The perfect coffee beans for cold brew a busy professionals guide

by Jeremy Turner on August 09, 2023

as a busy professional, we know how important it is to have a great cup of coffee to start the day. And what better way to enjoy your caffeine fix than with a refreshing cup of cold brew? In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about choosing the perfect coffee beans for your cold brew and provide tips on how to make the perfect batch every time. So sit back, relax and discover our top picks for brewing delicious cold brew coffee at home.

 Cold Brew

What is Cold Brew Coffee?

Cold brew coffee is a method of brewing that uses cold water instead of hot. The process involves steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in water for an extended period, usually around 12-24 hours. This results in a smooth and bold flavor with lower acidity than traditional hot-brewed coffee from a classic coffee maker. Some describe the taste as chocolatey or nutty, making it a perfect alternative for those who find regular brewed coffee too bitter or acidic.

 

The Basics of Cold Brew Coffee

Cold brew coffee is a refreshing and bold way to enjoy your caffeine fix. Unlike traditional hot brewing methods, cold brew coffee is brewed using room temperature or cold water over an extended period of time, typically 12-24 hours. The result is a smooth, robust and less acidic cup of joe with chocolatey notes that can be enjoyed on its own or mixed with milk and syrup for added flavor.

To make cold brew coffee at home, you will need coarsely ground coffee beans (preferably medium roast), a jar or pitcher for steeping, filtered water, and time to wait for the brewing process to complete. Here's how to get started:

  • Combine one cup of coarsely ground coffee beans with eight cups of filtered water in your jar/pitcher.
  • Stir well until all the grounds are saturated with water.
  • Cover the container and let it sit at room temperature or in the fridge overnight allowing the infusion of flavour (12 to 24 hours).
  • Once done brewing, strain out the grounds using a fine mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth.
  • Serve over ice as desired.

With minimal equipment needed and simple steps involved, making cold brew coffee has never been easier! Give it a try today for a cool summer drink that packs a punch.

 

Benefits of Cold Brew Coffee

Cold brew coffee is a popular choice for busy professionals who need a quick caffeine fix. One of the biggest advantages of cold brew coffee is its lower acidity, making it easier on the stomach and reducing digestive discomfort. Additionally, cold brewing allows for a higher caffeine content without the bitterness found in traditional hot brewed coffee. Finally, cold brews have longer shelf lives than their hot brewed counterparts.

For those considering trying out this trendy beverage, here are some key benefits to keep in mind:

  • Lower acidity for easier digestion
  • Higher caffeine content without the bitterness
  • Longer shelf life compared to traditional hot brewed coffee

When selecting beans for your next batch of cold brew, go with coarsely ground beans to help extract more flavor from your chosen roast profile – whether you enjoy something bold or chocolatey!

 

Choosing the Right Coffee Beans for Cold Brew

To make the perfect cold brew, you need to choose the right coffee beans. The roast level of the beans is important as it affects the flavor and aroma of your drink. For a smooth and less acidic taste, go for medium-roasted beans.

The origin of your coffee beans also matters when making cold brew. Beans from Central or South America are great choices as they have a balanced flavor profile that complements cold brewing methods well. Grind size is another factor to consider - opt for coarse grounds to avoid over-extraction and bitterness in your cold brew cup.

 

Roast Level

Light roast beans are perfect for those seeking a brighter and fruitier flavor profile in their cold brew. With high acidity and low bitterness, light roasts bring out the natural sweetness of the coffee bean. Some popular options include Ethiopian Yirgacheffe or Kenyan AA.

Medium roast beans provide a balanced taste with hints of chocolate or nuts, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a more mellow flavor profile. Some common medium roasts to try in your cold brew include Colombian Supremo or Brazilian Santos.

For those craving a bolder and stronger taste, dark roast beans are the way to go. These beans have been roasted longer resulting in smokier flavors with little acidity but higher bitterness levels. Dark roasts like Sumatra Mandheling or French Roast work well for creating intense cold brews that pack a punch!

 

Bean Origin

Single-origin beans from Ethiopia offer a complex, floral aroma with bright citrus flavors that make it ideal for cold brew. Central American beans are another popular choice for their fruity acidity and caramel sweetness that add depth to your coffee. On the other hand, Indonesian or African beans provide earthy, spicy notes that can give your cold brew an extra kick.

When selecting coffee beans for cold brew, consider experimenting with different origins to find the flavor profile that best suits your taste buds. Here are some key points to keep in mind while choosing the perfect bean origin:

  • Ethiopian: Floral notes and citrus flavors
  • Central American: Fruity acidity and caramel sweetness
  • Indonesian/African: Earthy and spicy tones

By exploring these unique tastes derived from different bean origins, you can enjoy a flavorful cup of cold brew every time!

