Ah, cold brew—the nectar of the gods for coffee lovers who like it smooth, sweet, and oh-so-chill. Gone are the days when cold brew was a hidden gem on the café menu; now it's a full-blown sensation! From bottled brews to DIY concentrates, cold brew has taken over the coffee world, and we're here for it.
But let's spill the beans: not all cold brews are created equal. The secret? It's all in the coffee beans, baby! The right beans can make your cold brew taste like a heavenly elixir, while the wrong ones... well, let's just say you don't want to go there.
Ready to elevate your cold brew game? Stick around as we dive into the best coffee beans that'll make your cold brew go from "meh" to "WOW!"
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5 Best Cold Brew Coffee Beans
- Best Overall: Bizzy Organic Cold Brew Coffee
- Editor's Choice: Tiny Footprint Coffee - Organic Cold Brew
- Best for Flavor Lovers: Bones Coffee Company Highland Grog
- Best for Health-Conscious Drinkers: Cold Brew Lab
- Best for Gourmet Taste: Stone Street Cold Brew Coffee
1. Best Overall
Bizzy Organic Cold Brew Coffee
Offering a perfect balance of quality, flexibility, and ethical sourcing, this coffee is designed for cold brew lovers who want it all—great taste, ethical sourcing, and the ability to customize their brew.
What We Love:
- Tailored for Cold Brew: Engineered with coarse grounds for a smooth cold brew.
- Brew Flexibility: Adjust the water ratio for your desired strength.
- Ethically Sourced: 100% organic and sourced responsibly from Guatemala, Peru, and Nicaragua.
- Taste Notes: Smooth and sweet with hints of caramel and hazelnut.
- Convenience: Designed for busy people who want quality without the fuss.
What to Keep in Mind:
- Strength Adjustment: While flexible, getting the perfect strength may require some experimentation.
Why It Might Be Right for You:
You're rushing through your morning, juggling a dozen tasks and the clock is ticking. But when you take that first sip of Bizzy Organic Cold Brew, time slows down just a bit. The smooth, sweet notes of caramel and hazelnut dance on your palate, and you realize you've found a way to make quality moments in your busy life. With Bizzy, you're not just brewing coffee; you're crafting pockets of peace in your hectic day.
Customer Review (source: Amazon)
I got Bizzy's Smooth & Sweet blend as a gift along with a Takeya cold brew maker, and let me tell you, it's the best cold brew I've ever had. Starbucks doesn't even come close! Plus, it gives me a caffeine boost without any withdrawal symptoms. I'm sticking with my Bizzy subscription, this time adding their espresso blend to the mix. Highly recommend!
2. Editor's Choice
Tiny Footprint Coffee - Organic Cold Brew
This coffee is not only eco-friendly but also the world's first carbon-negative coffee. It's a well-rounded choice for those who want to enjoy a delicious cup while also making a positive impact on the environment.
What We Love:
- Eco-Friendly: USDA organic, fair trade, and shade-grown.
- Flavorful: Sweet, silky richness with subtle notes of fruit and floral tones.
- Perfectly Roasted: Crafted in small batches for a consistent, high-quality brew.
- Carbon Negative: The world's first carbon-negative coffee.
- Cold Brew Special: Specially crafted blend for cold brewing.
What to Keep in Mind:
- Eco-Focused: While great for the environment, some may find the carbon-negative aspect less relevant to taste.
Why It Might Be Right for You:
Picture yourself waking up to a morning where your coffee does more than just perk you up. As you sip your cup of Tiny Footprint Coffee, you're not only enjoying a delicious brew but also contributing to a greener planet. Your choice today is a step towards reforestation and a better world for future generations. Isn't it wonderful when your daily ritual turns into a meaningful act?
Customer Review (source: Amazon)
Tiny Footprint is my go-to for cold brew, and I've been a loyal customer for a year. The flavor is rich and chocolatey when brewed for 16-18 hours. Sure, grinding the beans can be a bit messy, but the taste is so good it's worth the cleanup. Trust me, after trying this, no other coffee will do. Even when I travel, I can't wait to come home to my Tiny Footprint cold brew. Give it a try; it might just become your new favorite too!
3. Best for Flavor Lovers
Bones Coffee Company Highland Grog Flavored Whole Coffee Beans
With its rich, full-bodied flavor and notes of butterscotch and caramel, this is the go-to choice for those who love flavored coffee. Plus, there are several other flavors to choose from, offering a wide variety for every palate.
