9 Best Cold Brew Coffee Picks for When You’re Too Cool for Hot Coffee
Discover the best cold brew coffee options available, from brands to brewing methods. Find your perfect cup and elevate your coffee experience today!
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Cold brew coffee is like the James Dean of the coffee world—cool, smooth, and definitely too good to just blend in with the crowd. Whether you’re a die-hard cold brew enthusiast, a latte lover looking to branch out, or just want that refreshing caffeine fix without firing up the kettle, this list is for you.
Our cold brew coffee picks were evaluated through a blind taste test, focusing on attributes such as body, bitterness, and acidity.
Cold brews come in a variety of products available in the market, each offering unique flavors, ingredients, and brewing techniques.
We’ve rounded up the 9 best cold brew coffee picks you can easily grab from Amazon (because who has time to run to a local coffee shop when the fridge is already calling?). Whether you like your coffee black, with a splash of half and half, or sweetened up just enough to forget bitterness even exists, there’s something on this list that will make your future self gleeful.
What is Cold Brew Coffee?
Cold brew coffee is like the laid-back cousin of your regular cup of joe. Instead of using hot water to extract the flavors from the coffee beans, cold brew relies on cold water and a lot of patience. By steeping coarse-ground coffee beans in cold water for 12-24 hours, you get a smooth, rich brew that’s low in acidity and high in flavor. This method, also known as cold press, brings out the best in your coffee beans without the bitterness that sometimes comes with hot coffee. Unlike iced coffee, which is brewed hot and then cooled, often resulting in a more bitter flavor, cold brew offers a smoother and creamier taste. So, if you’re looking for a mellow, refreshing way to enjoy your caffeine, cold brew coffee might just be your new best friend.
Benefits of Cold Brew Coffee
Why should you consider switching to cold brew coffee? Here are some perks that might just convince you:
- Less acidic: Cold brew coffee is easier on the stomach and teeth, thanks to its lower acidity compared to hot-brewed coffee.
- Smoother flavor: The slow extraction process results in a balanced, smooth taste that’s perfect for sipping.
- Higher caffeine content: Need an extra kick? Cold brew often packs more caffeine than your average hot coffee.
- Easy to make: With a little planning, you can brew large batches of cold brew at home, ensuring you always have a refreshing cup ready to go.
- Versatile: Whether you like it black, with a splash of milk, or as the base for a fancy coffee cocktail, cold brew is incredibly adaptable.
- Cold brew method: The cold brew method is beloved for its simplicity. Just mix coffee grounds with cool water and steep it overnight to create a concentrate, which enhances the flavor and remains cold without dilution from melting ice.
You know it, you love it—Chameleon Cold Brew is a staple for a reason. This organic cold brew concentrate hits all the right notes, with a smooth, chocolatey flavor and mellow bitterness you’ll want to sip every morning. Just add ice and milk (or drink it straight if you’re hardcore).
Unlike iced coffee, which is brewed hot and then cooled, cold brew coffee is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for an extended period.
Why It’s Cool: Simple, bold, and low in acidity, it nails the perfect coffee ratio for that effortless taste every time.
Best For: Classic coffee lovers who like to customize their brew.
Looking for a cold brew with enough caffeine to wake up your entire soul? Wandering Bear might just be your new best friend. Delivered in a nifty box (yes, like boxed wine for coffee), this cold brew packs a punch with its bold yet smooth flavor.
Why It’s Cool: It boasts extra strong vibes and easy access, thanks to its matchless fridge-friendly packaging.
Best For: Those mornings when a regular cup won’t cut it.
Starbucks isn’t just for the coffee shop anymore—grab their chilled bottles of cold brew coffee from Amazon and enjoy that same smooth, balanced flavor you love without standing in line.
Why It’s Cool: Starbucks' signature mellow flavor and a good caffeine fix without over-the-top bitterness.
Best For: Loyal Starbucks coffee drinkers who want to keep it simple at home.
If you prefer your coffee plant-based and smooth, Califia Farms delivers. Their cold brew concentrate is a blank canvas for all your coffee dreams. Whether you drink it black or add a splash of oat milk, it’s undeniably creamy and flavorful.
Why It’s Cool: Ultra-smooth and perfect for pairing with your favorite milk alternative (or none at all).
Best For: The dairy-free crowd who still demands rich flavor.
Our beloved Trader Joe’s has your back when it comes to creating a coffee concentrate that hits all the right notes. Their store-bought cold brew is rich, smooth, and won’t break the bank.
