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Learn & WatchOur content is meticulously curated through independent research, testing, reviews, and AI-driven recommendations, all designed to present you with the finest product choices. When you make a purchase through our links, it could result in us earning a commission.Best Cold Brew Coffee for a Refreshing Summer Pick-Me-Up
Last updated: 30 May 2024In the past few years, the cold brew craze has swept across the country. And I’m here for it! Whether you are all about cold brew or new to the phenomenon, rest assured that this is one of the best coffees money can buy. Smoother in texture and richer in flavor than other types of coffee, cold brew is the perfect way to start your day. If you’ve been wondering which brands to try, you’re in the right place. We’ve reviewed the best cold brew coffees of 2024, and our top pick is the one and only Java House Cold Brew Coffee.
Our Top Picks For Cold Brew Coffee
- Best Overall: Java House Cold Brew Coffee Shop Now ➔
- Best Organic: Wandering Bear Extra Strong Cold Brew Coffee Shop Now ➔
- Best Flavor: Stone Street Cold Brew Coffee Shop Now ➔
- Premium Choice: Bizzy Organic Cold Brew Coffee Shop Now ➔
- Most Portable: Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Shop Now ➔
View all ContentsThe Best Cold Brew Coffee
Best Overall
One of the most exciting features of this brand is its unique packaging. Right after waking up, making coffee can be such a chore. The last thing I want to do is measure out grinds and water. But with Java House, the convenient box keeps the coffee on tap, so I could simply place it in my fridge and push the button to pour the instant cold brew directly into my cup. Genius! The delicious Colombian flavors of the 100% Arabica coffee are hard to resist. The amazing taste will instantly make you fall in love and give you the perfect boost you need to kickstart your day. As a bonus, it doesn’t include any added sugars, giving you the most authentic flavor possible.
Pros
- It’s already prepared and ready to drink
- Cold-steeped for 12 hours for smooth flavor and texture
- No added sugar makes it more authentic and healthier
- Simple push-tap button for instant coffee
Cons
- The spout may not be too durable
Best Organic
Now and then, I just crave clean, organic foods for my body. If you’re like me and want an organic option, this is our best bet. This smooth cold brew coffee is clean, organic, and healthy. The fresh Arabica coffee beans are steeped in water without any additives, dairy, sugar, or unnecessary ingredients. Regardless of what kind of healthy lifestyle you follow, you can incorporate this straight black cold brew into your diet.
The on-tap packaging doesn’t require refrigeration prior to opening and stays good for 30 days. The natural and strong flavor is an excellent choice for people who love their coffee to be dark and delicious. And even though it’s an instant coffee, you can still add creamers, milk, or sugar.
Pros
- Instant coffee is ready to drink
- Push-button tap for convenience
- Can be directly refrigerated
- Comes in a variety of different flavors to suit different need
Cons
- The flavor can be too intense for some people
Best Flavor
I’m a sucker for coffee with stellar flavor, and Stone Street’s got me hooked. The Stone Street Cold Brew Coffee is a 100% Arabic gourmet coffee prepared with Colombian dark roast to offer a strong and smooth blend. With its course grind, you get the chance to prepare your own cold brew from scratch. The supreme quality beans offer delicious chocolaty and nutty notes, giving your coffee a unique flavor that’s hard to miss out on.
The special formula is balanced out perfectly, so it produces the best cold brew every single time. The low acid content makes it healthier as well. Adjust the strength of your coffee to taste, and skip on the milk and creamer to enjoy the authentic flavors of a cold brew.
Pros
- Can make cold brew yourself
- Use any cold brew coffee maker these grounds
- Strong flavors can be adjusted
- Comes in a 3-layer foil-lined resealable bag
Cons
- Can become bitter
Premium Choice
If you like some nutty notes in your coffee like me, then this is an excellent choice. The Bizzy Cold Brew Coffee is another organic product on the list, ethically sourced from some of the most renowned coffee origins, including Peru, Guatemala, and Nicaragua. You can use the coarse grounds to make your own perfect cup of cold brew.
Enjoy more control over the flavor as you prepare your cold brew coffee from scratch. Add more water if you prefer a milder taste or less if you prefer your beverages to have a stronger flavor. These beans are medium roasted with a touch of hazelnut and caramel that will pop in the flavor. Sounds delicious!
Pros
- The affordable coffee wouldn’t dig a hole in your pocket
- Coarse ground engineered for cold brew
- Achieve the best flavors by brewing between 14 and 20 hours
- Climate-pledge friendly products will suit more people
Cons
- Will take hours to prepare as compared to an instant option
Most Portable
It’s hard not to mention Starbucks when talking about the best coffees. If you’re like me and constantly have something from Starbucks in your fridge, then you will surely fall in love with this special Nitro Cold Brew Coffee. No more waiting in line when you can grab this delicious dark caramel-flavored nitro cold brew off the shelf. It’s one of the best nitrogen-infused coffees you can try. Just open the can and let the rush of creamy and velvety flavors surprise you.
If nitrogen coffee is your thing, this one won’t disappoint you. The cold brew is also available in two other flavors: black unsweetened and vanilla sweet cream. You can pick one that best suits your taste buds.
