Popular articles
Recent discussions on forum
Best Cold Brew Coffee Beans
If you prefer to drink your coffee cold rather than hot, there are lots of refreshing ways to energie.
Published November 30, 2021
Select language
Daniel Hedlund
Coffee experts@The Coffee Lab
If you prefer to drink your coffee cold rather than hot, the good news is that there are lots of cool, refreshing alternative ways to get yourself energized. From whole beans to ground coffee, instant cold brew and ready-brewed, ready-to-drink coffee, there are plenty of refreshing ways to keep your caffeine cravings in check.
What is Cold Brew Coffee?
Cold brewing coffee is refreshing and easy to do, and the coffee that you brew using this method also lasts longer compared to traditional coffee – in fact, you can keep it in the fridge for weeks. And the best part is that there is no need to worry about reheating the coffee, since it is drunk cold anyway. Cold brew coffee does take longer to make – at least fifteen, if not twenty-four hours. However, the final taste is definitely worth it. Since the water extracts all the aroma and oil from the beans, the coffee is low in acidity and free from bitterness. Cold brew coffee is best served over ice in a tall glass, but there are various ways to drink the best cold brew coffee drinks based on your personal taste.
How to Make Perfect Cold Brew
For the perfect cup of cold brew coffee, it’s important to get the best quality beans. You will also need a paper coffee filter, fine mesh, and cold water. To make great cold brew coffee, take the following steps:
- Begin by grinding cold beans to a coarser setting.
- Pack your ground coffee into the filter to create a package that resembles a dumpling. Add this to a fine-mesh bag.
- Place this at the bottom of your container or pitcher and pour two cups of cold, filtered water over it.
- Cover the container and place in the refrigerator for at least twelve hours. 18-24 hours is ideal.
- Remove the mesh from the container.
- Pour an equal part of cold water over and enjoy your cold brew!
Tricks for Getting the Best Cold Brew Coffee
There are several things that you can do to improve your cold brew technique and make your ice-cold coffee taste even better. Some tips to keep in mind include:
- Grind the beans coarsely – a coarser grind makes sure that fine particles of coffee don’t end up at the bottom of your cup.
- Steep for as long as possible – make sure that you’re steeping for at least 12-15 hours for the best taste. Cutting down the time might get you a drink faster, but it’s going to be under-extracted and weak.
- Freeze the leftovers – if you have cold brew leftover, all you need to do to keep it fresh is put it in the freezer. Allow it to sit at room temperature for around an hour before drinking.
- Use cold brew beans – wherever you can, stick to using coffee that is designed for the cold brewing process, since not all beans are going to be the best option for the best taste.
Why Is Cold Brew Coffee Better?
While whether you drink your coffee hot or cold is down to personal preference, there are plenty of reasons why it’s a good idea to switch your hot coffee to one that is refreshingly cold. Not only is it easier to make, but you don’t need a coffee maker or a coffee machine to make it either. It’s acidity-free and sweet rather than bitter, giving it a smoother, sweeter taste. However, the caffeine content is similar to that of a traditional hot coffee. You can also make it hot by adding boiled rather than cold water to the concentrate. Cold brew also has some surprising benefits. It’s easier on your stomach compared to hot coffee, and it can boost your metabolism and enhance your mood too.
Grady’s Cold Brew Iced Coffee
This cold brew kit from Grady’s isn’t your regular packaged coffee. It’s hassle-free as all you need to do is add a couple of packets to the reusable pouch, add water, and let it brew. It comes with 36 individual servings, and you can also use it for a hot coffee by pouring 4-6 cups of hot water over the packs inside of the pouch. This makes it one of the best cold brew coffee beans on Amazon.
Folgers Classic Roast Instant Coffee
If you’re looking for an option that you can use to make an instant cold cup, this is the way to go. You can choose to brew it with either hot or cold water for a guarantee of instant satisfaction. And the best part is that you can rest assured that this coffee is carefully crafted and sustainable, making it a great eco-friendly, responsible option to consider.
Gevalia House Blend Ground Coffee
The Gevalia blend is a traditional Swedish style coffee with a lot to offer. It is a medium roast with a bright, rich taste that is free from bitterness. It’s one of the best pre ground coffee for cold brew options that offers a brew that is deeply aromatic and impossible to resist. It’s perfect for brewing either hot or cold.
Starbucks Cold Brew Pitcher Packs
If you enjoy getting your cold brew from Starbucks, this is the perfect product to have in your home. Easy to use, they require twenty-four hours of steeping to produce a smooth, chocolaty taste that’s perfect for enjoying a refreshing drink in the morning or on a warm summer afternoon.
Maud’s Cold Brew Filter Bags
Whether you want to make twelve single services or two full pitchers of cold brew, these filter bags are definitely a satisfying choice. No coffee machine is required to use these to make perfect cold brew. All you need to do is combine two packs of the ground beans with twenty-four ounces of water before steeping for twelve hours and adding filters. Then, add four more cups of water before enjoying your drink. The coffee they produce is full of flavor and body, along with being low in acidity.
Maxwell House Vanilla Instant Coffee
If you enjoy coffee that is sweet in flavor, this vanilla instant coffee from Maxwell House could be the perfect choice for you. Despite being designed for dissolving in hot water, it works just as well when made with cold water. The deep vanilla flavor will have you coming back for more, and the coffee has enough dairy content to taste like a specialty brew. And what’s even better is that this perfectly balanced coffee is ready in seconds no matter how you decide to take it.
Cusa Coffee Instant Cold Brew
This instant coffee from Cusa is perfect for both hot and iced coffee. It’s a medium roasted blend that makes a cup of coffee in just three seconds, and all you need is water and your favorite mug. Using a patented vacuum dehydration process, this coffee is shade-grown Arabica and perfect for cold brewing. It dissolves easily and instantly, offering a delicious, silky taste.
Don Francisco’s Organic Cold Brew
Designed specially to be cold brewed, this pack comes with enough to create twenty-four cups of tasty cold brew. It’s pre-portioned to make this custom blend as convenient as possible. All you need to do is grab a pitcher and add two pitcher packs and four cups of cold water before letting it steep in the fridge for twenty-four hours. Then, remove the pitchers, add three extra cups of cold water, and enjoy your brew.
High Brew Cold Coffee
If you like to drink your morning cold brew on the go, this canned option is the perfect choice for you. The coffee has been perfectly cold brewed and offers a smooth, sweet taste that’s ready to drink. It’s bold, low in acidity, and free from bitterness for a taste that you will really enjoy.
Starbucks Medium Roast
This variety pack from Starbucks can be a great option to consider if you want to experiment with different flavors to find your perfect cold brew. The three-bag value pack comes with three different flavors that you should definitely try, including toffee and cocoa notes from the House Blend, the Breakfast Blend with sugary orange notes, or the popular Pike Place Roast that’s got just the right amount of sweetness. You can use these pre-ground beans from both cold and hot brewing.
Starbucks VIA Instant Coffee
If you enjoy Starbucks coffee but want a fast and convenient option for your cold brew, the VIA instant coffee might just be what you are looking for. Dark roasted Arabica beans that are perfect for brewing both hot and cold are intensely sweet. It instantly makes coffee with a bold, strong taste that offers a strong punch with caramelized, sugary tones.
Whether you’re looking to make your cold brew in a coffee machine, a filter in cold water or by using an instant coffee powder for the most speed and convenience, these are just some of the best options to consider. Remember – the highest quality beans are always the best option for perfect cold brew.
About the author
Daniel Hedlund
Working with the Era of We initiative and loves knowledge sharing and a really good cup of coffee.
Add comment
More on the coffee lab
Sign up and contribute now