 

Grind Size

The grind size of your coffee beans plays a crucial role in determining the flavor and strength of your cold brew coffee. Here are some tips to help you choose the right grind size for your brewing method:

  • Coarse grind size is ideal for cold brew as it prevents overextraction, which can result in bitterness.
  • Medium grind size is versatile and works well with most brewing methods, producing a balanced flavor profile.
  • Fine grind size creates intense flavors that are smooth when used for cold brew.

Experimenting with different grinds will ensure that you find the perfect balance between flavor and strength for your taste preferences. Remember to adjust the amount of coffee grounds used accordingly to achieve optimal results.

 

Top Coffee Beans for Cold Brew

For a smooth and bold cold brew experience, look no further than the Dark Horse Coffee Company. Their beans have a rich and chocolatey flavor with low acidity, making them perfect for a refreshing iced coffee on hot summer days. Plus, with their commitment to ethical sourcing practices and sustainability initiatives, you can feel good about supporting this exceptional brand.

Another great option for cold brewing is the Intelligentsia Coffee's Black Cat Espresso blend. A favorite among coffee aficionados, this blend offers notes of dark cherry and brown sugar that create a full-bodied taste without being too overpowering. It's versatile enough to be enjoyed black or used as the base for your favorite latte or espresso drink - perfect for busy professionals looking to switch up their morning routine!

 

Dark Horse Coffee Company

is a American owned micro coffee roaster based in Plant City, Florida. The company offers a wide variety of premium coffee beans that are perfect for cold brew lovers. Here are some reasons why Dark Horse Coffee Company stands out from the crowd and some of their top picks for cold brew:

  • About: The company prides itself on providing high quality, sustainably sourced coffee beans. They roast their beans in small batches to ensure maximum flavor and freshness.
  • Why Dark Horse coffee beans are perfect for cold brew: Their specially curated Colombian blend Coffee has a unique flavor profile that stand out when brewed as iced coffee or cold brew. Plus, their low acidity levels make them easy on the stomach.
  • Top picks from Dark Horse's coffee bean collection: For a smooth and chocolatey taste, try the Colombian Coffee blend. If you prefer fruity notes with hints of caramel and nutty undertones, give the Break Blend a try.

Dark Horse Coffee Company is an excellent choice for busy professionals looking to enjoy quality cold-brewed coffee without sacrificing taste or convenience.

 Dark Horse Coffee Company - Cold Brew Maker and Colombian whole bean or ground coffee

Tips for Brewing Cold Brew Coffee

Achieving the perfect cold brew coffee starts with selecting the right beans. Look for beans that are specifically labeled as suitable for cold brewing, as they tend to be less acidic and more flavorful. Dark roasts to medium roast work well in general, but it's also worth experimenting with different blends to find one that suits your taste buds.

When it comes to ratios, a good starting point is using one part coffee grounds to eight parts water. Adjust this ratio based on your preference for stronger or weaker coffee. Don't forget to use filtered water and let the mixture steep in the fridge for at least 12 hours - patience pays off when it comes to cold brew!

 

The Right Equipment

Invest in a high-quality coffee grinder for optimal results. This will ensure that the coffee beans are ground to the right size, allowing for maximum flavor extraction during brewing. Additionally, choose a large, non-reactive container for brewing to prevent any unwanted flavors from seeping into your cold brew. If you're serious about your cold brew game, consider using a dedicated cold brew maker - it takes all of the guesswork out of the process and ensures consistent results every time!

The Perfect Ratio

When it comes to making cold brew coffee, the perfect ratio is key. Aim for a ratio of one part coffee to four parts water to get the optimal balance of flavor and strength. However, don't be afraid to adjust this ratio based on personal preference and the specific beans you're using.

Here are some tips for getting the perfect cold brew coffee:

  • Use filtered or bottled water for the best taste
  • Experiment with different ratios until you find your preferred strength
  • Consider adjusting brewing time if needed

By following these simple steps, even busy professionals can enjoy a delicious cup of homemade cold brew without sacrificing quality or taste.

Brewing Time

Let the mixture steep in the fridge for at least twelve hours to achieve a smooth and flavorful cold brew. However, make sure not to let it steep longer than twenty-four hours as this can result in an overly bitter taste. To ensure desired flavor intensity is reached, taste test periodically during the brewing process.

Here are some additional tips for perfecting your cold brew brewing time:

  • Use coarse coffee grounds to prevent overextraction
  • Stir the mixture once or twice while brewing to evenly distribute flavors
  • Experiment with different brewing times and adjust according to personal preference

With these simple steps, you'll be able to enjoy a delicious cup of cold brew coffee that's just right for your busy lifestyle.

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