With the wide variety of specialty coffee crops available, choosing the best specialty coffee for cold brew can be confusing. Is it better to use a fruity Ethiopian variety? Or a Brazilian coffee with chocolatey notes? And does cold brew need a dark or medium roast?
In this guide, we learn how to choose Cold Brew beans that suit your taste or the cafe's beverage menu, along with the most important factors to consider in order to arrive at a consistent and balanced recipe.
What is Cold Brew?
Cold brew is a drink made by steeping ground coffee in cold or room temperature water for a long time, then straining the drink and serving it directly or diluting it with water or milk.
Cold brew differs from iced coffee; iced coffee is usually prepared using hot water and then cooled with ice, while cold brew relies on slow extraction without using high heat.
This difference in extraction method affects the sensory result. Cold brew is often characterized by a smoother texture, pronounced sweetness, and less intense bitterness compared to some hot brewing methods, although the final result varies depending on the type of coffee and the recipe.
Its preparation usually takes 12 to 24 hours, depending on the degree of grinding, the ratio of coffee to water, the steeping temperature and the required concentration.
Is there one coffee that is best for cold brew?
There is no single bean that suits all tastes. The best coffee for cold brew is the one that delivers the nuances and texture you want in your cup.
Those who prefer a rich chocolate and caramel beverage might enjoy Latin American varieties or well-balanced blends. Those seeking a fruity and refreshing cold brew might prefer an Ethiopian or African variety with natural processing.
Therefore, start by defining the desired outcome:
- Do you want Cold Brew to be drunk plain?
- Will you serve it with milk?
- Will you add syrup or sauce to it?
- Are you looking for a thick consistency or a light and refreshing drink?
- Will you serve it ready to drink or as a concentrate to be diluted later?
Answering these questions will help you choose coffee instead of relying solely on the brand name or price.
Best roast levels for cold brew
The degree of roasting affects the ease of extraction, texture, and flavor profile of the beverage. Many roasting experts recommend a medium roast as a flexible starting point for cold brew, as it typically combines the sweetness of roasting with the distinct characteristics of the brew's origin.
medium roast
Medium roast is a suitable choice for most cold brew recipes. It offers a balance of sweetness, texture, and nuances, and may showcase flavors of chocolate, caramel, nuts, and ripe fruit.
It is also suitable to serve plain or with milk, so it can be a practical option for cafes that wish to use one crop in more than one recipe.
Medium dark roast
Suitable for those who prefer a rich and strong cold brew, especially when milk, cream, or syrup are added.
It often features dark chocolate, caramel, and nutty flavors, but very dark roasting should be avoided if it has a smoky or very bitter flavor, as a long soaking time may make these qualities more prominent.
light roasting
Light roasting can be used to prepare a fruity and complex cold brew, but it requires finer adjustments to the recipe.
Some light crops may appear mild or sharp when an inappropriate ratio is used, whereas naturally sweet and fruity crops can produce a distinctive beverage when ground and prepared correctly.
Therefore, a light roast is suitable for those who like to experiment with distinct flavors, and is not necessarily the best starting point for beginners or for recipes mixed with milk.
Best specialty coffee producers for cold brew
Country of origin alone does not determine flavor, as region, altitude, variety, processing, and roasting all influence the outcome. However, origin can be used as a preliminary guide for crop selection.
Brazilian coffee
Brazilian coffee is a suitable option for those who prefer cold brew with a rich body and pronounced sweetness.
Many Brazilian coffees have hints of chocolate, nuts, and caramel, and pair well with milk, vanilla, and salted caramel. They can also be used as a base for a well-balanced cold brew in a café.
Colombian coffee
Colombian coffee typically offers a good balance of sweetness, acidity, and body, and may show hints of caramel, chocolate, and fruit.
It is suitable for plain or milk-diluted cold brew, and is a good choice for those who want a clear flavor without high fruit acidity or heavy roasting.
Ethiopian coffee
If you're looking for a fragrant, fruity cold brew, Ethiopian crops may be an attractive option, especially those with natural processing.
It may exhibit hints of berries, tropical fruits, and flowers, and is suitable for serving plain or over ice. Cold brew research has indicated that some fruity qualities may be more pronounced at lower brewing temperatures compared to some higher ones.
