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Fuel Your Day with the Best Cold Brew Coffee
Last updated: 13 Apr 2022Whether you are all about your cold brews or new to the cold brew coffee phenomenon, rest assured that this is one of the best coffees you can have. Smoother in texture and richer in flavor, there are many reasons why you must consider trying out this coffee or switch to it completely.
If you’re an avid coffee drinker, we can only imagine how serious this is for you. But trading your regular coffee for cold brew concentrates is a great experience that every coffee lover should try. This alternative has recently catapulted in popularity, and for all the right reasons. From having a longer shelf life to being more flavorful and less acidic, cold brew coffee is definitely a pick for the season. And if you’ve been wondering about some of the best options to try on, you’ve landed on the right page. We’ve reviewed the top cold brew coffees of 2022 in this guide and covered some important detail about this new hype that will help you make an informed decision.
Show contentsReviewing the Top Cold Brew Coffees of 2022 in DetailBuyer's Guide: Finding a Delicious Cold Brew Coffee
If you aren’t too familiar with the idea of a cold brew, this guide has 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 this type of coffee. Cold brew coffee is commonly confused with iced coffee, but there’s a clear distinction between the two. Cold-brew is prepared without using any source of heat. The usual process of getting this brew is to steep ground coffee beans in cold filtered water for long periods to extract maximum flavor. This could take 12+ hours to get this process right.
As far as iced coffee is concerned, it is prepared using the regular brewed coffee and later poured over ice so you can enjoy the colder version. In simple words, the latter is brewed hot – just like any regular coffee.
Once the coffee is cold brewed, 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 are not too intense. And while you can use a French press to prepare a cold brew coffee 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 degrees F. In contrast, its colder counterpart is extracted between 35 and 70 degrees 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.
Other factors that impact the flavor are the solubles and acids present in coffee beans, responsible for their unique flavor notes. Some of these can only be extracted when the coffee is brewed at a certain temperature. This is why cold brew has a low acidic content and more flavor. 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. Simply grab the coffee that you find 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 is a whole experience that you can enjoy. 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 best with you.
Ingredients
Checking the list of ingredients when picking up the top-rated cold brew coffee is another crucial aspect. Some prepared options may contain heavy amounts of sugar, which can ruin the nutritional value of your beverage. If you are too specific about your choice, you can also look for organic options. This reduces the presence of pesticide residues. Also, avoid varieties that may contain preservatives or additives to enjoy the authentic flavor of cold brew coffee.
Grind size
Whether you’re grinding the beans yourself or getting pre-ground beans, it is important to remember that the size of the grind matters. For a cold brew, always choose a coarse grind. The finer grounds usually produce more bitter or harsher flavors because of getting over-extracted. If you’re doing the whole process yourself from scratch, pay attention to the grind size for the best results.
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 roast and light roast coffee. Just because you have a certain preference for regular coffee doesn’t mean it will be the same for cold brew coffee. Thus, experimenting is the key.
However, some experts suggest going choosing a roast that’s neither too dark nor too light. This helps keep the flavors naturally less acidic and more delicious. On the contrary, others believe choosing a dark roast is a better idea to enjoy the rich flavor of earthiness, chocolate, and nuts the cold brew naturally has.
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.
Reviewing the Top Cold Brew Coffees of 2022 in Detail
1Java House Cold Brew Coffee
– Best OverallCheck On AmazonTHE SCOOPOne of the most exciting features of this brand is its unique packaging. The convenient box keeps your coffee on tap, so you can simply place it in your fridge and push the button to pour the instant cold brew directly into your mug. The delicious Colombian flavors of the 100% Arabica coffee are hard to ignore. The irresistible taste will instantly make you fall in love with it and give you the perfect boost you need to kickstart your day.
Enjoy smooth coffee perfection with this cold brew that doesn’t include added sugars to give you the most authentic flavors. You can now have your perfect cold brew coffee on the go.
Pros- No need to mix or measure the concentrate, 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
2Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew Coffee
– Runner UpCheck On AmazonTHE SCOOPIt’s hard not to mention Starbucks when talking about the best coffees. If you have been obsessed with the beverages under this label, 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 is 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 suit your taste buds.
Pros- The prepared cold brew formula is your instant coffee in the can
- When chilled, it offers shockingly a very similar taste that you find at Starbucks
- The can is easy to store and carry
- Three flavors to suit different needs
Cons- Some cans may deliver flat coffee
3Wandering Bear Extra Strong Cold Brew Coffee
– Best Organic OptionCheck On AmazonTHE SCOOPIf your main concern is to get your hands on an organic option, this is our best bet. The smooth cold brew coffee is clean, organic and healthy. The fresh Arabica coffee beans are steeped in water and do not include additives, dairy, sugar, or unnecessary ingredients. Regardless of the healthy lifestyle you follow, you can incorporate this straight black cold brew coffee 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 is an instant coffee, you can add creamers, milk, or sugar to adjust it as per your preference.
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
4Stone Street Cold Brew Coffee
– Best FlavorCheck On AmazonTHE SCOOPDon’t compromise on the flavor because we’re bringing you the best here. 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 this coarse blend, you get the chance to prepare your own cold brew from scratch – just the way you like it. 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 you prepare the best cold brew every single time. The low acid content makes it healthier and gives you the perfect concentration to make your favorite iced coffees. Adjust the strength of your coffee as per your taste, and skip on the milk and creamer to enjoy the authentic flavors of a cold brew.
Pros- Make your own coffee with coarse coffee grounds according to your preference
- Use any cold brew coffee maker or system for these grounds
- Strong flavors can be adjusted by adjusting water content and brewing time
- Comes in 3-layer foil-lined sealable bag that will keep the coffee free for long
Cons- Can become bitter if the flavors are not balanced
5Bizzy Organic Cold Brew Coffee
– Premium ChoiceCheck On AmazonTHE SCOOPIf you would love a nutty note to your cold brew coffee, 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 a 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.
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
People Also Asked
Q: Is cold brew a healthy alternative to regular coffee?A: Many experts believe that cold brew coffee is indeed a healthier option for its less acidic content. And since most people prefer its natural creamy taste, there are less chances one would want to mask it up with calorie-laden milk, cream, or sugar.
Q: Do cold brews have a stronger taste?A: One of the reasons for its popularity is its strong taste. Cold brew concentrate is usually 1:4. The concentrated coffee is way stronger than the regular brew and includes a higher content of caffeine as well.
Q: What coffee origins work best for cold brews?A: If you’re looking for the best cold brew kick, the most flavorful beans belong to the following regions:
- Colombia
- Brazil
- Ethiopia Yirgacheffe
- Konda
- Indonesia
- Peru
- Mocha Java
- Kenya
- Sumatra
Q: What makes cold brew coffee such a hit amongst avid coffee drinkers?A: The taste! It is flavorful and refreshing and has a lighter body despite the stronger taste.
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