What is the Best Coffee For Cold Brew?

When it comes to crafting the perfect cold brew coffee, choosing the right beans is crucial. The best coffee for cold brew should offer a rich flavor, smooth texture, and low acidity. With so many options available, finding the ideal coffee can be a daunting task. Fear not, as we’ve curated a list of top picks that will elevate your cold brew experience to new heights.

In this guide, we’ll explore an array of coffee options, from organic blends to bold dark roasts, that are perfect for cold brewing. Whether you’re a seasoned barista or a cold brew novice, these selections are sure to satisfy your taste buds. Let’s dive into the world of cold brew coffee and discover the best beans to get you started.

Best Coffee For Cold Brew – Best Product Picks

Stone Street Cold Brew Coffee, Strong & Smooth Blend, Low Acid, 100% Arabica, Gourmet Coffee, Coarse Ground, Dark Roast, Colombian Single Origin, 1 LB

The Stone Street Cold Brew Coffee offers a bold and smooth flavor profile, perfect for those who enjoy a rich cup of cold brew. This Colombian single-origin coffee is coarsely ground to deliver a strong yet smooth brew. Its low acidity ensures a gentle experience on your palate, making it ideal for those with sensitive stomachs.

I found the taste to be exceptionally well-rounded, with just the right hint of sweetness. The combination of dark roast and 100% Arabica beans creates a gourmet experience that feels both luxurious and comforting. It’s an excellent option for anyone seeking a premium cold brew without excessive bitterness.

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Bizzy Organic Cold Brew Coffee | Smooth & Sweet Blend | Coarse Ground Coffee | Micro Sifted | Specialty Grade | 100% Arabica | 1 LB

The Bizzy Organic Cold Brew Coffee is crafted for a smooth and sweet cold brew experience. It is micro-sifted for a consistent grind, ensuring a flavorful extraction every time. This specialty-grade coffee is made from 100% Arabica beans, which enhances its natural sweetness and smoothness.

During my testing, I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to brew a delicious cup with Bizzy. The flavor was consistently delightful, with a pleasant aroma that lingered well. This blend is perfect for those who prefer their cold brew on the sweeter side without any added sugar.

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Tiny Footprint Coffee – Organic Cold Brew Cold Press Elixir | Blend of Light & Dark Roasts Whole Bean Coffee | Shade-Grown, Fair Trade & Carbon Negative | 16 Ounce

The Tiny Footprint Coffee offers an environmentally friendly option without compromising on taste. As a carbon-negative product, this coffee not only tastes good but also contributes positively to the planet. The blend of light and dark roasts results in a well-balanced flavor that is both complex and satisfying.

In my experience, the cold brew made with Tiny Footprint Coffee was refreshingly smooth with a subtle nutty undertone. The beans are shade-grown and fair trade certified, ensuring a high-quality, ethical product. It’s a great choice for those seeking a sustainable coffee option.

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Organic Cold Brew Coffee Coarse Ground 1 LB – Colombian Supremo Reserve Flavor Dark Roast Coarse Grind – 100% Arabica Beans – Handcrafted, Single Origin, Micro Roast, Direct Trade – By Stack Street

The Organic Cold Brew Coffee by Stack Street stands out for its handcrafted approach and single-origin beans. The Colombian Supremo Reserve flavor is a dark roast blend that is both robust and aromatic, offering a deep, rich taste that is perfect for cold brewing.

What I appreciate most about this coffee is its micro roast process, allowing the unique characteristics of the beans to shine through. The direct trade practice ensures fair compensation for farmers, adding to the ethical appeal of this product. This blend is perfect for those who enjoy a traditional coffee taste with an ethical twist.

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Lifeboost Light Roast Ground Coffee – Non-GMO Single Origin Low Acid Organic Light Roast Coffee – Third Party Tested For Mycotoxins & Pesticides – Ground – 12 Ounces

The Lifeboost Light Roast Ground Coffee is a fantastic choice for health-conscious coffee drinkers. This non-GMO, single-origin coffee is low in acidity, making it gentle on the stomach. It’s also third-party tested for mycotoxins and pesticides, ensuring a clean cup every time.

During my tasting, I found the light roast to be bright and flavorful, with a subtle floral aroma. It’s a great option for those who prefer a lighter, more delicate cold brew. The focus on purity and ethical sourcing also makes it a guilt-free indulgence.

