As a true coffee enthusiast, there’s something deeply satisfying about savoring a glass of cold brew coffee, especially during those hot summer days. A cold brew not only provides a refreshing experience but is also less acidic and milder on your sensitive stomach than your regular hot cup of joe. So how do you ensure you always get to enjoy the perfect cold brew?
Table Of Contents
−This article will discuss what cold brew coffee is, the best beans for cold brew, the different brewing methods, and tips on getting the grind size right. We also provide you with a list of the best coffee for cold brew and why we think they are perfect.
Cold Brew Coffee: A Unique Cup of Joe
Cold brew coffee is a distinct brew made by steeping ground coffee beans in cold water for an extended period, typically between 12 to 24 hours. Unlike your traditional hot coffee, no heat is required in this process, which ultimately gives the cold brew its unique flavor profile.
In the absence of heat, less acid and other soluble compounds are extracted from the coffee beans, resulting in a gentler brew that’s friendly to sensitive stomachs. It’s essential to note that because cold brew requires twice the amount of coffee grounds, it’s usually a bit pricier than traditional hot coffee.
Brewing Methods: Immersion vs. Slow Drip
The brewing method you choose significantly influences the coffee beans you use and the ultimate flavor of your brew.
The slow drip process involves dripping iced water slowly onto the coffee grounds and collecting the resulting brew in a carafe below. This process is quicker than the immersion method, with your brew typically ready within about 5 hours.
The immersion method, on the other hand, entails steeping your coffee grounds in cold water for up to 24 hours before filtering the grounds. This method produces a more full-bodied, concentrated drink.
Understanding how to extract the best flavors from different roasts is vital as it helps you choose the appropriate type and steeping duration for a delicious cold brew.
Grind Size: Coarse is Best
The grind size of your coffee does matter when it comes to cold brewing. A coarse grind is recommended to prevent over-extraction, which can result in a harsh and bitter brew. If you’re using the slow drip method, a coarse grind is preferred as a fine grind may restrict the flow of water.
Flavor Profile: Single Origin vs. Blends
Coffee purists often prefer single-origin coffees for cold brewing due to their clearer and more distinct flavor profiles. These coffees allow you to enjoy a full range of each unique flavor, although they tend to be pricier than blends. However, blends shouldn’t be entirely ruled out. If you have a blend that you love, why not give it a try with your cold brew?
Using Pre-Ground Coffee: Pros and Cons
While there are concerns about using pre-ground coffee for cold brew, the reality is, it’s all about personal preference. If you do choose to use pre-ground coffee, here are a few pointers:
- Avoid espresso blends or extra-fine grinds as they can yield a harsh and bitter brew.
- Coarse grinds are best suited for cold brew.
- Always check the freshness of your coffee to ensure optimal results.
To Cream or Not to Cream?
The question of whether or not to add cream to your cold brew is subjective. Some coffee lovers would advise against it, while others can’t have their cold brew without it. It’s recommended to taste your brew first before deciding to add any dairy.
The Art of Icing Your Cold Brew
Icing your cold brew can dilute the flavor as the ice melts. If you prefer your brew chilled, you could try using balled ice or whiskey stones, which melt slower than regular ice cubes. Alternatively, consider freezing your cold brew in a tray and use the cubes to chill your drink.
The Best Coffee for Cold Brew: Our Recommendations
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive into our top coffee picks for the perfect cold brew.
Bizzy Organic Cold Brew Coffee
Meet Bizzy, an organic cold brew coffee birthed from the ingenious minds of Alex and Andrew. The duo was on a quest for a potent energy booster, stumbling upon the concept of cold brewed coffee in 2013. Fast-forward to today, their brand is one of the highly sought-after cold brew coffees on Amazon.
Bizzy boasts a blend of organic Arabica beans sourced from Peru and Nicaragua, roasted to varying degrees for a distinct flavor profile. It’s worth noting that the grind is impressively consistent, thanks to their meticulous sifting process.
With an understanding that everyone’s coffee preference differs, Bizzy offers a medley of flavors and roasts. Their Dark & Bold blend, Light & Bright blend, and Smooth & Sweet blend cater to different palates, ensuring that each sip is a personal experience.
Coffee Bros., Cold Brew Blend
Coffee Bros. is the brainchild of two brothers who transformed their passion for high-quality coffee into a thriving business in 2019. Their mantra? Top-notch sourcing and careful small-batch roasting.
Hailing from the bustling New York City, the Bros are well-versed in coffee beans. Their cold brew blend exhibits a captivating balance of chocolate, berry, and deep brown sugar flavors. They also share a handy brewing tip – use a mason jar and a cheesecloth.
Their unique blend originates from two renowned coffee-growing regions, Minas Gerais, Brazil, and Yirgacheffe, Ethiopia. Roasted to perfection, these beans yield a refreshing brew teeming with sweetness and juiciness.
LifeBoost Nicaraguan Coffee
This fair trade, non-GMO, slow-roasted, low-acid coffee from LifeBoost originates from a single family-owned farm in Nicaragua. The beans are kosher, shade-grown, and handpicked at an elevation of 5,700 feet.
With options to purchase as whole beans or pre-ground, you also have the luxury of selecting your preferred roast level – light, medium, or dark. Our recommendation? Go for medium-roasted whole beans for cold brewing.
Tiny Footprint Coffee Organic Cold Press Elixir
Tiny Footprint Coffee goes beyond just providing high-quality beans. They offset their carbon footprint through tree-planting initiatives in the Ecuadorian cloud forest.
The Cold Press Elixir is a unique blend crafted specifically for cold brewing. It combines light and dark roasts, elevated by top-grade Ethiopian beans. The result? A sweet, rich, silky brew, complemented by subtle floral and bright fruit tones, enmeshed with cocoa.
Café Du Monde Coffee with Chicory
Café Du Monde offers a unique blend that adds ground chicory root to coffee grounds, curbing the bitterness of the dark roast.
This coffee exhibits a low bitterness level and a smooth taste, whether served hot or cold. If you fancy a milky coffee, feel free to add milk or cream to temper the intensity of the chicory-dark roast combination.
Hazelnut Cold Brew Cold Buzz
This coffee brand sources its 100% Arabica beans from Europe and South and Central America. Packed into teabag-like sachets, these dark roast beans deliver an easy brew with a sweet, buttery flavor.
Take note though, if you prefer controlling your grind quantity, this may not be your top pick. Also, the coffee bags could hinder the extraction of the classic, intense coffee flavor.
Stone Street Cold Brew
Stone Street takes pride in its 100% Arabica Colombian Supremo beans, promising a satisfying cold brew experience. These beans, available in both pre-ground and whole, offer a flavor profile that will leave your taste buds craving for more. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cold brew enthusiast, these beans are worth a shot.
Conclusion
Choosing the right coffee for your cold brew can make all the difference in your brewing experience. Remember to consider your brewing method, bean origin, grind size, and personal flavor preferences when choosing your coffee. Most importantly, enjoy the process and the delicious results!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using these links. Remember to support us by purchasing through the Amazon/Walmart/Impact Radius links provided. Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Disclosure: No compensation or free products were received in exchange for writing this review.
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