Cold brew is black coffee slowly brewed in cold water, usually for 8 to 24 hours. This method creates a smooth, refreshing drink that’s naturally low in acidity and bitterness with a hint of natural sweetness. You can adjust the concentration to your taste—make it light and similar in strength to pour over coffee or brew it as a strong concentrate that you can later dilute with water, milk, or ice.
The Origins of Cold Brew Coffee
There are two main theories about how cold brew came to be.
Theory 1
Dutch traders first created a version of cold brew back in the 16th century to make it easier to transport a ready-made coffee drink. However, records of this are poorly preserved.
Theory 2
The first detailed records of cold-brewed coffee come from Kyoto, Japan, where the Japanese began using this brewing method in the 17th century. They would drip cold water through ground coffee over many hours, a process still followed today. This is why this coffee is sometimes referred to as “Kyoto-style coffee.”
With the growing availability of fire and advances in brewing technology, cold brew fell out of favor as hot coffee became the preferred choice. But in the 1960s, cold brew made a comeback. Todd Simpson saw how Peruvians brewed coffee cold and then heated it before serving. He noticed that the coffee turned out softer and less acidic. This observation led him to invent a cold brew coffee maker known as the Toddy.
In the 1970s, Japanese businessman Tadao Ueshima launched his own line of canned coffee beverages. His corporation, Ueshima Coffee Co, took a lot of effort, time, and money to market the new product because the Japanese people did not want to drink ready-made coffee in cans. However, by the late 1970s, canned coffee had gained popularity and became a staple in Japan.
Sold Brew became really popular during the last ten years with the beginning of the third coffee wave. Today, brands like illy and Starbucks produce it on a large scale, while countless small and medium-sized coffee shops create their own local varieties.
Cold Brew, Cold Coffee, Nitro Cold Brew – What’s the Difference?
Iced Coffee
Iced coffee begins as traditionally brewed coffee, using hot water to extract flavor through various methods like espresso machines, drip filters, French presses, or pour-overs. Once brewed, it’s cooled and served over ice, often with milk, tonic, or simply as-is. However, chilling hot-brewed coffee can slightly reduce its flavor intensity, so it’s often brewed stronger to compensate. Depending on the beans and the barista’s skill, iced espresso can sometimes develop a subtle acidity that may add a refreshing twist or, in some cases, detract from the experience.
Cold Brew
Cold brew is a coffee made specifically with cold water from start to finish. Instead of traditional heat-based extraction, cold brew coffee grounds are steeped in cold water for extended periods—typically 8 to 24 hours—creating a smooth, naturally sweet, and low-acid beverage. Because of its versatility, cold brew is an ideal base for creative additions, from milk and syrups to sparkling water or juice infusions. Due to its concentrated brewing process, cold brew often has a much higher caffeine content than regular iced coffee, making it both energizing and refreshingly smooth.
Nitro-Cold Brew (or Simply Nitro Coffee) is a Borrowing from Beer Culture
Inspired by the craft beer industry, nitro cold brew takes traditional cold brew and infuses it with nitrogen gas for a creamy, foamy texture. Served from a keg through a tap system, this nitrogen infusion creates a rich, velvety texture with a thick, cascading foam on top, transforming the drinking experience into something akin to a stout beer. The nitrogen gas (distinct from carbon dioxide used in sodas) not only lends a silky mouthfeel but also enhances the coffee’s natural sweetness, creating a bold, creamy profile without added dairy or sugar. Nitro coffee must be nitrogen-infused; when carbon dioxide is used instead, the result is closer to a coffee soda—crisp and carbonated but without the creamy depth unique to nitro.
How Much Caffeine in Cold Brew
The average cup of coffee (six to eight ounces) contains 95 to 100 milligrams of caffeine, assuming a standard 1:16 drip method of preparation. This means that for every 1 gram of coffee used, 16 grams of water are required to balance the flavor.
In contrast, cold brew typically uses a much stronger 1:4 coffee-to-water ratio, which significantly increases caffeine concentration. On average, a comparable serving of cold brew contains approximately 205 milligrams of caffeine—more than double that of standard drip coffee. Given the recommended daily caffeine limit of 400 milligrams, cold brew can quickly add up in caffeine intake, so mindful consumption is advised.
While ongoing research continues to investigate the health benefits of cold brew, it is clear that its lower acidity makes it easier on the stomach, particularly for those with acid reflux or sensitive digestive systems. Ultimately, if you’re using quality coffee beans, practicing good brewing techniques, and limiting yourself to 2-3 cups daily, cold brew can be an enjoyable and balanced part of your routine.
Cold Brew Coffee Preparation
The smooth taste of cold brew coffee is rooted in its unique brewing method, which avoids the bitterness often associated with hot-brewed coffee. When coffee is exposed to heat, the chlorogenic acids in the beans break down, creating the bitter compounds characteristic of hot coffee. Cold brewing, however, skips this step entirely, resulting in a naturally sweeter, low-acid beverage.
In cold water, many of the coffee bean’s acids and oils don’t dissolve, which means cold brew has about 60-70% fewer acids than regular coffee. However, some tannins—compounds that contribute to bitterness and astringency—do make their way into the drink. This bitterness can intensify with a finer grind, as smaller coffee particles extract more quickly, and finer grounds can lead to cloudiness that’s tough to filter out. To keep the taste smooth, Arabica beans with a medium or coarse grind are recommended for cold brew, avoiding the sharper bitterness of Robusta beans. You can achieve great results with both budget-friendly 100% Arabica blends and high-quality single-origin varieties.
When it comes to roast level, all types—from light to dark—can work well, though light and medium roasts are popular choices due to their balanced, vibrant flavors. If you’re new to cold brew, starting with a medium roast can offer a balanced profile to help you find the perfect taste. Opt for a coarse grind, similar to what’s used for a French press or pour-over, as it allows for a cleaner, fuller extraction over the lengthy brewing period. Finer grinds may yield a drying aftertaste.
Water quality is critical for cold brew’s smoothness. Use soft, non-chlorinated bottled water to avoid any unwanted mineral tastes or harshness. Room temperature brewing speeds up extraction compared to refrigeration, though in either case, cold brew requires time. Typically, 12 to 18 hours yields an optimal flavor profile; for a stronger, naturally sweeter taste, you can extend the brew time by a few additional hours based on your preferences.
To make Cold Brew at home, simply add freshly ground coffee to a French press or large cup, pour cold water over it, and let it sit for the desired brew time before filtering. Cold brew’s simplicity and flexibility make it an ideal coffee for customization and experimentation, allowing you to adjust for sweetness, strength, and richness as you develop your preferred recipe.
Brewing Tips for Optimal Flavor
- Bean Selection: Choose high-quality, freshly roasted beans to ensure the best flavor. Beans that are too old or of low quality will not produce the optimal taste.
- Grind Size: Opt for a coarse grind to ensure even extraction and prevent the coffee from becoming muddy or overly bitter.
- Water Quality: Use cold, filtered water to avoid off-flavors caused by impurities in tap water.
- Extraction Time: Experiment with brewing times between 12 to 24 hours to find the strength and flavor profile that best suits your palate.
- Filtering Method: Use a fine-mesh sieve or a specific cold-brew coffee maker to filter out the grounds effectively. Proper filtration contributes to a clean, crisp taste.
Cold brew is all about customization, so embrace the opportunity to try new combinations and approaches. Enjoy the journey of discovering your favorite flavors.
Do you want to perfect your cold-brew coffee? Explore different brewing methods and find your ideal recipe: Cold Brew Coffee Guide: Recipes for Every Method.
