You should know that cold-brew coffee tastes smoother and less bitter than regular coffee—the secret lies in the beans. Getting a rich and refreshing taste requires picking the best coffee beans for cold brew. Depending on which beans you use, some will have a chocolatey depth, and some will have fruity, bright flavors. Also, the grind and roast go into crafting the perfect cup.
This guide is here to help you learn to select the best cold-brew coffee beans. It will cover topics such as picking organic coffee beans, the best dark roast, and even budget coffee beans!
This is a cold brew brewing guide for the first time or refining your recipe with beans that create café-worthy drinks. Are you ready to taste and discover why cold brew has such a unique flavor?
Top Picks for the Best Coffee Beans for Cold Brew
Looking for the best cold-brew coffee beans can enhance the experience. With cold brewing, you keep those flavors at their finest, and beans that are the right choice for cold brew keep their smoothness while delivering platefuls of flavor. The following are the best options to take your iced coffee to the next level.
1. Best Overall Choice: Starbucks Kenya-Whole Bean Coffee
Starbucks Kenya is one of the juiciest and most winy-flavored Starbucks Kenyas. This medium roast is sweetly balanced with complexity, making it one of the best beans for iced coffee.
- Flavor Profile: Slightly sweet and robust with fruity and wine-like aroma.
- Roast Level: Medium.
- Why It Works: The bright and intricate flavors shine with a cold drip brewing method, which ensures the origin notes go unharmed for a great sip.
- Pro Tip: Do not use immersion methods because they will kill the distinctive flavor of those beans.
2. Best Dark Roast for Cold Brew: Stone Street Coffee – Cold Brew Reserve
Stone Street Coffee has the best dark roast if you like bold and rich cold brews. It has a smooth coffee for a cold brew with a chocolate taste that removes bitterness.
- Flavor Profile: Nuttiness sweet chocolate note.
- Roast Level: Dark.
- Why It Works: This roast is made with Colombian Supremo beans and dissolves easily in a velvety cold brew that’s hard to resist.
- Quick Tip: These beans can concentrate and dilute to the desired strength.
3. Best Affordable Coffee Beans for Cold Brew: Bizzy Organic Coarse Ground Coffee
Bizzy Organic offers affordable options without sacrificing quality. This coarse coffee grind for cold brew is the best option, ideal for both people new to brewing and those who have been at it for years.
- Flavor Profile: Tastewise, smooth and sweet, and subtly balanced.
- Roast Level: Medium.
- Why It Works: These beans siphon or brew cleanly with a basic filter, even after being sifted to remove fines. No grinder? No problem. Welcome to pre-ground convenience at its finest.
- Extra Tip: If you want a strong brew, steep for 18–24 hours.
4. Best Organic Coffee Beans for Cold Brew: Tiny Footprint Coffee
Footprint Coffee is not only organic but also specially brewed to brew cold. Its flavor profile is rich and complex.
- Flavor Profile: A chocolate finish on floral notes.
- Roast Level: Medium.
- Why It Works: It is a smooth, velvety cup that supports reforestation initiatives.
- Eco-Boost: Choosing these beans keeps the world sustainable and helps the environment.
5. Best Medium Roast for Cold Brew: Volcanica Cold Brew Blend
This is a perfect blend for cold brew lovers who want something balanced in the cup. A medium roast keeps cold brew flavor profiles bright and tasty.
- Flavor Profile: Chocolate and a touch of spice.
- Roast Level: Medium.
- Why It Works: With every sip, this smooth and flavorful experience with the Sumatra beans.
- Steeping Tip: Steep medium coarse ground beans for 24 hours for best results.
6. Best Arabica Coffee for Cold Brew: Miscela D’Oro Gran Crema Espresso Beans
Made for espresso, this blend is a surprising hit for cold brew arabica coffee drinkers. Though strong and delightful, its nutty and caramel notes take it up a notch.
- Flavor Profile: A bit sweet and nutty, with a smooth finish.
- Roast Level: Medium-dark.
- Why It Works: This hard-body cold brew is perfect for those who love a good, robust cold brew.
- Creative Idea: Use them as coffee ice cubes to freeze and brew; they are a great summer treat!
Expert Cold Brew Coffee Tips
The Perfect Cold Brew is no easy thing to make, especially without the best coffee beans for cold brew and a few tips and tricks worked out. Get the most out of your brewing experience with these expert tips!
1. Choose the Right Coffee Grind
Always use a coarse grind, never an extra fine, to avoid over-extraction. This stops bitterness and keeps the flavors balanced.
The flavor of cold brew is dictated by what you grind your coffee. Cold brews get smoother when you drain them properly, and coarse ground grounds steep more evenly.
When you want to grind uniformly, use a burr grinder.
2. Experiment with Flavor Profiles
Look for cold brew flavor profiles that suit your taste: nutty, chocolaty, or fruity.
Roast levels matter:
- For cold brew, I’d recommend a medium roast.
- Bold and robust notes are precisely what well-balanced dark roasts for cold brew deliver.
- Try different beans like the arabica coffee for cold brew for sweeter, more delicate flavors
3. Master the Brewing Process
- Stick to a 1:4 water-to-coffee ratio for a concentrate or 1:8 for ready-to-drink coffee.
- Steep the coffee in cold water for 12 to 24 hours. The longer you steep the brew, the stronger the result.
- Keep the temperature steady. Adjust the temperature to low and keep the cold brew in the fridge, as it will overexpress if stored too warm.
- Be gentle before and after steeping.
4. Essential Equipment for Home Brewing
Start with these home cold brew essentials:
- Grinder: With a consistent coarse grind.
- Cold brew makers: Mason jars or dedicated brewers are two more affordable options.
- Filters: Mesh strainers, cheesecloth, and pre-made brew bags are all great ways to start your brew.
- Beginner or not, affordable coffee tools make for a no-hassle affair.
5. Cold Brew Coffee Tasting Tips
Focus on key elements during a cold brew coffee tasting:
- Flavor: Look for hints of chocolate, fruit, or nutty notes.
- Aroma: Look for hints of sweetness or earthiness in the smell.
- Body: Taste the brew to check if it’s light, smooth, or rich before swallowing.
For snacks, pair your cold brew with dark chocolate or pastries to balance their flavors.
Use milk, syrups, or sparkling water for unusual combinations.
People Also Ask
What Are the Best Coffee Beans for Making Cold Brew At Home?
Choose the best cold-brew coffee beans, which have a smooth, rich taste and come in medium or dark colors and flavors from Starbucks Kenya or Stone Street Coffee.
Is Medium Or Dark Roast Better for Cold Brew?
A medium roast is best for a smooth, balanced cold brew, while a dark roast produces a bolder, more decadent coffee.
Can I Use Pre-Ground Coffee for Cold Brew?
Pre-ground coffee works fine for cold brew, especially with coarse grounds like Bizzy Organic, for easy use and consistency.
Wind Up
Choosing the right coffee beans when brewing iced coffee can drastically improve your experience. You’ll find perfect beans to match no matter what flavor you want, be it smooth and fruity or robust and chocolatey.
Each type of bean has a unique profile for brewing, from affordable options like Bizzy Organic to organic choices from Tiny Footprint Coffee. If you want to cold brew better, always use a coarse grind, play around with the roast, and be patient. Making a delicious cold brew with the right beans and techniques is within your reach.