Let’s clear something up: there’s no one “perfect” bean for cold brew.
The truth is, almost any bean can work beautifully - it just depends on what flavor you’re chasing, how the coffee is roasted and how fresh your coffee is.
Cold brew is super forgiving. The long, slow steeping process in cold water naturally tones down acidity and amps up smoothness. That opens the door for a wide range of beans and roast profiles.
Choosing Coffee for Cold Brew: What to Think About
☕ Roast Level
- Light Roasts: Want something bright and tea-like? Light roasts (like natural Ethiopia) can make a floral, fruity cold brew—unexpected but refreshing.
- Medium Roasts: Balanced, nutty, and versatile. Great all-around choice for smooth cold brews.
- Dark Roasts: Bold, rich, and chocolatey. A fan favorite for cold brew lovers who want a punch of body and depth.
☕ Flavor Profiles
Here’s what different beans can bring to the table:
- Ethiopia (Natural): Berry and floral notes that mellow into a sweet, tea-like brew.
- Colombia: Balanced and nutty, with caramel tones when cold brewed.
- Brazil: Classic chocolate and nut flavor—super smooth and crowd-pleasing.
- Sumatra: Earthy, bold, and syrupy. If you like cold brew with muscle, this is it.
So... What's the Best Cold Brew Bean?
Honestly? The one that fits your taste.
If you're chasing smooth and chocolatey, go Brazil or Sumatra.
Want to try something fruitier and lighter? Ethiopia is a fun curveball.
The real win is starting with fresh, high-quality beans roasted with care—not what someone says is “best.”
Bonus tip: Try cold brewing two different beans side by side. You’ll be amazed at how different (and awesome) each one turns out.
You can cold brew with just about any bean - but starting with the right roast gives you a huge head start.
Want to taste the difference the right bean makes?
Explore our cold brew–ready coffee collection now.
Smooth, rich, and roasted to order.