Cold brew coffee has become increasingly popular in recent years as an alternative to hot coffee. It’s generally less bitter and more refreshing, making it the perfect pick-me-up for those hot summer days. Plus, it’s easy to make at home and requires minimal effort. But in order to make the best cold brew coffee, you need the best coffee.
In this post, we’ll share our top picks for the best coffee for cold brew of 2023. We’ve included options for every budget and taste preference, so you’re sure to find something that works for you. Whether you’re a newbie or an experienced cold brew enthusiast, these coffees will help you achieve delicious and refreshing drinks every time.
Top Picks for Best Coffee for Cold Brew
- Bizzy Organic Cold Brew Coffee – Best Overall
- illy Classico Whole Bean Coffee – Best for Rich Espresso
- Grady’s Cold Brew Coffee – Best Cost-Effective
- High Brew Coffee’s Cold Brew – Best Variety for Adventurers
- Wandering Bear Cold Brew Coffee – Best for Daily Drinkers
- Trader Joe’s medium roast Instant Cold Brew Coffee – Best Instant Iced Coffee
Bizzy Organic Cold Brew Coffee – Best Overall
The Bizzy Organic Cold Brew Coffee is the perfect solution for busy coffee aficionados. This smooth and sweet blend of 100% Arabica beans is expertly crafted for a consistent, extra-smooth cold brew. The specialty-grade, micro-sifted beans have been ethically sourced from Guatemala, Peru, and Nicaragua. A medium roast brings out the sweet caramel and hazelnut notes in every cup.
You can craft your cold brew just the way you like it, simply by varying the amount of water used. Whether you’re after a strong or less intense cup, you can rest assured that you’ll be drinking a high-quality beverage.
With this product, Bizzy Best Coffee for Cold Brew has mastered the art of cold brewing. Their commitment to quality and convenience ensures that busy people can enjoy a hot cup of best coffee for cold brew anywhere they go – no need for expensive contraptions or complicated recipes. As a bonus, this organic coffee is certified USDA organic.
Whether you’re looking for a great gift for coffee lovers or just want to treat yourself to an easy cold brewing experience, the Bizzy Organic Cold Brew Coffee is an excellent choice. You can now enjoy a delicious cup of cold brew without sacrificing quality or flavor.
Key Features:
- Coarse ground for optimal cold brewing
- Option to adjust strength
- 100% organic
- Smooth and sweet flavor
- Specialty-grade arabica beans
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Perfect combination of caramel and hazelnut flavors
- Smooth & sweet taste, but not too sweet
- Gives a punch of energy with one cup
- Clean and light flavor, even with double-strength brewing
- The best cold brew flavor ever tasted
Cons
- Not available in-store, so must be ordered from Amazon
- Possibility of product contamination due to improper handling at the fulfillment center
illy Classico Whole Bean Coffee – Best for Rich Espresso
Illy Classico Whole Bean Coffee is a medium roast with notes of caramel, orange blossom, and jasmine. This blend of Arabica beans is free of preservatives and comes in an 8.8-ounce can.
This coffee has a lingering sweetness and a delicate flavor profile that truly stands out from other Best Coffee for Cold Brew. This unique flavor profile is achieved by selecting nine of the finest Arabica beans from around the world. Illy has perfected its coffee blend over eight decades, making them the pinnacle of what coffee can be.
Their unique pressurized packaging also helps preserve the flavor and complexity of the beans while enhancing the aroma and assuring optimal freshness. This makes it possible to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee wherever you go.
For those looking to support sustainable practices, look no further than Illy Caffè. They have been named on Ethisphere’s list for the ninth consecutive year, highlighting their commitment to ethical practices and showcasing their dedication to perfecting coffee bean growing methods that are socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable and responsible.
Illy Classico Whole Bean Coffee offers an incredible flavor experience combined with a commitment to sustainable growing practices. It’s no wonder why it has received such acclaim from coffee lovers everywhere!
