Imagine this: It’s a sweltering summer day, and you’re craving a refreshing pick-me-up. You reach for your usual iced coffee, but it tastes bitter and watered down. Sound familiar? Many of us have been there, battling the heat with a less-than-perfect cup. That’s where the magic of cold brew coffee comes in, promising a smoother, richer, and less acidic taste that’s perfect for beating the heat.
But navigating the world of cold brew can feel overwhelming. With so many brands, brewing methods, and flavor profiles out there, how do you pick the one that’s right for you? You might be wondering if it’s worth the extra cost or if you can even make a good one at home. Don’t worry, we’ve got your back!
By the end of this post, you’ll be a cold brew pro. We’ll break down the secrets behind this popular drink, explore different types of cold brew, and give you the inside scoop on how to find your perfect match. Get ready to ditch those disappointing iced coffees and discover a whole new level of deliciousness. Let’s dive in and uncover the world of cold brew!
Our Top 5 Coffee Cold Brew Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Coffee Cold Brew Detailed Reviews
1. SToK Cold Brew Coffee
Rating: 9.5/10
Get ready for a coffee experience that’s smooth, bold, and ready when you are! SToK Cold Brew Coffee, Arabica-Based Blend, Medium Roast Brewed Low and Slow, Unsweetened, Black Coffee, 48 FL OZ Bottle delivers a large bottle of delicious, ready-to-drink cold brew. It’s made with high-quality Arabica beans and brewed for at least 10 hours, making it super smooth and never bitter. This black coffee is unsweetened, so you can enjoy its natural, rich flavor.
What We Like:
- Plenty of coffee: The 48 fl oz bottle means you have lots to enjoy.
- Smooth taste: It’s brewed low and slow for a never-bitter flavor.
- Bold and unsweetened: You get pure coffee taste with notes of molasses and brown sugar.
- Good caffeine boost: Each 12 oz serving has 125 mg of caffeine.
- Ethically sourced: The beans are responsibly grown and Rainforest Alliance Certified.
- Versatile: You can enjoy it black or add your own milk and sweeteners.
What Could Be Improved:
- Limited flavor options in this specific bottle: This bottle is plain black, but SToK offers other flavors to try.
- Requires refrigeration after opening: Like most cold coffee, it needs to be kept cold.
This SToK Cold Brew is a fantastic way to start your day or get a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. Its smooth, bold flavor and generous size make it a winner for any coffee lover.
2. Starbucks Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate
Rating: 9.2/10
Craving that smooth, delicious Starbucks cold brew but don’t want to leave the house? The Starbucks Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate, Signature Black, 100% Arabica, Multi-Serve Bottle is your ticket to café-quality coffee right in your own kitchen. This 32 fl oz bottle packs a punch, letting you easily whip up your favorite iced coffee any time you want.
What We Like:
- Super smooth and delicious taste that’s just like your favorite Starbucks drink.
- It’s incredibly easy to make! Just pour over ice and add water.
- You get a lot of coffee out of one bottle – it makes 64 fl oz total!
- The medium-roast Signature Black flavor has pleasant, subtly sweet chocolaty notes.
- The bottles are recyclable, which is good for the environment.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some might find the concentrate a bit strong if they don’t dilute it properly.
- The sweet notes are subtle, so if you prefer a very sweet coffee, you’ll need to add your own sweetener.
This Starbucks Cold Brew Concentrate is a fantastic way to enjoy your go-to iced coffee with minimal effort. It delivers the signature Starbucks smoothness and flavor, making it a convenient and enjoyable option for any coffee lover.
3. La Colombe Cold Brew Coffee – Brazilian – 42 Fl Oz – Unsweetened Medium/Dark Roast
Rating: 8.6/10
Get ready for a coffee experience like no other with La Colombe Cold Brew Coffee. This Brazilian single-origin blend comes in a huge 42 oz bottle. It’s perfect for when you need a quick coffee fix. This cold brew is made with real ingredients and has no sugar added, making it a pure, black, grab-and-go option.
