Cold brew coffee has taken the world by storm, becoming a staple for coffee lovers everywhere.
But what makes it so special? Unlike your traditional cup of joe, cold brew is brewed without heat, resulting in a naturally sweeter and less acidic beverage. Generally speaking, the goal should be a chocolate, round body with low perceived acidity.
We’re here to help you navigate the world of cold brew, guiding you to select the best coffee beans for a perfect homemade batch. Let’s dive in!
Quick Answer: Top Coffee Beans for Cold Brew
When it comes to cold brew, you’ll want a bean that’s rich and bold. We recommend selecting a dark roast, ideally single-origin, to enhance those smooth and chocolatey notes.
Understanding Cold Brew Coffee
So, what exactly is cold brew coffee, and why all the fuss? At Copan Coffee Roasters, we’ve seen firsthand how it’s captured the hearts of so many.
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The Basics: Cold brew is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in cold water for an extended period; usually 12 to 24 hours. This slow process allows the flavors to develop without the bitterness often associated with hot brewing.
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Difference from Iced Coffee: Don’t confuse it with iced coffee, which is just regular coffee cooled down and poured over ice. Cold brew is smoother, and its natural sweetness shines through, making it the cream of the crop for many coffee aficionados.
Key Factors in Choosing Coffee Beans for Cold Brew
Choosing the right coffee beans is the first step to crafting your perfect cold brew. Here’s what you need to consider:
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Roast Level: Opt for a dark or medium roast. These beans bring out the smoother, less acidic qualities that make cold brew so delightful.
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Bean Origin: Single-origin beans are a great choice for adding complexity. For instance, , Honduran, Colombian, and Sumatran beans are known for their deep, rich flavors.
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Bean Type: Go for Arabica beans if you’re after a superior flavor profile. They may be higher in price, but the taste is worth every penny.
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Grind Size: A coarse grind is your best bet. Too fine a grind might turn your brew bitter, leaving you with the short end of the stick. Consider grabbing whole-bean coffee and grinding it yourself for the freshest flavor.
Top Coffee Beans for Cold Brew
Recommended Copan Coffees for Cold Brew
Selecting beans from our own roster ensures freshness and consistency in every batch. Here are six Copan Coffee Roasters offerings that excel in cold brew preparations:
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Verano Cold Brew Blend: Crafted specifically for cold brew, this blend pairs beans from Ethiopia (Guji) and Colombia (Antioquia) grown at 1,500–2,200 m. A combination of natural and washed processing yields a smooth, low-acidity cup with tasting notes of cocoa, brown sugar, and dried berries.
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Café Copán Medium Roast
This everyday favorite delivers a smooth body with subtle sweetness, making it an ideal base for a balanced cold brew.
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San Marcos Supremo Dark Roast
Bold and full-bodied, this dark roast from Honduras brings deep chocolate and almond notes that stand up well to extended steeping.
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Classic Espresso Signature Blend
Our Signature Espresso features beans from Brazil, Guatemala, and Honduras, yielding brown sugar and orange zest notes that add complexity to cold brew concentrates.
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Colombia Luis Castro Pink Bourbon
This single-origin Pink Bourbon offers floral honey sweetness and ripe apricot acidity, creating a nuanced, tea-like cold brew experience
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Recommended Origins for Cold Brew
Recommended Origins for Cold Brew
While you can experiment with almost any bean, a few origins and profiles tend to shine especially well when brewed cold:
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Brazil (Natural Processed) – Naturally processed Brazilians often highlight cocoa, caramel, and nutty sweetness. These comforting notes create a chocolate-forward cold brew that feels smooth and approachable.
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Central America (Washed, e.g., Honduras or Guatemala) – Washed coffees from Central America bring balance and clarity. Expect clean sweetness with hints of brown sugar, stone fruit, or mild citrus that keep your cold brew crisp without being overly bright.
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Sumatra (Wet-Hulled) – For those who enjoy bold, earthy depth, Sumatran coffees can add body and herbal-chocolate complexity. They work especially well if you prefer a heartier cold brew that stands up to dilution or milk.
Brewing Tips for the Perfect Cold Brew
Follow these steps to brew a clean, balanced cold brew every time:
If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and brew your own batch, here’s a straightforward recipe that gives you a reliable, balanced concentrate every time.
Ingredients & Ratio
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1 part coarsely ground coffee
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6–8 parts cold, filtered water
This ratio produces a strong concentrate. Once brewed, dilute it with water or milk at about 1:2 before serving.
Method
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Grind Coarse – Think the texture of raw sugar or kosher salt. Too fine, and you’ll risk over-extraction.
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Combine – Place grounds in your brewer or jar, then add the water. Stir gently to ensure all grounds are saturated.
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Steep – Cover and let it rest at room temperature or in the fridge for 12–18 hours.
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Filter – Strain through a fine mesh or paper filter until your brew runs clear.
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Serve – Pour over ice and dilute 1:2 with cold water or milk to taste. Store the concentrate in the fridge for up to one week.
Troubleshooting Your Brew
Cold brew is forgiving, but if your batch doesn’t taste quite right, here are quick fixes:
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Too Bitter? Try a coarser grind or shorten the steeping time.
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Too Sour? Go a bit finer with your grind or extend the steeping window.
Final Thoughts on Choosing the Best Coffee for Cold Brew
We’ve taken a journey through the art of cold brew, uncovering the secrets to a perfect cup. By choosing the right beans, paying attention to grind size, and treating the brewing process with care, you’ll be well on your way to coffee glory.
Remember, crafting your dream cold brew is a bit of art and a bit of science, so don’t be afraid to experiment. We’re excited for you to dive in and discover what makes your taste buds sing.