Key Features:
- Classico Medium Roast with notes of caramel, orange blossom, and jasmine
- Ethically sourced 100% Arabica coffee beans
- Unique pressurized packaging
- 30 years of sustainable coffee bean harvesting and growing methods
Pros and Cons
Pros
- No caffeine content, perfect for pregnant women
- Great taste with a divine-smelling aroma when it is opened
- Available in both classic roast and a lighter roast
- Good value for beans
Cons
- Expensive – $30/pound
- Narrow flavor range (only classic blend offered)
Grady’s Cold Brew Coffee – Best Cost-Effective
Grady’s Cold Brew Coffee is a convenient and delicious way to make your very own cold brew coffee in the comfort of your own home. The product comes in a single can that contains four 2oz. bean bags, enough for 12 total servings. Grady’s makes it easy to make your cold brew that is a New Orleans-style flavor blend of coffee, chicory, and spices – no need for expensive coffee gadgets or long wait times.
The Grady’s Cold Brew Coffee beans are all-natural, sugar-free, gluten-free, vegan, non-GMO, and low-calorie. All you have to do is steep the bags in cold water for at least 12 hours and no more than 24. After that, you simply remove the bags and you’ve got a tasty, ready-to-go cold brew concentrate just like that! It’s incredibly easy and efficient – saving you both time and money.
The New Orleans flavor blend of coffee, chicory, and spices makes this cold brew far from the usual store-bought brands. Grady’s adds a unique twist to their cold brew recipe that gives you a special taste unlike anything else available on the market. The taste is truly one-of-a-kind and sure to satisfy any cold brew coffee enthusiast.
Grady’s Cold Brew Coffee is perfect for any time of day or night – whether you need a pick-me-up after work or want a refreshing drink first thing in the morning. This convenient cold brew ensures that your java needs are met no matter what the occasion.
All in all, Grady’s Cold Brew Coffee offers an efficient, unique, and delicious way of getting your cold brew fix right from your refrigerator and this coffee is best for best coffee for cold brew.
Key Features:
- Brew-it-Yourself
- Easy to Use
- Grady’s Cold Brew New Orleans-Style Flavor
- Steep in Cold Water for 12-24 Hours
- All Natural, Sugar-Free, Gluten-Free, Vegan, Non-GMO, Low Calorie
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Cost-effective
- Easy to brew
- Tastes great
- Identical flavor to the bottled version
- Strong flavor without bitterness
Cons
- The bag is very porous and delicate when wet, making it easy to break
High Brew Coffee’s Cold Brew – Best Variety for Adventurers
High Brew Coffee’s Cold Brew is an excellent choice for java lovers seeking the perfect blend of quality and convenience. This combination of two classic flavors — exotic Mexican vanilla and smooth, never-bitter cold brew coffee – is a must-have for those looking to enjoy a superior cup of coffee without leaving the comfort of their own home.
The 24-pack contains 8oz cans of each flavor, allowing you to choose between the two when the craving strikes. Every can contain only high-quality Arabica coffee beans and reduced-fat milk, lightly sweetened with natural sugar, which makes for an exceptionally smooth taste that’s never bitter. Whether you enjoy your coffee hot or cold, either flavor is sure to satisfy your cravings.
High Brew Coffee’s unique blend of quality ingredients means you get all the benefits of coffee in a convenient ready-to-drink can without any of the drawbacks. Get your caffeine fix without compromising on taste or sacrificing time thanks to this delicious variety pack. It’s perfect for busy lifestyles and even better when shared with friends and family for special occasions or late-night treats. Enjoy the classic combination of Café con Leche or simply treat yourself to a pick-me-up that doesn’t require barista-level skills.
Key Features:
- High-quality Arabica coffee beans
- Reduced fat milk
- Natural sugar
- Exotic Mexican vanilla flavor
- Smooth, never bitter taste
- Natural jolt of caffeine
- Grab-and-go convenience
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Affordable compared to more expensive cold brew options
- High caffeine content (225mg per can)
- Variety of flavors available
- No artificial sweeteners, contains Stevia and Pure Cane Sugar
- Unique story on the back of each can
Cons
- Expensive compared to other brands
- Contains stevia and cane sugar
- High caffeine content may be too strong for some people
Wandering Bear Cold Brew Coffee – Best for Daily Drinkers
Wandering Bear Cold Brew Coffee offers consumers an unforgettable coffee experience. An organic and clean-label option, this coffee is made using only the highest quality Arabica beans and filtered water. The smooth and surprisingly strong cold brew comes in a convenient 32-ounce pouch, allowing for easy storage even in the most crowded of refrigerators.
