Best Coffee Beans for Cold Brew
The right beans make more difference than any gear. Here are the best coffee beans for cold brew, chosen for how the method extracts them.
Our top pick
Death Wish
High-caffeine dark roast with a cult following.
Free shipping on eligible Amazon items · 30-day easy returns · you earn on anything bought within 24h
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Editorial note: this guide is compiled from published manufacturer guidance, general best practices, and aggregated owner experience — not hands-on testing. Always follow your machine’s official manual.
Quick comparison
| Pick | Why we like it | |
|---|---|---|
| Death Wish | High-caffeine dark roast with a cult following. | View → |
| Stumptown Hair Bender | Bright, chocolatey house blend that brews clean across methods. | View → |
| Lavazza Super Crema | Mild, creamy Italian blend made for espresso and moka. | View → |
Death Wish
Editor’s PickHigh-caffeine dark roast with a cult following.
- + High caffeine
- + Bold
- − Harsh for some
Free shipping on eligible items
Bright, chocolatey house blend that brews clean across methods.
- + Versatile
- + Widely available
- + Fresh
- − Pricey
Free shipping on eligible items
Mild, creamy Italian blend made for espresso and moka.
- + Smooth
- + Espresso-ready
- + Value
- − Mild
Free shipping on eligible items
Buying advice
Cold brew is smooth and sweet — darker roasts concentrate into a rich, low-acid base. Buy whole bean, grind fresh, and check the roast date — coffee is best within a month.
FAQ
What coffee makes the best cold brew?
Medium-dark to dark roasts with chocolate notes; coarse grind, 12-18 hours.
Should cold brew be coarse?
Yes — coarse grind keeps the brew clear and avoids over-extraction bitterness.
Whole bean or pre-ground?
Whole bean, always — grind right before brewing or the coffee goes stale in days.
Ready to start brewing better?
Our top pick for this guide — check today’s price and clip any on-page coupon on Amazon:
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Want exact doses? Use our free brew calculators.