What We Like:
- It’s ready to drink right out of the bottle! This is the first and only large-format, cold-brewed, and cold-filled coffee.
- It’s made with real, simple ingredients. The coffee beans are lightly roasted and steeped for 16 hours.
- It has a super smooth, thick texture thanks to nitrous oxide.
- It’s a great value, giving you the equivalent of 2.25 shots of espresso per serving.
- It’s a healthy choice with only 5 calories per serving.
- It’s free from lactose, dairy, gluten, and GMOs. It’s also vegan-friendly.
What Could Be Improved:
- The large 42 oz bottle might be a bit much for someone who only drinks one cup at a time.
- Because it’s single-origin, availability might be limited in some areas.
This La Colombe cold brew offers a delicious and convenient way to enjoy high-quality coffee. It’s a fantastic option for anyone looking for a pure, unsweetened, and refreshing pick-me-up.
4. Califia Farms – Pure Black Blonde Roast Cold Brew Coffee
Rating: 8.9/10
Get ready for a smooth and bold coffee experience with Califia Farms Pure Black Blonde Roast Cold Brew. This 48 oz bottle is packed with delicious flavor, made from 100% Arabica beans. It’s plant-based, vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, and completely sugar-free, making it a guilt-free treat for any time of day.
What We Like:
- Super smooth taste with hardly any sourness.
- Naturally sweet flavor without any added sugar.
- Tastes like blackberries, brown sugar, and chocolate.
- Made with high-quality Arabica beans for a mellow, fruity taste.
- A perfectly balanced flavor that’s rich and complex.
- Sustainably sourced from farmers in different parts of the world.
- Only 10 calories per serving, so it won’t weigh you down.
- Meets lots of healthy standards: Non-GMO, kosher, vegan, and free from many common allergens.
- It’s certified organic.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 48 oz bottle might be a bit large for some to store easily.
- While it has natural sweetness, some might prefer a stronger sweet flavor and add their own.
Califia Farms Pure Black Blonde Roast Cold Brew is a fantastic option for anyone seeking a delicious and healthy coffee. It’s a ready-to-drink beverage that fits perfectly into a busy, health-conscious lifestyle.
5. Starbucks Medium Roast Iced Coffee
Rating: 8.7/10
Starbucks Medium Roast Iced Coffee, Black Unsweetened, 48 Fl Oz Bottle brings the coffee shop experience right to your kitchen. This big bottle is perfect for anyone who loves their iced coffee.
What We Like:
- It tastes like the coffee from Starbucks cafes.
- The coffee is made with 100% Arabica beans.
- You can drink it plain or add your own milk and sweetener.
- It’s great for starting your morning or for an afternoon boost.
- The 48-ounce bottle gives you about four 12-ounce servings.
- It’s unsweetened, so you control the sweetness.
- The flavor has hints of nuts and cocoa.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some might find it too strong if they prefer very mild coffee.
- It’s best served cold, so you need to keep it in the fridge.
This Starbucks iced coffee is a convenient way to enjoy a delicious and refreshing drink at home. It’s a great option for coffee lovers on the go.
Your Guide to Awesome Cold Brew Coffee Makers
Cold brew coffee is a smooth, less acidic way to enjoy your favorite caffeine boost. Instead of hot water, it uses cold water to steep coffee grounds for a long time. This makes the coffee taste naturally sweet and less bitter. If you want to make this delicious drink at home, a good cold brew maker is key.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a cold brew maker, keep a few things in mind.
- Capacity: How much coffee do you want to make at once? Makers come in different sizes, from small single servings to large pitchers. Think about how many people will be drinking it or how long you want it to last.
- Filter Type: The filter keeps the coffee grounds out of your finished brew. Some makers use fine mesh filters, while others use paper filters. Mesh filters are reusable, which is good for the environment. Paper filters can give an even cleaner taste.