The company is so confident in its product that they are more than willing to guarantee your satisfaction with it. This cold brew coffee also appeals to customers with all kinds of dietary restrictions – it’s sugar-free, dairy-free, and is labeled paleo, whole30, and keto compliant. It also contains 150 milligrams of caffeine per serving – that’s two or more espresso shots worth!
Another great benefit of Wandering Bear Cold Brew Coffee is that it’s shelf-stable and ready to drink right away. That means you can stock up without worrying about expiration dates or complicated instructions. There’s no morning mixology required here – just open the package and enjoy!
Whether you’re a fan of cold brew or simply looking for a delicious organic beverage that requires minimal effort, Wandering Bear Cold Brew Coffee should be on your list. With its smooth taste, unbeatable convenience, and long shelf life, it’s no wonder so many consumers have already come to love this drink.
Key Features:
- Delicious, smooth cold brew coffee
- Organic, healthy, and clean label
- Extra strong caffeine content
- Shelf-stable
- Ready-to-drink and convenient packaging
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Cost-effective
- Ready-to-drink and convenient packaging
- Organic, healthy, and clean label
Cons
Trader Joe’s medium roast Instant Cold Brew Coffee – Best Instant Iced Coffee
For those looking for a delicious cup of coffee without the hassle of traditional preparation methods, Trader Joe’s medium roast Instant Cold Brew Coffee is an ideal option. This instant cold brew coffee is made from high-quality Arabica beans from India and has a dark, rich, and smooth flavor profile with a caramel-like aroma.
Adding one teaspoon with 12 ounces of hot or cold water will provide you with an incredibly flavorful cup of coffee that’s sure to please even the pickiest palates. For those who adhere to the Kosher dietary laws, this product has been certified by the Orthodox Union.
Trader Joe’s medium roast Instant Cold Brew Coffee can be enjoyed both hot or cold, depending on individual preference. This product is perfect for when you’re looking for a quick yet delicious cup of coffee that’s ready in no time at all. All of these features make this product an attractive and convenient option for coffee lovers looking for a great-tasting cup of joe without having to go through traditional brewing methods.
Key Features:
- Dark, Rich & Smooth Flavor
- Caramel-Like Aroma
- Add One Teaspoon with 12oz of Hot or Cold Water
- Kosher Certified
- 100% Arabica Beans from India
Pros and Cons
Pros
- No need for a cold brew maker
- Affordable price
- Easy to make and prepare on the go
- Mixes completely without leaving anything floating in your cup
- Instant coffee option tastes great
- Comes in a convenient container that is easy to handle
Cons
- Container is not very large and difficult to handle
Buying Guide: Best Coffee for Cold Brew
Choosing the best coffee for cold brew can be a difficult task. But don’t worry! Here is a comprehensive buyer’s guide to help you through the process.
Type of roast:
The type of roast you choose for your cold brew coffee will determine the intensity and flavor profile of the coffee. Roast names like light, medium, dark, Viennese, French, Italian, German, New England, Espresso, and American describe the amount of time and temperature used to roast the beans. Light roasts are mild in flavor and have a lighter body; medium roasts are well-balanced in flavor and body; dark roasts have intense bold flavors and a thick body.
Flavor profile:
When choosing the best coffee for cold brew, look for a coffee with a flavor profile that suits your personal preferences. Some common flavor notes to consider are caramel, nutty, citrusy, chocolatey, earthy, berry-like, and smoky.
Origin of the beans:
Knowing where the coffee is sourced from can help you narrow down your search for the best cold brew coffee. Different regions produce different flavor profiles due to a variety of factors like soil conditions and climate. For example, South American coffees tend to have lower acidity levels and sweeter notes while East African and Indonesian coffees tend to be more robust with more earthy flavors.
Ground coarseness:
The coarseness of the ground beans will impact how quickly your cold brew is extracted as well as the strength of the final product. Coarser grounds will take longer to extract but will result in a smoother cup with less bitterness; finer grounds will extract quicker but will result in a stronger cup that can easily become bitter.
