Making cold brew at home is a simple way to enjoy a remarkably smooth and refreshing coffee experience. Unlike iced coffee, which is hot-brewed and then cooled, cold brew is steeped in cold water for an extended period, resulting in a concentrate that is less acidic and naturally sweeter. The key to a perfect batch lies in selecting the right coffee beans. The ideal grind and roast profile can make all the difference between a good cold brew and an exceptional one.
To help you find your new favorite, we’ve curated a list of standout coffees specifically chosen for their cold brew potential. From single-origin coarse grounds to convenient pre-packaged bags, this roundup covers a range of options to suit every preference, whether you’re a cold brew connoisseur or just getting started. The right bag of beans is your first step toward a consistently delicious homemade cold brew.
The Best Coffee Beans for Your Cold Brew
- Stone Street Cold Brew Reserve Colombian Single Origin
- Chocolate Covered Coffee Beans Organic Cold Brew Blend
- Bizzy Organic Cold Brew Coffee – Smooth & Sweet Blend
- Lavazza Dek Decaffeinated Whole Bean Coffee Blend
- Death Wish Coffee Co. Valhalla Java Whole Bean Coffee
- Cooper’s Cask Coffee Cold Brew Reserve – Ethiopian Bold
- Kicking Horse Coffee, Kick Ass, Dark Roast, Whole Bean
- Cold Brew Lab Organic Cold Brew Coffee Bags
Stone Street Cold Brew Reserve Colombian Single Origin
Stone Street is a specialist in the cold brew category, and this Colombian Single Origin is a prime example of their expertise. It is a dark roast coffee that is specifically coarse-ground to prevent over-extraction and sediment in your final brew. This grind size is ideal for the long steeping process, allowing for a clean and crisp concentrate.
The flavor profile is characterized by a rich, smooth body with notes of dark chocolate and a nutty finish. Because it is designed from the ground up for cold brewing, you can expect a consistent and reliable result every time, making it a fantastic choice for both beginners and seasoned cold brew makers looking for a no-fuss, high-quality option.
Chocolate Covered Coffee Beans Organic Cold Brew Blend
This organic whole bean coffee from Chocolate Covered Coffee Beans is crafted with the cold brew method in mind. The blend is designed to produce a remarkably smooth and low-acidity concentrate, highlighting the natural sweetness of the beans. Using whole beans allows you to grind them fresh right before brewing, which can maximize flavor and aroma.
The resulting cold brew often features subtle chocolatey undertones, living up to the company’s name. It’s an excellent option for those who prefer to control their grind size and want an organic product that delivers a classic, sweet, and easy-drinking cold brew experience without any bitter notes.
Bizzy Organic Cold Brew Coffee – Smooth & Sweet Blend
Bizzy offers a convenient, pre-ground solution that is optimized for cold brew. Their Organic Smooth & Sweet Blend is coarse-ground to ensure a clean extraction and is sourced from 100% organic beans. The primary goal of this blend is to minimize acidity and bitterness, making it a very approachable cold brew.
Many users note its consistent performance and the fact that it lives up to its “smooth and sweet” name, requiring little to no added sweetener. If you are looking for an organic coffee that saves you the step of grinding and reliably produces a mellow, crowd-pleasing cold brew, this bag is a solid contender.
Lavazza Dek Decaffeinated Whole Bean Coffee Blend
For those who love the taste of cold brew but are sensitive to caffeine, Lavazza Dek provides a sophisticated solution. This is a decaffeinated whole bean coffee from a trusted Italian brand, specifically noted for its use in cold brewing methods. The blend is designed to retain a full-bodied flavor and aromatic complexity even without caffeine.
You can expect a smooth, rich cup with low acidity, proving that decaf coffee doesn’t have to be bland. Grinding these whole beans fresh will help you achieve the best possible flavor from this unique decaf blend, allowing you to enjoy a refreshing cold brew any time of day or night.
Death Wish Coffee Co. Valhalla Java Whole Bean Coffee
Death Wish Coffee is famous for its high-caffeine content, and the Valhalla Java blend carries that legacy with a rock-and-roll attitude. This dark roast, whole bean coffee is for those who want a powerful and bold cold brew that packs a serious punch. The flavor is intense and robust, with notes of dark chocolate and cherry.
When brewed as cold brew, the characteristic bitterness of a dark roast is often tamed, resulting in a strong but surprisingly smooth concentrate. If you need a morning jolt that doesn’t compromise on flavor, this coffee is designed to provide an energizing and full-bodied cold brew experience.
Cooper’s Cask Coffee Cold Brew Reserve – Ethiopian Bold
Cooper’s Cask Coffee offers a unique take with their cold brew reserve, which is aged in spirit barrels to impart complex flavors. The Ethiopian Bold Dark Roast is a whole bean coffee that brings together the fruity, wine-like notes typical of Ethiopian beans with the deep, rich character of a dark roast.
This combination creates a uniquely flavorful cold brew with layers of complexity. The barrel-aging process can introduce subtle hints of vanilla, oak, or the particular spirit used, making for a truly artisanal and conversation-starting cold brew that stands out from more traditional options.
Kicking Horse Coffee, Kick Ass, Dark Roast, Whole Bean
Kicking Horse Coffee’s “Kick Ass” blend is a popular and widely available organic, fair trade, dark roast coffee. While not exclusively marketed for cold brew, its profile is exceptionally well-suited for the method. The whole beans allow for a fresh grind, and the dark roast produces a robust and full-bodied concentrate.
