The Cold Brew Manifesto: Unlocking the Best Coffee for Cold Brew

Cold brew coffee has captivated coffee lovers everywhere with its smooth, less acidic flavor and invigorating taste. Whether you're a cold brew novice or a seasoned enthusiast, this guide is your key to unlocking the best brewing techniques and choosing the best coffee for cold brew. 

What is Cold Brew Coffee?

Cold brew coffee is crafted by steeping coarsely ground coffee in cold or room temperature water for an extended period, usually 12-24 hours. This slow extraction process yields a coffee concentrate that's notably less acidic and bitter than traditional hot brewed coffee. It's often described as smoother, sweeter, and remarkably mellow.

Benefits of Cold Brew

• Smoother, Less Acidic: The cold brewing process extracts less acidity and bitterness from the coffee beans, resulting in a naturally sweeter, mellower flavor. This can be a game-changer for those with sensitive stomachs or who dislike the harshness of hot coffee.
• Lower Caffeine Spike: Although cold brew can be more concentrated, when diluted, it often has a similar caffeine content to hot coffee. However, the caffeine is released more gradually, providing a sustained energy boost without the jitters or crash.
• Convenient & Versatile: Cold brew concentrate can be made in large batches and stored in the fridge for up to two weeks. It's perfect for grab-and-go mornings or creating delicious iced coffee drinks at home.
• Unlocks Flavor Nuances: The gentle extraction process highlights the unique flavors of the coffee beans, allowing subtle notes of fruit, chocolate, or nuts to shine through. It's a treat for coffee connoisseurs who enjoy exploring different beans and roasts.

Brewing Cold Brew at Home

Making cold brew at home is surprisingly simple. You'll need:

• Coarsely ground coffee
• Cold or room temperature water
• A large container or pitcher
• A fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth

Instructions:

1. Combine coffee and water in your container, using a ratio of approximately 1:4 (1 part coffee to 4 parts water).
2. Stir well to ensure all the grounds are saturated.
3. Cover and let steep at room temperature for a minimum of 12 hours and up to 24 hours. The longer the steep time, the stronger the brew.
4. Strain the coffee concentrate through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
5. Dilute the concentrate with water or milk to taste.
6. Enjoy! Cold brew can be enjoyed for up to 7 days in the fridge. You can make a batch ahead of time.

What is Cold Brew Concentrate

Cold brew concentrate is a concentrated form of cold brew coffee. It’s made the same way as regular cold brew, but without the initial dilution with water. When you’re ready to drink, simply add water or milk to the concentrate. Cold brew concentrate is stronger in flavor and caffeine compared to cold brew coffee alone.

Choosing the Best Coffee for Cold Brew

The type of coffee beans you use can significantly impact the flavor of your cold brew.  If you're looking for a unique and meaningful choice, consider trying a veteran-owned coffee brand, like Bonefrog Coffee Company, for your next batch. Look for beans with tasting notes that complement the cold brewing process, such as chocolate, nuts, caramel, or fruit. Ultimately, the best coffee for cold brew is the one you enjoy the most. Check out the Coffee Finder Quiz to help you choose. Medium and dark roasts are most commonly used for cold brew coffee because they offer the most consistency in flavor.

Top Picks for Cold Brew from Bonefrog Coffee Company:

• Cold Brew: The name says it all. This coffee is conveniently packaged in pouches that you drop into a pitcher of water. No mess, no fuss – just drop them in, wait 24 hours, and pull them out.
• Frogman: If you prefer the classic cold brew method, this dark roast will deliver a rich, chocolatey cold brew concentrate.

Cold Brew for a Cause: Support Navy SEALs with Bonefrog Coffee

Ready to try cold brew? Bonefrog makes it easy! The smooth, refreshing Cold Brew is made with organically grown, low-acidity gourmet coffee beans for a delicious, invigorating experience. Simply add a bag to your subscription and enjoy the perfect pick-me-up that gives back. 

With Bonefrog, it's also a way to support veteran-owned coffee companies and the US Navy SEAL community. With every cup of delicious coffee, you support organizations like the SEAL Legacy Foundation, SEAL Veterans Foundation, Navy SEALS Fund, and the Navy SEAL Foundation.