The Best Coffee for Cold Brew
The best coffee for cold brew is usually a medium to dark roast with chocolate, caramel or nutty notes, because cold steeping mutes acidity and brings out sweetness. Grind it coarse, steep about 1 part coffee to 4 to 8 parts cold water for 12 to 24 hours in the fridge, then strain and dilute to taste. Several coffees on Madeline's can be ordered already ground for cold brew.
Our picks for cold brew
Reading Coffee Company coffees below offer a Cold Brew grind option on the product page.
Why: a balanced medium roast from Reading Coffee Company with full body; available in a Cold Brew grind.
Why: a medium espresso blend with smoky caramel and dark chocolate notes; available in a Cold Brew grind.
Why: a half-caffeinated medium roast for a gentler glass; available in a Cold Brew grind.
Why: a mild, sweet single-origin medium roast; available in a Cold Brew grind.
Why: a bright, fruit-forward single-origin peaberry; available in a Cold Brew grind.
Why: 100% Kona Prime beans, not a blend; available in a Cold Brew grind for a special-occasion batch.
Why: a medium-roast espresso blend from Superlost Coffee; the listing names French press and cold brew. Sold whole bean or drip grind, so grind it coarse.
How we chose
We picked only products that are in stock on Madeline's today, and every reason below comes from the maker's own product listing. There are no paid placements, star ratings or invented reviews, and the order is not a ranking. Prices, sizes and availability can change, so check each product page.
Basic cold brew method
- Use coarse-ground coffee, like coarse sea salt.
- Stir 1 part coffee into 4 parts cold water for a concentrate, or up to 8 parts for ready-to-drink.
- Steep covered in the fridge 12 to 24 hours.
- Strain through a fine filter, then dilute with water, milk or ice.
- Keep refrigerated and drink within about a week.
What to look for
- Roast: medium to dark for chocolatey, low-acid cold brew; lighter single origins for a fruitier glass.
- Grind: coarse. Buy pre-ground for cold brew if you don't own a grinder.
- Freshness: buy a bag you will use within a few weeks.
Shop more: Coffee, Gifts for Coffee Lovers. Or browse every curated page on Shop by Meal, Occasion, Diet & Origin.
Frequently asked questions
- What roast is best for cold brew?
- Medium to dark roasts are the most popular because cold brewing highlights their chocolate and caramel notes and lowers perceived acidity.
- What grind should I use for cold brew?
- Coarse, similar to coarse sea salt. Fine grounds over-extract and are hard to strain.
- How long should cold brew steep?
- About 12 to 24 hours in the refrigerator. Longer steeping makes it stronger.
- What is the coffee-to-water ratio for cold brew?
- About 1 part coffee to 4 parts water for concentrate, or up to 1 to 8 for ready-to-drink. Adjust to taste.
- How long does cold brew last?
- Kept covered in the refrigerator, cold brew is best within about a week.