Pros
- It’s instant coffee in the can
- Tastes similar to actual in-person Starbucks
- The can is easy to store and carry
- Three flavors to suit different needs
Cons
- Some cans may deliver flat coffee
Buyer's Guide: The Best Cold Brew Coffee
If you aren’t too familiar with the idea of a cold brew, this guide’s got you covered. Make your first experience the best one by getting all the information necessary to make a good purchase.
News for Newbies – What Exactly Is Cold Brew Coffee?
To find the best cold brew, you must first understand what it is. Cold brew coffee is commonly confused with iced coffee, but there’s a clear distinction between the two. I much prefer a cold brew over any old iced coffee. Cold brew is prepared without using any source of heat. Crazy, right?
You may be wondering how the coffee is brewed then. The usual process is to steep ground coffee beans in cold filtered water for long periods of time to extract the maximum flavor. This can take up to 12 hours, but, boy, is it worth it.
Iced coffee, on the other hand, is prepared using regular brewed coffee poured over ice so you can enjoy the colder version.
If poured while still hot, the ice waters down the coffee. In simple words, the latter is brewed hot–just like any regular coffee.
Once the coffee is cold brewed, however, the grounds are extracted, leaving you with a delicious cold brew coffee concentrate. Adjust the flavor of your coffee by adding more water as per your requirement, so the flavors aren’t too overpowering.
Personally, I like it pretty strong with just a splash of cream, but you can doctor it up however you like. And while you can use a French press to prepare cold brew at home, you can also find cold brew makers to make a more authentic drink.
Temperature Affecting Taste – What You Need To Know
Surprisingly, the temperature at which the coffee is brewed can impact the flavor significantly. Regular, hot coffee is brewed between 195 and 205 F. In contrast, its colder counterpart is extracted between 35 and 70 F. Since the cold brewing method does not involve heating, you get a unique taste and texture that’s easy to distinguish.
However, brewing at colder temperatures requires double the amount of grounds and several hours before the coffee concentrate is ready, making it a delectable treat for coffee enthusiasts and newbies alike.
Other factors that impact the flavor are the solubles and acids present in coffee beans.
Some of these can only be extracted when the coffee is brewed at a certain temperature. This is why cold brew has low acidic content and more flavor, which I’m all about. With the proper cold brewing method, you can guarantee a cup that’s both smooth and flavorful.
Thankfully, with so many ready-made options available in the market, you don’t have to get to those brewing technicalities yourself, if you don’t want to. I know I don’t have that kind of time! So simply grab the coffee that you like best and enjoy the burst of flavors like never before.
What Makes an Excellent Cold Brew Coffee?
Type
With the increase in the popularity of cold brew, simple cold-brewed black coffee has evolved greatly. Today, you can find a variety of flavors and types to choose from. From picking the origin of the beans to trying out different types such as concentrate, nitro, New Orleans-style, and triple-shot, it’s a whole world to explore. Learning about the different types and their distinguished features can help you narrow down your options and take you closer to a cup that fits you best.
Ingredients
Checking the list of ingredients can also help you pick a cold brew. Some prepared options may contain heavy amounts of sugar, which can ruin the nutritional value of your beverage. You can also look for organic options. This reduces the presence of pesticide residues. Also, avoid varieties that may contain preservatives or additives so that you can enjoy the authentic flavor of cold brew coffee.
Grind size
If you’re making the cold brew yourself, it is important to remember that the grind size matters. For a cold brew, always choose a coarse grind. The finer grounds usually produce more bitter or harsher flavors.
Roast type
Choosing the roast type is more of a personal preference. If you are not too sure about the flavors you like, try experimenting with both dark and light roast. Just because you have a certain preference for regular coffee doesn’t mean it will be the same for cold brew.
However, some experts suggest choosing a roast that’s neither too dark nor too light. This helps keep the flavors naturally less acidic. On the contrary, others believe choosing a dark roast is a better idea to enjoy the rich flavors of earthiness, chocolate, and nuts cold brew naturally produces.
All in all, the right coffee – regardless of how it is brewed – depends on your personal preference. So choose accordingly and let all these factors help you pick the best one off the shelves.
People Also Asked
Is cold brew a healthy alternative to regular coffee?
Many experts believe that cold brew coffee is a healthier option because of its lower acidic concentration than regular coffee. And since most people prefer the natural creamy taste of cold brew, there are fewer chances that someone would use calorie-laden milk, cream, or sugar to mask the taste.
Do cold brews have a stronger taste than other coffee options?
Yes! In fact, one of the reasons behind the popularity of cold brew is its strong taste. Cold brew concentrate is usually a 1:4 ratio with water, and this type of concentrated coffee is much stronger than regular brew. It also offers a greater amount of caffeine as well.
What coffee origins work best for cold brews?
If you are looking for the best cold brew kick, the most flavorful beans come from Colombia, Brazil, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Peru, and Kenya.
What makes cold brew coffee such a hit amongst avid coffee drinkers?
The taste! It is flavorful and refreshing. Plus, it has a lighter body despite its stronger taste.
Why does cold brew coffee taste better?
Since cold brew does not under a process involving high temperatures, it is much sweeter and smoother than other types of coffee. Many also claim that cold brew is more flavorful and less bitter as well.
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