Best Coffee For Cold Brew
The Best Coffee for Cold Brew: Smooth, Bold, and Never Bitter
Cold brew has exploded in popularity because it delivers a smooth, rich coffee experience with less bitterness and a naturally sweeter flavor profile. But not all coffee makes great cold brew. Choosing the right coffee can dramatically improve your results.
What makes a coffee good for cold brew?
The best cold brew coffees typically emphasize chocolate, caramel, sweetness, body, and smoothness. While nearly any coffee can be used for cold brew, certain origins and roast profiles consistently produce superior results.
Low bitterness
Smooth coffees create a more enjoyable cold brew experience.
Chocolate notes
Chocolate and cocoa flavors translate beautifully into cold brew.
Body
Full-bodied coffees create richer cold brew concentrates.
Sweetness
Natural sweetness shines through in cold extraction.
Best coffee origins for cold brew
| Origin | Cold Brew Rating | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Brazil | ★★★★★ | Chocolate, nuts, caramel, sweetness |
| Peru | ★★★★★ | Smooth, balanced, low bitterness |
| Sumatra | ★★★★★ | Bold, earthy, rich body |
| Nicaragua | ★★★★☆ | Chocolate, caramel, almond |
| Mexico | ★★★★☆ | Smooth, mild, approachable |
| Honduras | ★★★★☆ | Balanced sweetness and cocoa |
Best FSRC coffees for cold brew
Bloody Angola Blend
Our signature cold brew coffee. Rich, smooth, chocolatey, and specifically loved by cold brew drinkers. This is the blend most people associate with FSRC cold brew.
Peru
An excellent choice for cold brew drinkers looking for an easy-drinking, low bitterness experience.
Learn About Peru CoffeeJet Fuel Medium Roast
Produces a stronger, richer cold brew while maintaining excellent smoothness.
Cold brew vs iced coffee
Cold Brew
- Steeped for 12-24 hours
- Smoother flavor
- Less bitterness
- Concentrate can be stored
- Naturally sweeter
Iced Coffee
- Brewed hot then cooled
- Brighter flavor
- More acidity
- Ready immediately
- Different flavor profile
How to make amazing cold brew at home
Step 1
Use coarse ground coffee.
Step 2
Combine coffee and cold water.
Step 3
Steep for 12-24 hours and filter.
Want the easiest cold brew possible?
Skip the brewing and start with our cold brew concentrate. Simply mix with water, milk, or your favorite creamer and enjoy.
Best Coffee For Cold Brew FAQ
What coffee is best for cold brew?
Most people prefer smooth coffees with chocolate, caramel, and nutty notes such as Brazil, Peru, Nicaragua, Honduras, and Sumatra.
What grind size should I use?
A coarse grind is generally recommended for cold brew.
How long should cold brew steep?
Most cold brew recipes perform well between 12 and 24 hours.
Does cold brew have more caffeine?
Cold brew concentrate can contain significantly more caffeine depending on dilution ratio and recipe.
What is the smoothest coffee for cold brew?
Peru, Brazil, and Bloody Angola Blend are among the smoothest options available.
Can I use flavored coffee?
Yes. Many flavored coffees work very well in cold brew, especially vanilla, caramel, and chocolate-inspired profiles.