Cold brew coffee has become a favorite among coffee enthusiasts for its smooth, rich flavor and lower acidity. If you’re wondering what the best coffee for cold brew is, you’re in the right place. Choosing the right coffee is crucial to achieving that perfect refreshing cup. From dark roasts to medium blends, there are plenty of options available that cater to different taste preferences.
In this guide, we’ll review some of the top cold brew coffee selections, perfect for crafting that deliciously smooth and invigorating beverage. These options include both pre-ground and whole bean varieties, ensuring that there’s something for everyone. Dive in to find your ideal cold brew match!
Best Coffee For Cold Brew – Our Top Product Picks
- Stone Street Cold Brew Coffee, Strong & Smooth Blend
- Bizzy Organic Cold Brew Coffee | Smooth & Sweet Blend
- Tiny Footprint Coffee – Organic Cold Brew Cold Press Elixir
- Cafe Du Monde Coffee Chicory
- Stumptown Coffee Roasters, Medium Roast Organic Whole Bean Coffee
- Peet’s Coffee, Dark Roast Ground Coffee – Major Dickason’s Blend
- Takeya Tritan Cold Brew Coffee Maker – Airtight Pitcher
- Cold Brew Lab Organic Coarse Ground Coffee
- Death Wish Coffee Co. Ground Coffee, The World’s Strongest Coffee
- Kicking Horse Coffee, Smart Ass, Medium Roast, Whole Bean
- Lavazza Super Crema Whole Bean Coffee Blend, Medium Espresso Roast
Stone Street Cold Brew Coffee, Strong & Smooth Blend
Stone Street Cold Brew Coffee is a standout choice for those who prefer a strong yet smooth cold brew. This dark roast coffee is made from 100% Arabica beans sourced from Colombia, known for its rich flavor profile. The coarse ground coffee is specifically crafted for cold brewing, ensuring a low-acid experience that is gentle on the stomach.
What I love about Stone Street is its robust, well-rounded flavor that doesn’t overpower. It’s perfect for those long summer days when you need a refreshing caffeine boost without the harshness. The single-origin beans provide a consistent taste that cold brew enthusiasts will appreciate. Whether you’re a seasoned cold brewer or just starting, this blend won’t disappoint.
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Bizzy Organic Cold Brew Coffee | Smooth & Sweet Blend
Bizzy Organic Cold Brew Coffee offers a delightful smooth and sweet experience. This medium roast blend uses specialty grade 100% Arabica beans, micro-sifted for an even and consistent grind. The result is a balanced cold brew that is both flavorful and easy on the palate. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a milder, sweeter coffee.
What sets Bizzy apart is its organic certification, ensuring you’re brewing with high-quality, responsibly-sourced beans. The medium roast brings out natural sweetness and a hint of fruitiness, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a less intense cold brew. This blend is versatile and works well with various milk and sweetener additions.
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Tiny Footprint Coffee – Organic Cold Brew Cold Press Elixir
Tiny Footprint Coffee offers an intriguing blend of light and dark roasts, crafted specifically for cold brewing. This organic coffee is shade-grown and fair trade, making it an excellent choice for environmentally conscious coffee lovers. The blend is designed to provide a complex flavor profile with a smooth finish.
What I find impressive about Tiny Footprint is its commitment to being carbon negative, meaning they offset more carbon emissions than they produce. The flavor is a delightful mix of bright, fruity notes with a deep, chocolatey undertone. It’s a versatile option that can be enjoyed black or with your favorite creamers.
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Cafe Du Monde Coffee Chicory
Cafe Du Monde Coffee Chicory is a unique choice for cold brew enthusiasts looking for something different. Known for its New Orleans roots, this blend combines coffee with chicory for a distinctively bold and rich flavor. The chicory adds a slight bitterness that balances well with the coffee’s natural sweetness.
This coffee is a great option if you’re looking for a robust flavor with a bit of a twist. It pairs beautifully with milk or cream, creating a smooth and creamy cold brew. For those who enjoy experimenting with their cold brew recipes, Cafe Du Monde offers a versatile base that accommodates a variety of flavor profiles.
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Stumptown Coffee Roasters, Medium Roast Organic Whole Bean Coffee
Stumptown Coffee Roasters is renowned for their commitment to quality and sustainability, and their Holler Mountain blend is no exception. This medium roast whole bean coffee features notes of citrus zest, caramel, and hazelnut, offering a rich and complex flavor profile perfect for cold brew.
I appreciate that Stumptown uses organic beans, ensuring a pure and clean coffee experience. The Holler Mountain blend produces a smooth and balanced cold brew that’s both refreshing and satisfying. It’s an excellent choice for those who enjoy a medium roast with a hint of sweetness and complexity.
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Peet’s Coffee, Dark Roast Ground Coffee – Major Dickason’s Blend
Peet’s Coffee Major Dickason’s Blend is a beloved dark roast that offers a rich, full-bodied flavor perfect for cold brew. This blend is known for its complexity, featuring a harmonious mix of deep, earthy tones with a hint of spice. It’s crafted from the finest beans and expertly roasted to bring out the best in each cup.
As a dark roast lover, I find Major Dickason’s Blend to be robust yet smooth, making it ideal for a refreshing cold brew. It stands up well to milk and sweeteners, providing a versatile base for various cold brew concoctions. Peet’s Coffee reputation for quality and consistency shines through in this exceptional blend.
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Takeya Tritan Cold Brew Coffee Maker – Airtight Pitcher
The Takeya Tritan Cold Brew Coffee Maker is an essential tool for creating homemade cold brew with ease. This BPA-free pitcher features an airtight, leak-proof lid that keeps your brew fresh and flavorful for days. The durable Tritan plastic is dishwasher safe and designed to withstand frequent use.
