How to Choose the Best Coffee for Cold Brew

Cold-brew has been long understated in its own way — but once you give it a try, you’ll always come back to it. This rising star has been around for quite some time but has gained a massive following during these past few years.

Many think that cold brew and iced coffee are the same, but if you are a coffee connoisseur, you know that the differences are quite notable. The preparation process seems complex, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll never go back to plain, old coffee.

Continue reading to learn how to choose the best coffee for cold brew and master brewing it to perfection.

Cold Brew vs. Iced Coffee — What’s the Difference?

We’ve already mentioned that many people don’t see the difference between cold brew coffee and iced coffee. We hate to break it to you, but these are two distinct beverages. They might look the same, but the brewing method sets them apart.

Namely, iced coffee is your regular hot coffee, be it drip or pour-over coffee, which is then chilled and served with lots of ice. On the other hand, cold brew coffee requires a special brewing method where the beverage is made with cold water.

What Makes a Great Cold Brew?

The reason why so many people love cold brew is due to its distinct flavor. Cold brew coffee is generally more flavorful than regular coffee. It has caramel-chocolate notes and a smooth texture. If you don’t like the acidity of traditional coffee, then you might want to give the cold brew a try.

How to Make Excellent Cold Brew?

The secret to brewing a perfect cup of cold brew lies in the preparation method. There are two extraction methods, both of which will leave you with satisfactory results.

Cold Brew by Drip

If you are a fan of science and laboratories, then you’ll love this brewing method. A slow drip cold brewer may seem intimidating, but give it a chance; it might surprise you. The brewing method is pretty straightforward — the water drips over ground coffee. It can take three to six hours for the coffee to be ready, and the coffee drips into the carafe below the device.

Cold Brew by the Immersion Method

If you are a beginner, this brewing method may be right up your alley. You’ll need a coffee filter, coffee beans, water, and a brewing vessel. Once you’ve ground your coffee, you’ll mix it with water and leave it to sit anywhere between 12-24 hours. After that, you can filter the coffee and add water to adjust the potency of the brew.

Which Coffee Roast Makes the Best Cold Brew?

As with all coffee, the type of roast plays an important role. When it comes to cold brew coffee, it’s best to stick to medium and dark roasts. Since the brewing method is different, using the light roast may mute its qualities.

We’ve already mentioned that cold brew is generally less acidic, so consider using different brews, even if they’re not your usual choice. You’ll probably be surprised by the final results. The brewing method will bring to the surface all those chocolatey notes we adore.

Best Beans for Cold Brew

Since cold brew is all about bringing those hidden flavors to the surface, it might take you a while to find the best coffee beans for cold brew. We suggest going with single-origin coffee beans that are sustainable sources. We at Kebon offer a great variety of coffee beans, so you’ll surely be able to find something that matches your tastes.

Best Grind for Cold Brew

Naturally, the coarser the grind, the more flavorful your cold brew will be. We suggest purchasing coffee beans and then grinding them at home. This way, you’ll have the best grind for a cold brew that is fresh every time you prepare your coffee. Not to mention the delicious scents you’ll get to enjoy while brewing.

How to Serve Cold Brew

We suggest serving it with lots of ice. If you want that extra caffeine punch, you can even fill your ice tray with coffee instead of water. Since cold brew is less acidic and sweeter than regular coffee, you probably won’t need to add milk or sugar. But, if you decide you still want to, make sure you don’t mask the original flavors by adding too much of everything.

Also, contrary to popular beliefs, cold brew coffee can be served hot.

If you want to brew top-quality coffee, consider giving Kebon a try. We are proud of our curated, single-origin coffee, and you’ll surely be able to find the best cold brew coffee beans. Order your coffee and enjoy the explosion of flavors while sipping on your cold brew.