Enjoying a cold brew on a sunny summer day is truly one of life’s simple yet profound pleasures. Today, I am excited to share my top recommendations for the best coffee for cold brew. In my experience, cold brew coffee transcends the seasons, offering a refreshing alternative that you might find more appealing than traditional hot coffee once you give it a try.
*Affiliate Disclosure: This blog post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through my link, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I take my role as an affiliate seriously; I only partner with companies whose products I genuinely endorse.
Suzi (Gurl Gone Green) participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, which is an affiliate advertising initiative designed to help websites earn advertising fees by promoting and linking to amazon.com.
Discover the Excellence of Purity Coffee
It’s no surprise that Purity Coffee consistently ranks as a favorite! After testing various organic coffee brands, Purity emerged as the standout choice for cold brew enthusiasts. With the summer months approaching, now is the perfect time to explore this exceptional coffee.
Use code GURLGONEGREEN to enjoy a 20% discount on your first Purity Coffee order!
Related Content: Best Mold & Mycotoxin Free Coffee Brands
Understanding Cold Brew Coffee: A Unique Brewing Method
In the world of coffee, cold brew refers to a distinctive process that involves extracting flavors using cold water. In simpler terms, it means soaking ground coffee in water for an extended period—either at room temperature or in the refrigerator. This method allows the coffee to develop a rich flavor profile without the need for specialized equipment.
One of the appealing aspects of cold brew is its simplicity; you don’t need a kettle or precise measurements, making it accessible for everyone. The extended extraction time results in a smooth, rich cup of coffee that is favored by many. Additionally, cold brew is known for its lower acidity compared to hot coffee, making it a gentler option for those with sensitive stomachs.
Another advantage of cold brew is its longevity—it can last for 7 to 10 days in the refrigerator, making it an excellent choice for entertaining guests or enjoying throughout the week.
Exploring the Drawbacks of Cold Brew Coffee
While many coffee lovers appreciate cold brew, some connoisseurs find it lacking in acidity and depth of flavor. If you seek a more complex coffee experience, cold brew may not be your go-to choice. Furthermore, it’s worth noting that cold brew requires a longer brewing time compared to traditional hot coffee methods.
Despite these minor drawbacks, there’s little to critique about cold brew! For your convenience, I’ll compare cold brew with two other popular brewing methods to highlight their differences, helping you choose which might be best suited for your preferences.
Differentiating Cold Brew from Iced Coffee
- Cold brew utilizes cold or room temperature water, whereas iced coffee is brewed hot and then poured over ice.
- Cold brew typically has a higher caffeine content compared to iced coffee.
- Cold brew is generally less acidic than iced coffee since hot water tends to extract more bitter and acidic flavors.
Another variant of iced coffee available in some cafes is the “flash brew” method. This technique involves brewing coffee directly over ice, which rapidly cools it while maintaining a higher coffee-to-water ratio.
Understanding the Differences Between Cold Brew and French Press
While both cold brew and French press methods can yield delightful results, they have distinct characteristics:
- Cold brew employs cold water, while French press uses hot water.
- Cold brew filters water through the coffee grounds, whereas French press steeps the coffee in water.
- Cold brew tends to deliver a milder and less acidic flavor, in contrast to the bold, robust profile typical of French press coffee.
Related Content: The Best No Plastic Coffee Makers
Selecting the Ideal Coffee Beans for Cold Brew
- Roast Type Matters
For cold brew, dark roast coffee beans are often the best choice due to their ability to provide a deeper flavor profile. The low acidity associated with dark roasts contributes to a smooth, enjoyable cold brew experience.
- Single-Origin Beans for Unique Flavors
Choosing single origin beans allows you to savor the unique characteristics and nuances of each bean, enhancing your cold brew experience.
- Arabica vs. Robusta: A Flavorful Debate
Robusta beans tend to be more acidic and have higher caffeine levels compared to Arabica beans. While Arabica beans are known for their smooth, sweet flavors, they are also more expensive to cultivate and purchase. Most cafes prefer using Arabica beans for cold brew, as their taste aligns with the preferences of many coffee drinkers.
If you’re looking for a stronger, more bitter flavor akin to traditional hot coffee, you might lean towards Robusta beans, which also pack a caffeine punch for that morning boost!
- Whole Bean vs. Pre-Ground Coffee
While I typically recommend whole beans for maximum freshness, cold brew is forgiving enough that you can use pre-ground coffee. However, for the best flavor, investing in a good grinder and using whole beans is ideal.
Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Perfect Cold Brew
- Begin by coarsely grinding your selected coffee beans.
- Add the ground coffee to your cold brew maker, adhering to a 1:8 or 1:9 ratio (e.g., 8 grams of water for every 1 gram of coffee).