What We Love:
- Flavor Galore: Rich, full-bodied flavor with notes of butterscotch and caramel (other flavors are available!)
- Freshness Guaranteed: Artisan-roasted in small batches.
- Brewing Options: Available in whole bean or ground coffee.
- Health-Friendly: Vegan, keto-friendly, and no added sugar or carbs.
- Ethical and Local: 100% Arabica beans from Brazil, roasted and packed in the USA.
What to Keep in Mind:
- Flavor Intensity: May be too rich for those who prefer traditional coffee flavors.
Why It Might Be Right for You:
As you pour yourself a cup of Bones Coffee Company's Highland Grog, the aroma of butterscotch and caramel fills the air. You take a sip and are instantly transported to a cozy Scottish cabin, complete with a roaring fire and the distant sound of bagpipes. This isn't just a cup of coffee; it's an experience, a momentary escape from the daily grind. And the best part? You can enjoy this guilt-free, knowing it aligns with your health and ethical values.
Customer Review (source: Amazon)
The moment I opened my Cookies 'n Dream bag from Bones Coffee, I was hooked. The aroma was spot-on, just like an ice cream sandwich! Mixed it with oat milk and realized, this brand has me—and my wallet. As an art student on a budget, I'm both excited and scared to try all their other flavors. It's that good, folks!
4. Best for Health-Conscious Drinkers
Cold Brew Lab
This coffee is USDA organic, pesticide-free, and offers a low-acidic, full-bodied brew. It's perfect for those who are health-conscious but don't want to compromise on taste.
What We Love:
- Cold Brew Crafted: Custom blend specifically designed for cold brewing.
- Quality Beans: 100% Arabica Colombian coffee, USDA organic and pesticide-free.
- Smooth Yet Bold: Unique blend of medium and dark roasts for a well-rounded flavor.
- Low Acidity: Ideal for those who prefer a smoother, less acidic coffee.
- NYC Fresh: Roasted and packaged in New York City for ultimate freshness.
What to Keep in Mind:
- Limited Availability: May not be as widely available as other brands.
Why It Might Be Right for You:
As you take a sip of your Cold Brew Lab coffee, you realize this is no ordinary brew. It's a blend crafted with care, offering a smooth yet bold flavor that's as unique as the city itself. And as you savor each sip, you can't help but feel a sense of satisfaction, knowing that you've chosen a coffee that's not just delicious but also organic and responsibly sourced.
Customer Review (source: Amazon)
When I started making cold brew at home, I tried four different beans recommended by coffee experts. This one was the clear winner. It's smooth, not bitter, and the ground size is perfect. Even though it's pre-ground, I drink it fast enough that freshness isn't an issue. Comes in a two-pound bag and I have zero complaints. This is my go-to for cold brew now.
5. Best for Gourmet Taste
Stone Street Cold Brew Coffee
Specially crafted in Brooklyn, this coffee offers a gourmet experience with its dark roast Colombian Supremo beans and nutty/chocolate notes. It's perfect for those who appreciate the finer things in coffee. Check out their popular flavored coffee grounds on Amazon.
What We Love:
- Optimized for Cold Brew: Coarse ground coffee specially formulated for cold brewing.
- Flavor Notes: Dark roast Colombian Supremo beans with nutty and chocolate undertones.
- Balanced Blend: Strong, smooth, low-acid, and slightly sweet.
- Freshness Guaranteed: Comes in a 1 lb resealable bag with a one-way valve.
- Brooklyn Crafted: Freshly roasted by a specialty small-batch roaster in Brooklyn, NYC.
What to Keep in Mind:
- Specificity: Blend is optimized for cold brew, may not be ideal for other brewing methods.
Why It Might Be Right for You:
As you sit on your porch on a warm summer evening, you take a sip of your Stone Street Cold Brew and instantly feel a sense of calm wash over you. The rich, nutty and chocolate notes dance on your tongue, and you marvel at how a coffee can be so bold yet so smooth. It's as if the spirit of Brooklyn's artisanal craftsmanship has traveled all the way to your cup, reminding you that sometimes, the best things in life are the ones crafted with care and attention to detail.