What I love about this coffee maker is its simplicity and efficiency. It allows you to brew up to 1 quart of cold brew, making it perfect for personal use or sharing with friends. The silicone handle provides a comfortable grip, and the sleek design fits easily in most refrigerators. If you’re looking to simplify your cold brew process, the Takeya Tritan is a great choice.
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Cold Brew Lab Organic Coarse Ground Coffee
Cold Brew Lab’s Organic Coarse Ground Coffee is crafted specifically for cold brewing, offering a rich and smooth flavor experience. This blend is made from premium organic beans that are coarsely ground to perfection, ensuring a full-bodied cold brew with minimal acidity.
As a fan of organic products, I appreciate the quality and consistency this coffee offers. It’s versatile enough to be enjoyed black or with your favorite creamers and sweeteners. The robust flavor profile makes it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a strong, refreshing cold brew.
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Death Wish Coffee Co. Ground Coffee, The World’s Strongest Coffee
Death Wish Coffee Co. is known for its bold claim as the world’s strongest coffee, and it’s no surprise why. This ground coffee is crafted from a blend of premium Arabica and Robusta beans, offering an intense caffeine kick that is perfect for those who love a strong brew. The rich, dark roast flavor is ideal for cold brew enthusiasts seeking an extra jolt.
Despite its strength, the coffee manages to deliver a smooth, enjoyable taste that pairs well with cold brewing. It’s perfect for those who need a serious wake-up call or simply love a robust cup of coffee. If you’re ready to take on the challenge of the world’s strongest coffee, Death Wish is your go-to choice.
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Kicking Horse Coffee, Smart Ass, Medium Roast, Whole Bean
Kicking Horse Coffee’s Smart Ass blend is a medium roast that offers a bright and lively flavor profile, perfect for cold brewing. Made from 100% Arabica beans, this whole bean coffee is known for its notes of chocolate, sugar cane, and a hint of citrus. The result is a smooth and delicious brew that’s both refreshing and energizing.
I enjoy the versatility of this blend, as it can be enjoyed both black and with cream or milk. The medium roast brings out the natural sweetness of the beans, making it a great choice for those who prefer a milder cold brew. Kicking Horse’s commitment to quality and sustainability is evident in every cup.
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Lavazza Super Crema Whole Bean Coffee Blend, Medium Espresso Roast
The Lavazza Super Crema blend is a medium espresso roast that offers a creamy, rich flavor perfect for cold brew. This whole bean coffee is a blend of Arabica and Robusta beans, providing a smooth and velvety texture with notes of honey, almonds, and dried fruit. It’s a delightful choice for those who enjoy a well-balanced cup.
One of the standout features of Lavazza Super Crema is its ability to maintain a full-bodied flavor without being overpowering. It’s a versatile blend that can be enjoyed straight or with added flavors. If you’re looking for a premium coffee experience with a touch of Italian flair, Lavazza is an excellent choice.
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Things to consider when buying the best coffee for cold brew
- Bean Type: The type of coffee bean you choose significantly impacts the flavor of your cold brew. Arabica beans are often preferred for their smooth and subtle flavors, while Robusta beans provide a stronger, more robust taste. Consider what flavor profile suits your palate best.
- Roast Level: Light to medium roasts are ideal for cold brewing as they often produce a well-balanced and smooth flavor. Dark roasts can sometimes taste bitter when used for cold brew, but they can also add a rich and bold flavor if that’s what you prefer.
- Grind Size: Coarse grind is the best choice for cold brew coffee. A coarse grind allows for slower extraction, which results in a smoother taste. Fine grinds can lead to over-extraction and a bitter taste.
- Flavor Notes: Look for coffee with flavor notes that you enjoy. Cold brew often highlights the natural sweetness and acidity of coffee, so consider notes of chocolate, fruit, or nuts based on your preferences.
- Origin: The origin of the coffee bean can affect its flavor profile. Beans from Ethiopia may have fruity and floral notes, while those from Colombia might offer a more nutty and caramel-like taste.
- Freshness: Freshly roasted coffee beans will always provide the best flavor. Check the roast date and try to use the coffee within a few weeks of roasting for optimal taste.
- Price: Consider your budget when selecting coffee for cold brew. While premium beans can provide exceptional flavor, there are also affordable options that offer great taste without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any coffee for cold brew?
Yes, technically you can use any coffee to make cold brew, but some types and roasts will yield better results. As mentioned, Arabica beans and light to medium roasts are typically recommended for their smoother and more balanced flavor. Experimenting with different beans can help you find what you enjoy the most.
How long should I steep cold brew coffee?
The typical steeping time for cold brew coffee is between 12 to 24 hours. The longer you steep, the stronger and more concentrated the flavor will be. I usually start with 16 hours and adjust based on taste preference.
Is cold brew stronger than regular coffee?
Cold brew is often more concentrated than regular coffee, which can make it stronger. However, it is typically diluted with water or milk before drinking, so the final strength depends on how it is prepared.
What’s the ideal water-to-coffee ratio for cold brew?
A common starting point is a 1:4 or 1:5 coffee-to-water ratio. This can be adjusted based on personal preference for stronger or milder coffee. Remember, you can always dilute the concentrate later if needed.
Do I need a specific type of coffee maker for cold brew?
No special coffee maker is required for cold brew. A simple jar or pitcher works well. However, dedicated cold brew coffee makers are available and can make the process more convenient by offering built-in filtration systems.
Can I use flavored coffee for cold brew?
Yes, flavored coffee can add an interesting twist to your cold brew. Just ensure the flavors complement the natural coffee notes to avoid an overwhelming taste. It’s fun to get creative with different blends and see what unique flavors you can come up with!