As the weather heats up, many of our customers ask us, "What beans should I get if I want to make cold brew?" So we've put together a brief guide of our top picks and how to get the most out of your beans.
Cold brew coffee is known for its smooth flavor, low acidity, and rich body. Because the coffee is steeped in cold water for many hours, the beans you choose have a major impact on the final taste.
Some beans produce bold chocolate notes. Others bring natural sweetness or subtle fruit flavors that shine in cold brew.
In this guide, we highlight several single origin coffee beans available at Java Bean Plus that work exceptionally well for cold brew, along with the flavor characteristics that make them great choices.
If you want a step by step guide to brewing, you can also read our article on how to make the perfect cup of cold brew coffee here.
What Makes a Coffee Bean Good for Cold Brew?
Cold brew extracts coffee differently than hot brewing methods. The long steeping process pulls out deeper chocolate, caramel, and nutty notes while reducing bitterness and acidity.
Because of this, the best beans for cold brew typically have:
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Naturally sweet flavor profiles
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Chocolate or nutty notes
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Medium or full body
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Balanced acidity
Single origin beans can produce especially interesting cold brew because each region has its own distinct flavor profile.
Colombian Coffee Beans
Colombian coffee is one of the most reliable and versatile options for cold brew.
These beans are known for their balanced flavor, smooth body, and medium acidity. Colombian coffee often has notes of chocolate, caramel, and citrus, which create a naturally sweet cold brew.
When steeped slowly in cold water, Colombian beans produce a rich and smooth drink with very little bitterness.
Colombian coffee also works well for people who like to add milk, cream, or sweeteners to their cold brew because the chocolate and caramel notes pair nicely with dairy.
Brazilian Coffee Beans
Brazilian coffee beans are another excellent choice for cold brew.
Brazil is the largest coffee producing country in the world, and many Brazilian beans are known for their low acidity and medium to full body. These characteristics make them ideal for cold brewing.
Typical flavor notes include:
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Chocolate
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Toasted nuts
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Cocoa
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Mild sweetness
Cold brew made from Brazilian beans tends to be smooth, rich, and slightly sweet. The lower acidity also makes it easy to drink, even for people who find traditional coffee too sharp.
Because of its bold body, Brazilian coffee is also great for making cold brew concentrate that can be diluted with water or milk.
Ethiopian Coffee Beans
For coffee drinkers who enjoy brighter and more complex flavors, Ethiopian coffee can create a very interesting cold brew.
Ethiopian beans are famous for their fruit forward flavor profile, often including notes of blueberry, citrus, and floral sweetness.
While many people associate Ethiopian coffee with pour over brewing, these beans can produce a refreshing cold brew with subtle fruit flavors and natural sweetness.
Cold brewing reduces some of the acidity while preserving the unique flavor characteristics that make Ethiopian coffee special.
The result is a cold brew that is smooth but still vibrant and aromatic.
Tips for Making Better Cold Brew
Once you choose your beans, the brewing process will determine the final flavor.
- Use a coarse grind
Cold brew requires a coarse grind similar to French press coffee. This prevents over extraction and helps produce a smooth drink.
- Use fresh beans
Freshly roasted beans produce stronger aroma and better flavor.
- Use the right coffee to water ratio
Many cold brew recipes recommend about one cup of coffee grounds to four cups of water when making concentrate.
- Steep for 12 to 24 hours
Most cold brew coffee is steeped in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours. Longer steeping can produce a stronger flavor.
Why Single Origin Coffee Works Well for Cold Brew
Single origin coffee beans come from one specific country or region. This allows the natural characteristics of that region to stand out.
Cold brew highlights many of these natural flavors because the slow extraction process pulls out sweetness and body without adding bitterness.
Trying different origins is a great way to discover new flavors in your cold brew. Some beans create rich chocolate notes while others produce bright fruit or floral characteristics.
Cold brew coffee starts with great beans. Choosing high-quality single origin coffee can make a huge difference in the flavor of your brew.
Colombian coffee offers balance and chocolate sweetness. Brazilian beans provide rich body and nutty flavor. Ethiopian coffee brings unique fruit notes and complexity.
Each origin creates a different cold brew experience, so experimenting with different beans is a great way to discover your personal favorite.
Java Bean Plus prides itself in carrying a consistent supply of high-quality coffee beans. Whether you're a cafe with regular customers, or a home brewer who makes one cup a day, we've got your back.
You can explore our full selection of roasted single origin coffee beans here.