Customer Review (source: Amazon)
The moment I sniffed Stone Street's Whole Bean Dark Roast, I knew it was perfect for cold brew. The aroma is warm yet bright, a bit chocolatey but still bold. These beans were fresher than anything I've bought in stores or even big-name coffee shops. I ground them to a medium-coarse texture for my cold brew maker and let it steep for 18-24 hours. The result? An incredibly flavorful cup that I can't wait to have again. Trust me, this coffee is a game-changer.
How We Chose Our Top Picks
Knowing which cold-brew coffee beans to choose can be a daunting task given the plethora of brands and options available. Our goal is to provide you with expert insights into these products, even if we don't have personal experiences with each one.
We've conducted extensive research and considered user feedback, including customer reviews from Amazon, to evaluate their performance, durability, and ease of use. Additionally, we've compared these coffee beans against their competitors to help you find the perfect match for your cold brew needs.
Our editors have taken the time to acquire knowledge of each product's company, study product specifics, and read consumer feedback. We've independently selected the best options based on these criteria. This ensures that the quality of each coffee bean for cold brew is right for you and your home. Remember, what works for one consumer may not work for all.
Characteristics of Good Coffee Beans for Cold Brew
Regarding cold brewing, not all coffee beans are created equal. Certain characteristics make a coffee bean ideal for cold brewing.
Low Acidity:
Acidity is one of the key factors that can make or break a cold brew. High acidity levels in coffee can lead to a bitter taste and an uncomfortable feeling in the stomach. Good coffee beans for cold brew are typically low in acidity, creating a smooth, sweet, and enjoyable experience.
High Aroma:
Aroma is important in any coffee, but even more so in cold brew. The slow steeping process of cold brew allows the coffee to extract all of its flavors and aromas, making the aroma an important factor in the overall taste experience. Good coffee beans for cold brew should have a high aroma, enhancing the flavor and creating a more enjoyable experience.
Rich Flavor:
A rich and complex flavor profile is essential for a good cold brew. The right coffee beans should have a variety of flavors, including sweet, nutty, and chocolatey notes, that blend to create a smooth and enjoyable taste.
Smooth Texture:
The texture of cold brew is just as important as the flavor. Good coffee beans for cold brew should have a smooth texture, resulting in a creamy and velvety mouthfeel. This texture is critical to the overall enjoyment of cold brew and makes it stand out from other brewing methods.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Coffee Beans
When choosing the right coffee beans for cold brew, there are several factors to consider. These factors will determine the cold brew's flavor, aroma, and overall taste experience.
Roast Level:
The roast level of the coffee beans plays a significant role in the flavor and aroma of the cold brew. Lightly roasted coffee beans will have a brighter, fruitier flavor profile, while darker-roasted coffee beans will have a more intense and bold flavor. When choosing coffee beans for cold brew, it's important to consider the desired flavor profile and choose a roast level that will complement it.
Flavor Profile:
The right flavor profile can enhance the natural flavors and aromas of the coffee, while the wrong flavor profile can lead to a bitter or unsatisfying result. When choosing coffee beans for cold brew, consider the desired flavor profile, such as sweet, nutty, or chocolatey, and choose a coffee bean that will complement it.
Origin:
The origin of the coffee beans is another factor to consider when choosing coffee beans for cold brew. Different coffee-growing regions have different soil, climate, and altitude conditions, which all impact the flavor of the coffee. Some popular coffee-growing regions for cold brew include Colombia, Ethiopia, and Sumatra.
Personal Taste:
Personal taste is the most important factor when choosing coffee beans for cold brew. Every person has unique preferences for coffee flavor, aroma, and taste, so it's important to experiment with different coffee beans to find the right one. When trying new coffee beans, pay attention to the flavor profile, aroma, and mouthfeel, and choose the one that best suits your taste.
How to Brew the Perfect Cold Brew
In addition to choosing the right coffee beans, there are several steps to follow when brewing the perfect cold brew. These steps will determine the cold brew's flavor, aroma, and overall taste experience.
The Ratio of Coffee to Water:
The ratio of coffee to water is an important factor when brewing cold brew. A common ratio is 1:8, meaning 1 part coffee to 8 parts water. This ratio will result in a strong, flavorful cold brew. Adjusting the ratio to taste, either making it stronger or weaker, is possible.
Steeping Time:
The steeping time for cold brew is also a crucial factor. The standard steeping time for cold brew is between 12-24 hours. The longer you steep it, the stronger the flavor will be. However, steeping for too long can result in a bitter taste. Experimenting with different steeping times can help determine the perfect time for personal taste.
