Best Coffee Beans for Cold Brew
Cold brew extracts differently — slowly, with less acidity and more sweetness. Beans that taste harsh as espresso often shine cold. This guide picks beans that brew smooth, chocolatey cold coffee, and explains roast level and grind size so you don't over-extract.
Our top pick
Stumptown Hair Bender
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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 | |
|---|---|---|
| Stumptown Hair Bender | View → | |
| Stone Street Cold Brew Coarse | View → |
- + Pre-ground right
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Buying advice
Use a medium-dark roast and a coarse grind (like sea salt). Steep 12–18 hours in the fridge, then dilute 1:1 with water or milk. Avoid light roasts — they read sour and thin cold.
FAQ
What roast is best for cold brew?
Medium to dark roasts. They extract smoothly and taste sweet and chocolatey cold; light roasts turn sour.
Should I grind fine or coarse?
Coarse, like sea salt. Fine grind over-extracts and turns muddy and bitter over 18 hours.
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Want exact doses? Use our free brew calculators.