Organic or non-organic:
Organic coffees are grown without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides and must meet certain requirements set by regulating organizations like the USDA organic program. Non-organic coffees are grown using chemical fertilizers or pesticides and do not need to meet any special requirements.
Shade-grown or sun-grown beans:
Shade-grown coffees are grown in areas where shade trees are planted among rows of coffee trees to provide constant cover from direct sunlight. Sun-grown coffees are grown in full direct sunlight where temperatures can reach up to 115°F (46°C). Shade-grown coffees tend to be more acidic with higher floral notes whereas sun-grown coffees tend to have more body with more nutty flavors.
Fairtrade certified:
Fairtrade certification helps ensure that farmers in developing countries receive fair prices for their coffee by setting strict standards on labor conditions, environmental protection practices, and price minimums for producers.
Price range:
Depending on your budget you may want to opt for either specialty grade coffees which generally cost more but provide better cup quality or commercial grade which costs less but offers lower quality coffee beans.
Grind size:
The grind size of the coffee is very important as it influences how quickly your cold brew extracts from the grounds when steeped in water (coarse grinds take longer while finer grinds take less time). A coarse grind works well when steeping over an extended period while a finer grind works better if you’re making multiple batches during one day.
Brewing method:
While cold brew coffee traditionally uses cold water steeping (room temperature or below) for an extended period (12-24 hours), other brewing methods like a French press or Aeropress can also be used to make great cold brew coffee using hot water extraction techniques/devices that create a concentrate/extraction quickly over just around 1-4 minutes).
Roasting date:
Look for freshly roasted beans with a date printed on them that tells you when they were roasted which helps you determine their freshness level so you can maximize the taste potential of your brewed cup of coffee. Freshly roasted beans will always make for a better cup of coffee than old beans since older beans will have lost much of their original flavor compounds due to oxidation over time which negatively impacts the taste.
FAQs: Best Coffee for Cold Brew
What is the best coffee to use when making cold brew?
The best coffee to use when making cold brew is a medium-dark roast, but some people prefer a lighter roast for a milder taste. Specialty beans like those washed in the coffee shop are recommended for optimal flavor.
How fine should I grind the coffee for cold brew?
The coffee should be ground as finely as possible for cold brew, allowing the grounds to better absorb the water and create a strong, flavorful brew. A burr grinder is recommended for maximum consistency and flavor quality, but a blade grinder will also do the job.
How long should the cold brew steep for optimal flavor?
Cold brew should steep for at least 12-24 hours, depending on how strong you want the flavor to be. Experimenting with different steeping times can help you find what works best for your taste.
How much coffee should I use per cup of water for cold brew?
A general rule of thumb is to use 2 tablespoons of ground coffee per 8 ounces of water, but this can vary depending on individual taste preferences or the type of beans used. Adjust the ratio accordingly to achieve your desired strength and flavor.
How should I store my cold brew coffee concentrate?
The concentrate should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh and flavorful for up to two weeks. If you plan on consuming your cold brew within this timeframe, no other steps are needed.
Can I re-brew used coffee grounds for cold brew?
Yes, you can re-brew used coffee grounds for a cold brew if desired! The same ratio of grinds and water should still be used to achieve the correct strength and flavor.
Should I filter my cold brew before drinking?
Yes, it is recommended to filter your cold brew before consuming it in order to remove any sediment or sludge from the concentrate that may have been created during steeping. A cloth filter or paper filter will work best, though this step can be skipped if desired.
Is there any difference between a hot brew and a cold brew made with the same beans?
Yes, there is a significant difference in taste between hot-brewed and cold-brewed coffee made with the same beans! Cold brewing tends to bring out smoother, sweeter flavor notes compared to hot brewing, which produces more bitterness and acidity in the cup.
Can I make a cold brew without using a filter or brewer?
Yes! You can easily make a cold brew without using a filter or brewer by combining coarsely-ground coffee and cool water in an airtight container overnight (or longer) at room temperature before straining out the grounds using cheesecloth or another fine mesh sieve.
Can I add other ingredients to my cold brew like milk, sugar, and flavorings?
Yes, you can add other ingredients to your cold brew cup to make your best coffee for cold brew! Milk and sugar are popular additions along with syrups and other flavored ingredients for a unique twist on classic cold brewed coffee.
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