi. This dark roast whole bean coffee is crafted to produce a cold brew that is both bold and exceptionally smooth. The dark roast develops deep, rich flavors that stand out even when served over ice.
The Baridi blend is designed to highlight sweet, chocolatey notes while minimizing bitterness, a common challenge with dark roasts. For those who prefer a stronger, more robust cold brew with a full body and classic dark roast characteristics, this dedicated blend from a trusted roaster is a compelling option.
La Colombe Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate
When you need your cold brew fix instantly, La Colombe’s Coffee Concentrate is the answer. This product eliminates the waiting time entirely; you simply mix the concentrate with water or milk to your preferred strength. The 32 oz bottle provides multiple servings, making it a cost-effective and time-saving solution.
La Colombe is known for its high-quality roasting, and this concentrate captures the smooth, rich, and low-acidity profile of a professionally made cold brew. It’s perfect for a quick morning routine, for stocking your fridge for guests, or for use in coffee-based cocktails and recipes.
Kicking Horse Coffee, Kick Ass, Dark Roast
Kicking Horse Coffee’s Kick Ass blend is a powerful and bold dark roast that makes for an intense and flavorful cold brew. As whole beans, they allow you to grind fresh for the ultimate extraction. This coffee is certified organic and fair trade, sourced from Central and South America, and Indonesia.
The flavor profile is deep and complex, with notes of dark chocolate, licorice, and molasses. When brewed cold, these characteristics create a rich, syrupy concentrate that is perfect for those who like their coffee strong and impactful. It’s a great choice for anyone looking to use a high-quality, widely available gourmet coffee for their cold brew experiments.
What to Look For in the Best Coffee for Cold Brew
When I make cold brew at home, I focus on a few key things to get that smooth, rich, and low-acidity cup I love. The long, cold extraction process really changes the final flavor compared to hot brewing, so your bean choice matters a lot. Here’s my personal guide on what to look for when you’re hunting for the best coffee for cold brew.
First up is the roast profile. I almost always go for a medium to dark roast. The reason is simple: these roasts tend to bring out those deep, chocolatey, nutty, and sometimes even spicy notes that stand up so well to the cold brew method. Light roasts, with their brighter, fruitier acidity, can sometimes taste a bit sharp or muted when brewed cold. A dark roast gives you that classic, robust cold brew character that’s less about bright fruit and more about a smooth, comforting base.
Next, let’s talk about the origin and blend. I’ve had great success with single-origin beans from Brazil or Sumatra. They often have those inherent chocolate and earthy tones that are just perfect. But don’t sleep on a good espresso blend! Many espresso blends are crafted for a full-bodied, balanced flavor that translates amazingly to cold brew. They’re designed to be strong and flavorful, which is exactly what you want after a 12-24 hour steep.
The grind size is non-negotiable. You need a coarse grind, similar to raw sugar or breadcrumbs. If the grind is too fine, you’ll end up with a muddy, over-extracted, and bitter brew. It can also make filtering a complete nightmare. I highly recommend buying whole beans and grinding them yourself right before you brew. The flavor difference is noticeable. If you must buy pre-ground, look for a bag specifically labeled for cold brew or French press.
Finally, think about the flavor profile you enjoy. Do you like your cold brew straight, strong, and black? A single-origin or a dedicated cold brew blend is your best bet. Do you plan on adding milk, cream, or a sweetener? A darker, bolder roast will hold its own and not get lost when you add other ingredients. Experimenting is part of the fun, but starting with these guidelines will set you up for a fantastic homemade batch every time.
FAQ
What kind of roast is best for cold brew?
In my experience, medium to dark roasts are the way to go for cold brew. The cold brewing process naturally tames the acidity and highlights the deeper, sweeter notes in the beans. Dark roasts give you those classic chocolate, caramel, and nutty flavors that make cold brew so satisfying and smooth. While you can use a light roast, it often results in a less traditional, sometimes tarter cup.
Can I use pre-ground coffee for cold brew?
You absolutely can, but there’s a catch. You must make sure it’s ground coarsely. A fine grind will lead to over-extraction and a sludgy final product. If you’re buying pre-ground, look for a bag labeled specifically for “cold brew” or “French press.” For the freshest and best-tasting results, I always recommend grinding whole beans yourself just before brewing.
How long should I steep my cold brew?
I typically steep my cold brew for between 12 and 24 hours. A 12-hour steep will yield a lighter, smoother cup, while a full 24-hour steep will be much stronger, bolder, and more concentrated. I like to start tasting it around the 16-hour mark to see if it’s reached my preferred strength. It’s all about personal preference, so don’t be afraid to experiment with the time to find your perfect brew.
What’s the coffee-to-water ratio for cold brew?
My standard ratio for a cold brew concentrate is 1 cup of coarsely ground coffee to 4 cups of cold, filtered water. This makes a strong concentrate that you can dilute with water or milk over ice. If you prefer a ready-to-drink brew right from the jar, try a ratio of 1 cup of coffee to 8 cups of water. Remember, you can always adjust this to match your taste.
Do I need a special machine to make cold brew?
Not at all! While there are dedicated cold brew makers out there, all you really need is a large jar or pitcher and a fine-mesh sieve or a cheesecloth for filtering. I often just use a big mason jar, stir in my coffee and water, let it sit on the counter, and then strain it into another jar. It’s one of the simplest brewing methods out there.