- Ease of Use: You want a maker that’s simple to set up and clean. Look for designs with few parts. A good maker makes the brewing process easy and cleanup a breeze.
- Material: What is the maker made of?
Important Materials
The materials of your cold brew maker affect its durability and how it affects the taste of your coffee.
- Glass: Glass is a popular choice. It doesn’t hold onto smells or flavors, so your coffee tastes pure. Glass is also easy to clean. However, it can break if dropped.
- Stainless Steel: Stainless steel is strong and lasts a long time. It won’t rust or break easily. It also doesn’t add any unwanted flavors to your coffee.
- Plastic: Some makers use plastic. Look for BPA-free plastic. It’s lighter than glass and less likely to break. However, some plastics can sometimes hold onto old coffee smells.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A few things can make your cold brew amazing or just okay.
- Coffee Grind Size: You need a coarse grind for cold brew. A fine grind can make your coffee taste muddy or bitter. A coarse grind lets the water flow through without pulling out too many bitter flavors.
- Brewing Time: Cold brew needs time to steep. Usually, 12 to 24 hours is perfect. Too short a time means weak coffee. Too long can sometimes lead to over-extraction, making it bitter.
- Water Quality: Use good-tasting water. If your tap water has a strong taste, your cold brew will too. Filtered water is often best.
- Cleanliness: Always clean your cold brew maker after each use. Old coffee oils can build up and make your next batch taste stale or bitter.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using a cold brew maker is usually very simple. You add your coarse coffee grounds to the filter, add cold water, and let it steep in the fridge. Then, you remove the filter, and your smooth cold brew is ready.
Cold brew is super versatile. You can drink it black for a pure, refreshing taste. Many people like to add milk or cream to make it creamy. It’s also a great base for coffee cocktails or iced lattes. If you need a big batch of coffee for a party or for the week, a larger cold brew maker is perfect. For just one person, a smaller maker works well.
Your Top 10 Cold Brew Coffee Maker Questions Answered
Here are some common questions people have about buying and using cold brew coffee makers.
Q: What is the main benefit of cold brew coffee?
A: Cold brew coffee is smoother and less acidic than hot-brewed coffee. This makes it easier on your stomach and taste buds.
Q: Do I need a special maker for cold brew?
A: While you can make cold brew in a jar with a strainer, a dedicated cold brew maker makes the process much easier and cleaner.
Q: What’s the best type of coffee bean for cold brew?
A: Medium to dark roast beans are often preferred. They have a rich flavor that holds up well during the long steeping process.
Q: How long does cold brew coffee last?
A: Once brewed, cold brew concentrate typically lasts about 7-10 days in the refrigerator.
Q: Can I use hot water to speed up the cold brew process?
A: No, using hot water defeats the purpose of cold brewing. The long, slow steeping in cold water is what creates the smooth flavor and low acidity.
Q: How do I clean my cold brew maker?
A: Most cold brew makers are easy to clean. You can usually rinse the parts with warm water and soap. Some parts might be dishwasher safe, so check the manual.
Q: What’s the difference between cold brew concentrate and ready-to-drink cold brew?
A: Concentrate is a stronger brew that you dilute with water or milk. Ready-to-drink cold brew is already diluted and can be enjoyed as is.
Q: Is cold brew coffee stronger than regular coffee?
A: Cold brew concentrate usually has more caffeine than regular hot coffee because of the higher coffee-to-water ratio used during brewing. However, when diluted, the caffeine level can be similar.
Q: Can I use pre-ground coffee for cold brew?
A: It’s best to use coarsely ground coffee. Pre-ground coffee is often too fine and can lead to a cloudy, bitter brew. If you must use pre-ground, look for coarse grinds if possible.
Q: What are some popular brands for cold brew makers?
A: Popular brands include Toddy, Hario, OXO, and Takeya. Each offers different features and price points.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.