However, the recipe should be tested carefully; some light flower crops may lose their detail when milk or syrup is added.
Guatemalan coffee
Many Guatemalan crops combine chocolate, spices, fruits, and medium to rich textures.
Cold Brew can produce a balanced brew suitable for plain or limited milk, and is also suitable for customers who want a stronger fruity coffee flavor but less heavy than some dark roasts.
mixtures
The best cold brew doesn't have to be made from a single crop. A blend might offer a better balance of texture, sweetness, and notes.
For example, a Brazilian crop that provides texture and chocolateiness can be combined with an Ethiopian crop that adds fruitiness and aroma. Blending also helps maintain a more consistent flavor profile in cafes as seasons and crops change.
How does coffee processing affect cold brew?
The method of processing coffee after harvesting affects the sweetness, texture, and flavors that appear in the coffee beans.
Washed treatment
Washed crops typically have a cleaner flavor and greater clarity of notes, and may suit those who prefer a balanced and refreshing cold brew without a heavy body.
It works well with Colombian, Guatemalan and some African crops, especially when the drink is served plain.
Natural treatment
The coffee bean dries along with the fruit, which may give it a sweeter, fruitier taste and a clearer texture.
Natural crops are a good choice for fruity cold brew, especially when they contain hints of berries, dried fruits, or tropical fruits.
However, a balanced crop must be chosen; because strong fermented flavors can become overwhelming with prolonged soaking.
Honey treatment
Honey processing often provides a compromise between the cleanliness of washed processing and the sweetness of natural processing.
Cold Brew can produce a sweet and balanced drink with a good texture, making it suitable for those who want a different experience without being overly fruity.
What are the appropriate cues for Cold Brew?
When reading the coffee crop label, look for suggestions that are consistent with how the drink is served.
For the plain Cold Brew, the following suggestions can be chosen:
- Berries and red fruits.
- Sweet citrus fruits.
- Peaches and apricots.
- Tropical fruits.
- Brown sugar and honey.
- Soft flowers.
As for cold brew with milk, the following suggestions are often appropriate:
- Chocolate.
- Caramel.
- Hazelnuts and almonds.
- To die.
- Vanilla.
- Dried fruits.
For drinks that include syrup or sauce, choose a coffee with a clear flavor and good consistency so that it doesn't get lost behind the additions.
Suitable Cold Brew grind setting
Cold Brew usually requires a coarse or medium grind, close to the grind setting of a French press.
A coarse grind allows for longer steeping without excessive extraction or the passage of a large amount of fine sediment into the beverage. A fine grind, on the other hand, can make filtering difficult and result in a muddy consistency, bitterness, or excessive dryness.
However, a very coarse grind can result in poor extraction and a weak beverage. Therefore, the grind should be adjusted according to the steeping time, temperature, and the equipment used.
To get a consistent result in the cafe, use a good gear grinder, weigh the coffee before grinding, and record the grinder setting used for each crop.
What is the coffee to water ratio for cold brew?
The ratio varies depending on whether you are preparing a ready-to-drink beverage or a cold brew concentrate.
You can start with an approximate ratio of one part coffee to 8 or 10 parts water to make a relatively strong cold brew, then adjust the ratio according to the yield and taste.
As for the concentrate, it can be prepared in a more concentrated form, then diluted with water or milk when serving.
There is no single ideal ratio for all crops, as roasting, grinding, and soaking time all affect extraction. Therefore, treat the first recipe as a starting point, then adjust one variable in each experiment.
If the brew is weak, you can increase the amount of coffee, extend the brewing time slightly, or use a finer grind. If it's bitter or dry, you can shorten the brewing time or use a coarser grind.
Should very fresh grains be used?
Freshness is important, but cold brew doesn't necessarily require using coffee immediately after roasting.
It's best to allow the beans a suitable amount of time after roasting, then use them while they still retain their aroma and flavor. Avoid very old beans or those stored in an open container, as the cold brew method cannot restore the aromas that coffee has lost.
Store the grains in an airtight container, away from heat, moisture and light, and grind the required amount before preparation instead of buying a large quantity pre-ground.
