This article is a complete guide to the best coffee beans for cold brew. If you are in a hurry, here is a short takeaway from the article.
Making the perfect cold brew coffee requires selecting the right coffee beans. Coffee beans with a medium to light roast, low acidity, and coarse grinding work best for cold brew. To brew cold coffee, steep coffee grounds in a container for 12 to 24 hours.
Introduction
Finding the right beans for your brew is important. This is especially even more true if you want to make cold-brew coffee. The latter requires a specific type of coffee bean to achieve that smooth, rich flavor.
This article will cover all you need to know about cold brew’s best coffee beans. From the types of beans to the roasting process, we’ll help you make the perfect cup of cold brew.
What is Cold Brew Coffee?
Cold brew coffee is usually made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water or ambient (room) temperature for an extended period of time.
Cold brew takes 12 to 24 hours to brew. This differs tremendously from traditional coffee The latter is made with hot water and is ready to drink in just a few minutes.
Those who like a softer flavor will love the smooth, less acidic coffee that is produced by this slow brewing method.
Types of Coffee Beans for Cold Brew
The type of coffee bean you use to make your cold brew coffee cup is crucial. This is critical to the final flavor of the brew. Arabica, Robusta, or a blend of Arabica and Robusta are the types of coffee beans used to make cold brew coffee.
Arabica Beans
Arabica beans are the most commonly used coffee beans for cold brew. Arabica coffee beans are known for their sweet, smooth flavor, and low acidity. They are also less bitter than other coffee beans. This makes them perfect for cold brew.
Robusta Beans
Robusta beans have a higher caffeine content than Arabica beans and are known for their strong, bold flavor. They are less expensive than Arabica beans and are often used in blends with Arabica beans to balance out the flavor.
Blend of Arabica and Robusta Beans
A blend of Arabica and Robusta beans is often used in the cold brew to achieve a balanced flavor. The Arabica beans provide a smooth, sweet flavor, while the Robusta beans add a bold, strong flavor.
Roasting Process for Cold Brew Coffee
The roasting process of coffee beans is crucial to the final flavor of the cold brew. As you may know, there are three types of roast. This includes light, medium, and dark roast.
Light Roast
Light roast coffee beans are light brown in color and have a mild, sweet flavor. They have the highest acidity of the three roast types and are perfect for those who prefer a bright, fruity flavor.
Medium Roast
Medium roast coffee beans are a medium brown color and have a balanced flavor that’s not too sweet or too bitter. They are the most commonly used roast type for cold brew.
Dark Roast
Dark roast coffee beans are dark brown in color and have a bold, smoky flavor. They have the lowest acidity of the three roast levels and are often used for making espresso. However, they may not be the best choice for a cold brew. This is because their bold flavor can be overpowering and may result in a bitter taste.
| Type of Coffee Bean | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Arabica Beans | Most commonly used for a cold brew; sweet, smooth flavor; low acidity; less bitter |
| Robusta Beans | Strong, bold flavor; higher caffeine content than Arabica; less expensive; often used in blends |
| Blend of Arabica and Robusta Beans | Balanced flavor; Arabica adds smooth, sweet flavor; Robusta adds a bold, strong flavor |
Grinding the Beans
The grind size of the coffee beans is also important for cold brew. The three main grind sizes for cold brew are coarse, medium-coarse, and medium. So that you can get a good cold brew, it’s advised to use a coarse grind to allow for proper extraction. Coarse grind also prevents over-extraction. The latter may result in a bitter taste.
Brewing Cold Brew Coffee
Brewing cold brew coffee is a simple process. The process takes some time though. To make cold brew, you’ll need just your favorite coffee grounds, cold water, and a container. The recipe is incredibly simple. Here is how to proceed:
- Mix 1 cup of coffee grounds with 4 cups of cold water in a container.
- Stir the mixture to make sure all the coffee grounds are wet.
- Cover the container.
- Let it steep at room temperature (about 12-24 hours.)
- After the coffee has steeped, strain the mixture through a coffee filter or cheesecloth.
- Serve the cold brew over ice and enjoy!
- Storing Your Cold Brew Coffee
- Cold brew coffee can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. It’s advisable to store it in an airtight container. This will prevent it from absorbing any other flavors in the fridge.
Benefits of Cold Brew Coffee
Cold brew coffee has several benefits over a traditional hot coffee. Since it’s less acidic, it’s easier on the stomach and teeth. It also contains less caffeine than hot coffee. This makes it a great option for those who are sensitive to caffeine. Cold brew is also less bitter than hot coffee. This is perfect for those who don’t like traditional coffee flavors.
Conclusion
Choosing the right coffee beans is crucial if you want to make the perfect cold brew coffee. The best coffee beans for cold brew are those that are medium to light roast, have a low acidity level, and are ground coarsely. The simple steps outlined in this guide will help you enjoy a delicious, smooth cup of cold brew coffee anytime.
FAQs
What is the difference between cold brew and iced coffee?
Cold brew is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for an extended period of time. Iced coffee on the other hand is made by brewing hot coffee and then pouring it over ice.
How long should I let my coffee beans steep for cold brew?
Coffee beans should steep for 12-24 hours for cold brew.
Can I use flavored coffee beans for cold brew?
Yes, you can use flavored coffee beans for cold brew, but the flavor will be more subtle than in hot coffee.
Do I need to use a specific type of water for cold brew?
You can use any type of water for cold brew, but filtered water is best to prevent any impurities from affecting the flavor.
Can I drink cold brew coffee hot?
Yes, you can heat up cold brew coffee, but it may lose some of its unique flavor characteristics.