Water Temperature:
Using cold or room-temperature water will produce a smoother, less bitter flavor. Avoid using hot water as it can extract the bitter compounds from the coffee beans, resulting in a harsh taste.
Equipment Needed:
The equipment needed for cold brewing is relatively simple. A large pitcher or jar, a coffee filter, and a coffee grinder are all that are needed. Some cold brewers also choose to use a specialized cold brew maker, which can make the cold brewing process even easier.
Additional Tips
The best coffee bean for cold brew is crucial for making the perfect refreshing and bold cup of cold brew coffee. Cold brew coffee beans are ground and then steeped in cold water for several hours, resulting in a smooth, low-acid coffee. This method is different from hot coffee, which is brewed with hot water and has a sharper taste.
One of the best things about making cold brew is that it is versatile and can be made using different brewing methods, including French press, mason jar, or cold brew bags. The brewing process extracts the best flavors from the coffee beans, providing a unique and intense taste.
When it comes to choosing the best coffee beans for cold brew, it's recommended to select medium or dark-roast coffee. Dark roast coffee has a bold coffee flavor and a smooth finish, making it an excellent choice for cold brewing. The best cold brew coffee is typically made using a coarse grind, allowing for a slow extraction of the coffee's flavor and producing a more robust taste.
Cold brew concentrate is another option for making cold brew coffee, as it's pre-made and ready to mix with water. This makes it a convenient option for those who are always on the go and need a quick, refreshing cold brew.
The coffee industry offers an extensive range of coffee for cold brew, making it challenging to choose the best coffee for cold brew. Some coffee shops also offer their custom blends of cold brew coffee, which can be an excellent option for those who are looking for a specific flavor.
Unlike iced coffee, cold brew is made using cold water, which doesn't extract the bitter notes of the coffee beans, providing a smooth and refreshing taste. The best coffee for cold brew is typically characterized by its sweet aroma, nutty notes, and dark chocolate undertones, making it an ideal option for coffee lovers who want to enjoy a bold and intense flavor.
Cold brewing is a straightforward process, and the best part is that it can be customized according to personal preferences. Plenty of cold brews recipes are available online, which can be used to make cold brew coffee at home. Whether you're a fan of light, medium, or dark roasts, cold brewing is an excellent way to enjoy your coffee, as it provides a unique and satisfying flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use medium roast beans for cold brew?
Absolutely! Medium roast beans are versatile and can produce a well-balanced cold brew. They offer a nice middle ground between the light, fruity notes of a light roast and the bold, intense flavors of a dark roast.
How does homemade cold brew compare to coffee shop cold brew?
Making cold brew at home allows you to customize the strength and flavor to your liking, something that's not always possible at a coffee shop. Plus, you can experiment with different types of coffee beans to find your perfect brew. However, coffee shops often have specialized equipment and expert baristas that can create a consistently delicious cold brew.
Do I need special equipment to make cold brew?
Not necessarily. While there are cold brew makers available, you can also use a simple French press, a mason jar, or even a large pitcher to make cold brew at home.
How long does it take to make cold brew?
Cold brew generally requires a steeping time of 12 to 24 hours for optimal flavor extraction. The longer you steep, the stronger the brew.
Can I add flavors to my cold brew?
Yes, you can! Feel free to add syrups, spices, or even a splash of milk or cream to tailor your cold brew to your taste preferences.
Items reviewed:
- Best Overall: Bizzy Organic Cold Brew Coffee
- Editor's Choice: Tiny Footprint Coffee - Organic Cold Brew
- Best for Flavor Lovers: Bones Coffee Company Highland Grog
- Best for Health-Conscious Drinkers: Cold Brew Lab
- Best for Gourmet Taste: Stone Street Cold Brew Coffee
Best Overall: Bizzy Organic Cold Brew Coffee
Offering a perfect balance of quality, flexibility, and ethical sourcing, this coffee is designed for cold brew lovers who want it all—great taste, ethical sourcing, and the ability to customize their brew.
Please note that the reviews on this page have been edited for readability and clarity while maintaining the essence of the original content.
Further Reading
- If you're new to the world of cold brew or just looking to perfect your technique, don't miss the guide on "How To Make Cold Brew Coffee" by Simply Recipes.