How to choose cold brew coffee for a cafe?
The cafe needs to balance flavor with cost, ease of operation, and a stable supply.
Start by testing several crops using the same recipe, then evaluate each sample according to sweetness, texture, flavor after dilution, and how well it is compatible with milk and additives.
It's beneficial to choose a staple crop that suits the majority of customers, then offer a seasonal fruit crop as an additional option. This way, you get a consistent product with room for innovation.
Also, calculate the cost of coffee used per liter, as cold brew may require a larger quantity of beans compared to some other brewing methods. Don't choose a high-priced crop simply because of its high rating; ensure that its qualities are truly showcased in cold brew.
Mistakes that ruin the taste of cold brew coffee
Some of the most common mistakes include using a fine grind, leaving the coffee in water for too long without tasting it, or relying on over-roasted beans that produce a burnt flavor.
Another mistake is:
- Using unsuitable water.
- Do not weigh the coffee and water.
- Changing more than one factor in a single experiment.
- Leave the sediment inside the drink after the soaking is complete.
- Store cold brew in a loosely sealed container.
- Add ice without accounting for dilution.
- Use a very light crop with a large quantity of milk.
- Failure to record the approved prescription.
A standardized recipe is essential in cafes so that every barista serves the same flavor.
Discover specialty coffee and cold brew tools from Coffee Luxury
Choosing the best specialty coffee for cold brew becomes easier when you find a variety of crops and suitable brewing tools all in one place.
Coffee Luxury offers a range of specialty coffee crops with multiple aromas and roast levels, along with grinders, scales, cold brew tools, filters and barista tools needed for home use and cafes in Saudi Arabia.
You can also complement your cold drink recipes with the syrups, sauces and serving supplies available, whether you want to prepare a plain cold brew, a milk-based cold brew, or create a special summer drink for the cafe menu.
Browse our coffee luxury products, compare crops by aroma, processing and roasting, and choose the coffee that helps you achieve a well-balanced cold brew that's worth repeating.
What is the best type of coffee for cold brew?
Medium roast coffee with hints of chocolate, caramel, and nuts is a good starting point. Lighter, fruity varieties can be used for those who prefer a fresher, more complex cold brew.
Is Brazilian coffee suitable for cold brew?
Yes, many Brazilian crops are suitable for cold brew because of their texture, sweetness, and hints of chocolate, nuts, and caramel, especially when the drink is served with milk.
Can Ethiopian coffee be used in cold brew?
Yes, especially natural crops with fruity notes. They can produce a fragrant and refreshing cold brew, but the recipe needs to be adjusted so the drink doesn't become too weak or too bitter.
What is the best roast for Cold Brew?
Medium roast is a balanced option for most recipes. Medium-dark roast can be used for a stronger milk-based drink, or light roast to showcase fruity flavors.
What is the grind setting for Cold Brew?
A coarse or medium-coarse grind, similar to a French press grind, is often used. A fine grind should be avoided as it can increase sediment and make filtration difficult.
How many hours does Cold Brew need?
The soaking time typically ranges from 12 to 24 hours, depending on the grind, temperature, and desired concentration. It's best to start with 14 to 18 hours and then adjust the recipe based on taste.
Is cold brew the same as iced coffee?
No. Cold brew is made with cold water over a long period of time, while iced coffee is prepared with hot water and then chilled or poured over ice.
Can cold brew be made with pre-ground coffee?
This is possible provided the degree of grinding is suitable, but grinding the grains before preparation helps to retain a better aroma and flavor.
What is the best coffee for cold brew with milk?
Medium or medium-dark coffee with hints of chocolate, caramel, hazelnut, and toffee suits him because it remains clear after adding milk.
Why is cold brew bitter?
Bitterness may result from a fine grind, a long soaking time, a very dark roast, or using a high coffee ratio without diluting the concentrate.
Why is Cold Brew so light?
The reason may be a very coarse grind, too little coffee, too short a steeping time, or a light-textured crop that is not suitable for the recipe being used.
Can syrup be added to Cold Brew?
Yes, vanilla, caramel, hazelnut, and others can be used, but it is preferable to choose an amount that does not overpower the coffee flavor, especially when using a specialty crop with clear culinary implications.