- Pour filtered water over the coffee grounds.
- Let the coffee steep in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours.
- Once brewed, dispose of the coffee grounds.
- Serve your cold brew over ice. A delightful day starts with a refreshing cold brew!
Comparing Cold Brew: Drip vs. Immersion Method
When it comes to making cold brew, you have two primary methods to choose from. Let’s explore the differences to help you decide which one suits your preferences!
| Cold Drip | Immersion | |
| Brew method | Percolate | Steep |
| Brew device | Cold drip tower | Mason jar, pitcher |
| Brew time | 3-12 hours | 12-24 hours |
| Brew difficulty | Difficult | Easy |
| Brew taste | Rich and full-bodied | Smooth and sweet |
Cold Brew Immersion Method Explained
In the immersion method, coffee grounds are fully submerged in a jar or pitcher filled with water, allowing them to steep. This approach is the most popular among cold brew enthusiasts, and it’s the method I personally prefer for its simplicity and flavor.
Understanding the Cold Brew Drip Method
Alternatively, the cold drip method involves water slowly dripping from a reservoir through a bed of coffee grounds, resulting in a concentrated brew that collects in a carafe below.
Top Coffee Brands for Crafting Outstanding Cold Brew
Purity Coffee: The Ultimate Choice
Price: $26
Roast Options: Decaf, Dark Roast, Medium Roast
Decaf: Yes – the finest decaf option!
Whole vs. Ground: Purity exclusively offers whole bean coffee.
Review: It’s no surprise that Purity Coffee ranks as a top choice for cold brew lovers! This brand checks every box—organic, mold, and mycotoxin free, and it delivers a taste that is absolutely delightful when brewed cold. My husband swears by the EASE dark roast for cold brew, while I prefer the CALM decaf. Neither of us finds it bitter; it’s incredibly smooth with just the right strength for a perfect cold brew experience.
Use code GURLGONEGREEN to enjoy a 20% discount on your first Purity Coffee order!
Related Content: Purity Coffee Review
Fabula: Low Acid Coffee for Cold Brew
Price: $28.95
Roast Options: Light, Medium, Dark, Espresso, Cold Brew, French Press, Turkish Coffee, Flavored
Decaf: Yes, available in medium and dark roast.
Whole vs. Ground: Fabula offers both ground and whole bean options for most coffees.
Review: Fabula not only provides a decaf dark roast but also offers coffee specially crafted for cold brew. This organic, mold, and mycotoxin-free brand is incredibly low in acidity, making it ideal for individuals with acid reflux. Many reviews mention how people who previously struggled with coffee can enjoy Fabula without discomfort. The coffee is exceptionally smooth, and I recommend following their brewing guidelines to ensure you achieve the desired strength—typically, they recommend using two scoops per 6 ounces of water.
Use code GGG20 to receive 20% off your order!
Kion: Smooth and Flavorful
Price: $26.95
Roast Options: Medium and dark roasts available.
Decaf: Yes, decaf options are available.
Whole vs. Ground: Kion provides both ground and whole bean choices.
Review: Kion Coffee impresses with its smooth flavor. While it has a bit more acidity compared to brands like Fabula and Purity, it still delivers a satisfying strength essential for a cold brew. I particularly enjoyed the decaf version, while my husband favored the dark roast. Both found it to be smooth without any bitterness, and Kion Coffee meets the criteria for being organic and free from mold and mycotoxins.
Use code GGG to enjoy a 10% discount on your order!
Kicking Horse: Accessible and Flavorful
Price: $11.99
Roast Options: Light, Medium, Dark
Decaf: Yes
Whole vs. Ground: Kicking Horse offers both ground and whole bean varieties.
Review: Kicking Horse stands out for its organic offerings and rigorous mold testing. You can conveniently find their products at select Target locations. I was particularly impressed with the flavor of their decaf, which is typically known for being less robust. Their Kick Ass Dark Roast is equally exceptional for cold brew, featuring sweet and smoky notes.
Peace Coffee: Budget-Friendly and Delicious
Price: $12.99
Roast Options: Light, Medium, Dark
Decaf: Yes
Whole vs. Ground: Peace Coffee provides both ground and whole bean options.
Review: I found their decaf to be impressively full-bodied and smooth, especially given the price point. It’s also available at Target, which is a big
Sienna Blake is a licensed aesthetic consultant and beauty writer specializing in cosmetic surgery advancements and non-invasive treatments. With a background in dermatology and over eight years of industry experience, Sienna is passionate about helping people achieve confidence through informed beauty decisions. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Health Sciences and regularly collaborates with top plastic surgeons to stay at the forefront of aesthetic innovations. Outside of her work, Sienna enjoys traveling, skincare research, and practicing Pilates.
