Best Coffee for Cold Brew: What to Use & Why ☀️
A smooth guide for warm days and chilled brews
Cold brew season is here — and if you’ve ever wondered which beans make the best iced coffee, you’re in the right place. This guide breaks down the best coffee for cold brew, how to choose it, and what actually makes cold brew taste so smooth.
Whether you're brewing at home or planning to serve chilled coffee in your café, here's what to look for.
💡 What Is Cold Brew Coffee?
Cold brew is made by steeping coarse coffee grounds in cold water for 12–18 hours.
The result? A smooth, mellow, lower-acid coffee that’s perfect over ice — or even with milk.
It’s not iced coffee (which is brewed hot then chilled). Cold brew skips the heat altogether.
Cold brew coffee, poured over ice and ready to drink — smooth, refreshing, and brewed the slow way.
☕ What Kind of Coffee Works Best?
Here’s what to consider when choosing beans for cold brew:
✅ 1. Low Acidity
Cold brew highlights smoothness. Beans with low acidity give you a round, chocolatey flavour.
Best picks:
– Colombian
– Brazilian
– Burundi
✅ 2. Chocolatey, Nutty, or Caramel Notes
Fruity, acidic beans can taste sharp or sour in cold brew.
You want something mellow, rich, and satisfying.
Great flavour profiles for cold brew:
– Chocolate & hazelnut
– Brown sugar
– Dark chocolate + orange zest
✅ 3. Medium to Dark Roasts Work Best
Dark roasts bring out chocolate and roasted notes, which shine when brewed cold.
Light roasts can be too subtle or acidic.
✅ 4. Fresh but Not Too Fresh
Let your beans rest 5–10 days after roasting.
Overly fresh beans can create sharp, uneven flavours.
Too long, didn’t read? ⏰
| Bean | Flavour Profile | Acidity | Ideal For Cold Brew |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dulima Colombia | Bright, fruity | High | Great for a smooth, bright cold brew |
| Brazilian Eagle | Nutty, chocolate | Low | Perfect for a smooth, balanced cold brew |
| Burundi Red Bourbon | Rich, earthy | Medium | Ideal for a richer, bold cold brew |
Cold brew in progress — coarse coffee grounds steeping slowly in a glass jar, ready to chill.
💬 So… What Should You Use?
If you're shopping from us at Wrexham Bean Co., we recommend:
- 🫘 Fronteira – Smooth, chocolatey, and low in acidity
- 🫘 Dulima Colombia – Rich and well-rounded, perfect for cold brew
- 🫘 Burundi – Slight bite, great for stronger cold brews
🧊 How to Brew Cold Brew at Home (Quick Guide)
- Use 60g coarse ground coffee per 1 litre of water
- Steep in cold or room temp water for 12–18 hours
- Strain using a French press, filter bag, or sieve
- Store in the fridge for up to 5 days
- Serve over ice — with milk, syrup, or sparkling water
A simple visual guide to making cold brew coffee at home — from beans to glass, all in five easy steps.
🛍️ Ready to Brew Better?
We've roasted and tested our beans for cold brew — so you don't have to guess.
👉 Shop Cold Brew-Friendly Coffees
Try our Dulima | Colombia - perfect for cold brew coffee
📌 FAQ
Q: Can I use espresso beans for cold brew?
A: Yes — but if they’re oily or too dark, the flavour can get bitter. Look for balanced medium-dark roasts.
Q: Do I need a special cold brew maker?
A: Nope! A French press or mason jar works just fine.
Q: Is cold brew stronger than regular coffee?
A: It has more caffeine per ml, but it’s often served diluted — so it’s smoother, not harsher.
What’s your go-to coffee for cold brew? Share your favorite beans in the comments below — we'd love to hear from you!
