What Is Cold Brew Coffee?

Cold brew coffee is exactly what it sounds like — coffee brewed cold. Instead of using hot water to extract flavour quickly, cold brew relies on time. Coffee grounds steep in cold water for around 12–24 hours, slowly releasing flavour and lots of natural sweetness.

The result is a coffee that’s smooth, complex and often lower in acidity. It can be brewed as a concentrate and diluted before drinking. Cold brew might have started as a summer favourite, but once people realise how easy it is to make and keep in the fridge, it tends to become an all-year round habit.

Ash, Head of Coffee: "Cold brew is one of the easiest ways to make consistently good coffee. If your beans are fresh and your grind is coarse, you're already 90% of the way there. I love Kenyan coffees brewed this way. They are bright, fruity and iced-tea-like. Delicious. ”

Why Cold Brew Tastes Different

The biggest difference between cold brew and regular coffee is simple: temperature and time! Hot brewing extracts flavour fast. Cold brewing extracts flavour slowly. That slower extraction produces a coffee that tastes rounder and less sharp. You’ll often notice more chocolate and caramel notes, with less bitterness and bite. Many people who find hot coffee too acidic discover they prefer cold brew straight away.

Cold brew is usually brewed stronger than regular coffee because it's made as a concentrate. Most people dilute it with water or milk before drinking.

The next question we usually get is about caffeine. Simple ask, slightly complicated answer.

Cold brew concentrate can contain more caffeine because it uses more coffee. But once diluted, caffeine levels usually end up similar to a strong filter coffee.

Strength depends far more on your recipe than the brewing method itself.

Cold Brew vs Iced Coffee

Cold brew and iced coffee often get grouped together, but they’re actually very different drinks.

Iced coffee is brewed hot and then cooled down, usually by pouring it over ice. Cold brew is brewed cold from the beginning. Cold brew also takes planning. Iced coffee takes minutes.

Cold Brew vs Iced Coffee: Side by Side

If you want something smooth and easy-drinking, cold brew wins. If you need coffee ASAP, iced is your friend.

Benefits of Cold Brew Coffee

Cold brew has a loyal following for good reason. Here are three reasons why we love it and think you might too…

1. Smoother Taste

Cold extraction produces less bitterness and acidity, creating a rounder flavour.

Many people find it easier to drink black, and it’s a great starting point for the coffee cautious. 

2. Easy Batch Brewing

Make a big jug and keep it in the fridge. Coffee for days. Zero effort.

3. Versatile

Cold brew is also incredibly versatile; it’s basically coffee concentrate for grown-ups so you can create iced lattes, milky coffees and flavoured drinks without needing an espresso machine.

Just pour, dilute, add milk or your favourite syrup and you're done. It’s a great shortcut to café-style coffee at home.

If you're looking for inspiration, explore our summer coffee recipes here.

Making Cold Brew at Home

Cold brew sounds complicated, but all it takes is coffee, water and patience. No fancy kit required… unless you’re looking for an excuse to buy some. We won’t tell and are big fans of the Hario Cold Brew Coffee Pot.

You’ll Need

- Coarse ground coffee
- Filtered water
- A jar or jug
- A filter or sieve

Method

1. Start with 100g of coarse ground coffee (about the texture of sea salt). Finer grinds can make the brew muddy and bitter.

2. Mix your coffee with 500ml of cold filtered water in a large jar or jug. Stir gently so all the coffee is saturated.

3. Leave it to steep for 12–24 hours, then strain out the grounds using a sieve or paper filter. The liquid you’re left with is cold brew concentrate.

4. Dilute roughly 1:1 with water or milk, pour over ice and you're ready to go.

Once you've made it a few times, you'll quickly find your ideal strength.

For more tips and variations, see our guide on making the perfect cold brew.

Best Beans for Cold Brew

Cold brew is pretty forgiving, but the right beans make a BIG difference.

Coffees with chocolate, nut or caramel notes tend to produce the most balanced cold brew. Medium and darker roasts often work especially well because they emphasise sweetness and body.

Not sure where to start? Brazilian, Colombian and Kenyan coffees are great go-to options! Browse our speciality, Single Origin beans or let us introduce you to our cold brew champions for a killer cup every time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is cold brew coffee?

Let’s dispel a myth. Cold brew isn’t just coffee poured over ice. It’s coffee brewed slowly in cold water for up to 24 hours. The result is a smooth, low-acid concentrate that’s perfect over ice or with milk.

Think of it as coffee that took its time and tastes better for it.

How is cold brew different from iced coffee?

Cold brew is brewed cold from the start. Iced coffee is brewed hot and then chilled.

Cold brew tastes smoother and rounder. Iced coffee tastes higher in both acidity and bitterness. 

Both have their place — it just depends how patient you are.

Does cold brew coffee have more caffeine?

Straight up - sometimes, yes!

Cold brew concentrate uses more coffee, so it can be stronger. Once diluted, caffeine levels usually land somewhere around a strong filter coffee.

If it feels strong, just add more milk or water. No judgement.

How long does cold brew coffee last?

Cold brew keeps happily in the fridge for about a week, sometimes up to ten days in a sealed container.

It rarely lasts that long though.

What coffee beans are best for cold brew?

Beans with chocolatey or nutty flavours usually make the smoothest cold brew. Medium or darker roasts are a safe bet, but experimenting is half the fun.

If you like trying different coffees, a Coffee Club subscription is an easy way to discover new favourites without thinking too hard about it. (We’d recommend the Traditional option if you’re looking for beans for cold brew.)

Is cold brew coffee healthier than hot brew?

Cold brew is generally lower in acidity, which some people find easier on the stomach. Otherwise the nutritional differences are minimal. It's still just coffee and we’re here to help make sure it’s really good coffee.