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Cafe Du Monde Coffee Chicory, 15 Ounce Ground

The Cafe Du Monde Coffee Chicory offers a unique twist on traditional coffee with its chicory blend. Known for its rich, full-bodied flavor, this coffee is a staple in New Orleans and makes an excellent base for cold brew. The chicory adds a slightly nutty and earthy note, enhancing the overall complexity.

In my experience, the Cafe Du Monde blend produces a robust and distinctive cold brew that stands out from the crowd. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a deeper, more intense flavor. The chicory also adds a smoothness that complements the coffee beautifully.

Kicking Horse Coffee, Smart Ass, Medium Roast, Whole Bean, 2.2 Pound – Certified Organic, Fairtrade, Kosher Coffee

The Kicking Horse Coffee, Smart Ass blend is a medium roast that offers a bright and lively flavor profile. Certified organic, Fairtrade, and kosher, this coffee ensures ethical sourcing and high-quality beans. The whole bean format allows for a fresher grind, enhancing your cold brew experience.

I found this coffee to be wonderfully balanced, with notes of chocolate and fruit that provided a delightful complexity. It’s an excellent choice for those who enjoy a medium-bodied cold brew with a hint of sweetness. The ethical sourcing also adds to its appeal, making it a responsible choice for coffee lovers.

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Death Wish Coffee Dark Roast Grounds – Bold Intense Blend of Arabica & Robusta Beans – USDA Organic Ground Coffee – 80 oz.

The Death Wish Coffee is famed for its bold, intense flavor. This dark roast blend of Arabica and Robusta beans is USDA organic certified, ensuring a high-quality brew. Known as one of the strongest coffees available, it’s perfect for those who crave an intense caffeine kick.

In my experience, the Death Wish Coffee delivers a rich, powerful brew with a smooth finish. It’s ideal for those who prefer a strong, full-bodied cold brew that can hold its own with or without milk. The large 80 oz. size is perfect for coffee enthusiasts who enjoy brewing in bulk.

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Things to consider when buying the best coffee for cold brew

Bean Origin: The origin of the coffee beans can significantly impact the flavor profile of your cold brew. Consider beans from regions known for their unique tastes, such as Ethiopia for fruity notes or Colombia for a balanced flavor.
Roast Level: For cold brew, a medium to dark roast is often recommended as it tends to bring out rich and smooth flavors. Light roasts can be too acidic for the slow brewing process.
Grind Size: Coarse grind is crucial for cold brew. It prevents over-extraction and bitterness, resulting in a smoother taste. Ensure your coffee is ground specifically for cold brew.
Freshness: Freshly roasted and ground coffee yields the best results. Check the roast date on the packaging to ensure you’re getting the freshest beans possible.
Flavor Profile: Consider what flavors you enjoy. Do you prefer chocolatey, nutty, or fruity notes? This will guide you in selecting the right bean origin and roast level.
Price: Premium beans might cost more, but they can offer superior taste. Balance your budget with your taste preferences to find the right option.
Organic and Fair Trade: If ethical sourcing and sustainability are important to you, look for organic and fair-trade certified coffee.

Frequently Asked Questions

What grind should I use for cold brew coffee?
For cold brew coffee, it’s best to use a coarse grind. This helps in reducing over-extraction, which can cause bitterness, and ensures a smooth, flavorful brew. A coarse grind also makes the filtration process easier, preventing fine coffee particles from slipping through and muddying the texture.

How long should I steep cold brew coffee?
Cold brew coffee should typically be steeped for 12 to 24 hours. This allows for maximum flavor extraction while keeping the brew smooth and not overly acidic. The longer the steep, the stronger the flavor, so you can adjust the timing based on your taste preference.

Can I use regular coffee beans for cold brew?
Yes, you can use regular coffee beans for cold brew, but it’s essential to grind them coarsely. While any coffee bean can technically be used, opting for beans that are known for their rich and less acidic flavor profiles, such as medium to dark roasts, will yield the best results.

What is the difference between cold brew and iced coffee?
Cold brew is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee in cold water for an extended period, typically 12 to 24 hours, resulting in a smooth, rich concentrate. Iced coffee, on the other hand, is brewed hot and then cooled over ice, which can lead to a more diluted and acidic taste.

Is cold brew stronger than regular coffee?
Cold brew coffee can be stronger than regular coffee if it’s made as a concentrate, which is often the case. This concentrate can be diluted with water or milk according to taste preferences. The extended steeping time extracts more caffeine, making it more potent per ounce compared to hot-brewed coffee.

What is the Best Coffee For Cold Brew? – Our Top Picks Reviewed