You can expect flavors of sweet tobacco, cocoa, and roasted nuts, which become smooth and pronounced when steeped cold. Its accessibility and consistent quality make it a go-to choice for many cold brew enthusiasts who want a reliable, flavorful, and ethically sourced bean for their daily batch.
Cold Brew Lab Organic Cold Brew Coffee Bags
For the ultimate in convenience, Cold Brew Lab offers pre-portioned coffee bags, similar to large tea bags. This method eliminates the need for a separate grinder or filter, making the cold brew process incredibly simple and mess-free. Each bag contains organic, coarse-ground coffee perfectly measured for a single serving or a pitcher.
You simply steep the bag in water for the recommended time and remove it—no straining required. This is an ideal solution for office use, travel, or anyone new to cold brewing who wants to achieve a great result with minimal equipment and cleanup.
How to Choose the Best Coffee for Cold Brew
When I first started making cold brew at home, I thought any old bag of coffee would do. I was wrong. The long, slow steeping process of cold brew really highlights certain characteristics in the beans, so picking the right one makes all the difference between a good jar of coffee and a great one. After a lot of experimentation, I’ve landed on a few key things I always look for.
First and foremost, let’s talk about the roast. I’m a firm believer that medium to dark roasts are the champions of cold brew. The cold water extraction naturally tames the acidity and bitterness you might get from these roasts in a hot brew, leaving you with an incredibly smooth, rich, and chocolatey or nutty cup. Light roasts, which are often prized for their bright, fruity notes, can sometimes taste a bit muted or sour when steeped cold. If you want that classic, smooth cold brew profile that you get from a coffee shop, start with a medium or dark roast.
Next up is the origin and flavor profile. I personally gravitate towards beans from Central and South America. Coffees from regions like Brazil, Guatemala, or Colombia often have those classic notes of chocolate, nuts, and caramel that just sing in a cold brew concentrate. They create a really solid, balanced foundation. That said, don’t be afraid to try a blend specifically crafted for cold brew. Many roasters create blends that combine these chocolatey beans with just a hint of something fruitier from Africa to add a little complexity without overpowering the smoothness.
Finally, the grind is non-negotiable. You absolutely need a coarse grind. I can’t stress this enough. If you use a fine grind, like what you’d use for espresso, you’ll end up with a muddy, over-extracted, and bitter brew. It will also be a huge pain to filter. A coarse grind, similar to raw sugar or breadcrumbs, allows the water to flow freely and extract the flavors cleanly over the long steep. If you can, buy whole beans and grind them yourself right before brewing. The flavor is just so much fresher and more vibrant. If you have to buy pre-ground, just make sure the bag is labeled specifically for cold brew or French press.
Finding the best coffee for cold brew is really about embracing that low-and-slow method. Look for those chocolatey, nutty medium or dark roasts, get a coarse grind, and you’re well on your way to making a fantastic batch right in your own kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ideal coffee-to-water ratio for cold brew?
I use a ratio that creates a concentrate, which is how I and most coffee shops prefer it. My standard is 1 cup of coarsely ground coffee to 4 cups of cold, filtered water. After steeping for 12-24 hours, I dilute this concentrate with water or milk at about a 1:1 ratio when I’m ready to drink it. This method gives me control over the strength of each cup. If you want a ready-to-drink brew right away, you can use a 1:8 ratio, but I find the concentrate method is more versatile and efficient with space in my fridge.
How long should I steep my cold brew?
The sweet spot for steeping is between 12 and 24 hours. I usually set a batch to steep in the evening and strain it the next afternoon, which lands right around the 18-hour mark. At 12 hours, the flavor is lighter and a bit more tea-like. By 24 hours, it becomes much stronger, bolder, and can develop deeper chocolatey notes. I wouldn’t recommend going much beyond 24 hours, as it can start to taste a bit woody or overly bitter. It’s a matter of personal taste, so feel free to experiment within that window to find your perfect timing.
Can I use flavored coffee for cold brew?
You absolutely can, but there’s a caveat. The flavorings in many pre-flavored beans are often artificial and can be quite potent. When steeped for such a long time, those flavors can become overpowering and even taste a bit chemical. If you love flavored coffee, I’d suggest making a plain cold brew concentrate and then adding a natural syrup—like vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut—to your individual serving. This gives you a cleaner coffee taste and lets you control the level of sweetness and flavor.
Do I need a special cold brew maker?
Not at all! While dedicated cold brew makers are convenient and can make filtering easier, you can make excellent cold brew with equipment you already have at home. My go-to method for years was a simple large mason jar and a fine-mesh sieve lined with a cheesecloth or a paper coffee filter. You just combine the coffee and water in the jar, let it sit on the counter or in the fridge, and then strain it. It’s a cheap and effective way to get started and see if you like making your own before investing in another piece of kitchen gear.
How long does homemade cold brew last?
Once you’ve strained the grounds out, your cold brew concentrate will keep well in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. I find it tastes the freshest within the first 5-7 days. Because it’s a concentrate and has such a low pH, it’s naturally more stable than hot-brewed coffee. Just make sure you store it in a clean, airtight container like a mason jar or a pitcher with a lid to keep other fridge odors from getting in. This longevity is one of the reasons I think it’s the best coffee for cold brew to have on hand for easy mornings.