Why It’s Cool: Easy on your wallet without sacrificing flavor.
Best For: Frugal caffeine fiends who shop at grocery stores and Trader Joe’s like pros.
Not into the whole bitterness thing? The Stōk Not Too Sweet Cold Brew is lightly sweetened and perfect for anyone who doesn’t want to mess around with sugar packets or syrups.
Why It’s Cool: A ready-to-drink convenience with a touch of sweetness that doesn’t overpower.
Best For: Coffee drinkers who want to keep it simple and slightly sweet.
For the cold brew DIYer, Grady’s Cold Brew Coffee Kit lets you make big batches of cold brew at home with their pre-portioned bags. Just add cool water, let it steep in your fridge overnight, and savor the freshness.
Why It’s Cool: It’s like having your very own cold brew barista living in your fridge.
Best For: Big batch brewers who prefer their coffee homemade.
La Colombe serves up a cold brew coffee that feels fancy without any extra effort. Their canned options are ready to drink and carry a smooth, velvety flavor—perfect for sipping anytime, anywhere.
Why It’s Cool: Grab-and-go goodness with zero fuss.
Best For: Busy pros who want café-level coffee while on the move.
If you need extra caffeine with a hint of espresso blend magic, High Brew Coffee is made for you. These portable cans pack a punch while maintaining a surprisingly smooth flavor.
Why It’s Cool: Bold kick without the bitter backlash.
Best For: Espresso lovers needing energy on the go.
Recommended Cold Brew Coffee Concentrates
Short on time but still craving that smooth, rich cold brew coffee? Store-bought cold brew coffee concentrates are your best friend. Here are some top picks that deliver quality and convenience:
- Chameleon Cold Brew: Known for its organic, high-quality coffee beans, Chameleon Cold Brew offers a range of concentrates that are smooth, bold, and perfect for any coffee lover.
- Stok Cold Brew: Made from 100% Arabica coffee beans, Stok’s cold brew concentrate boasts a rich, smooth flavor that’s hard to beat.
- La Colombe Cold Brew: La Colombe’s cold brew concentrate is crafted from expertly roasted coffee beans, delivering a balanced, full-bodied flavor that’s ready to impress.
- Starbucks Cold Brew: Enjoy the classic Starbucks experience at home with their cold brew coffee concentrates. They offer both a classic and a nitro version for that extra kick.
- Wandering Bear Cold Brew: This cold brew concentrate is made from high-quality, organic coffee beans and offers a smooth, rich flavor that’s perfect for those who like their coffee strong and bold.
When choosing a store-bought cold brew coffee concentrate, look for products made from high-quality coffee beans and free from added preservatives or flavorings. This ensures you get the best flavor and quality in every sip.
How to Make Cold Brew Coffee at Home
Making cold brew coffee at home is not only a breeze but also a fantastic way to save some bucks while enjoying a top-notch brew. Here’s your step-by-step guide to becoming your own cold brew barista:
- Choose Your Coffee Beans: Start with high-quality coffee beans that match your flavor preferences. Whether you’re into light, medium, or dark roasts, pick what you love.
- Grind Your Coffee: Grind your coffee beans to a medium-coarse consistency. This grind size is perfect for extracting all those delicious flavors during the brewing process.
- Combine Coffee and Water: In a large container or jug, mix your ground coffee with 2 quarts of cold water. Give it a good stir to make sure all the grounds are fully saturated.
- Steep the Coffee: Cover your container and let it steep in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours. If you want a stronger brew, let it sit for up to 24 hours.
- Strain the Coffee: After steeping, strain the coffee through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into another container. This will separate the coffee concentrate from the grounds.
- Store the Coffee Concentrate: Keep your coffee concentrate in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks. When you’re ready to enjoy, dilute it with water or milk to your desired strength.
And there you have it! With just a bit of patience and some quality ground coffee, you can enjoy a refreshing cold brew coffee anytime you like.
Tips for Serving Cold Brew Coffee
Ready to serve up some cold brew coffee? Here are a few tips to make your experience even better:
- Serve over ice: Pour your cold brew over a glass of ice to enhance its refreshing qualities.
- Add milk or cream: A splash of milk or cream can add a delightful creaminess and balance to your cold brew.
- Use as a base for coffee cocktails: Get creative and use cold brew as the foundation for delicious coffee cocktails like a coffee old fashioned or a coffee martini.
- Experiment with flavors: Try adding vanilla, caramel, or other flavorings to your cold brew for a unique twist.
- Store in the fridge: Keep your cold brew in the fridge for up to two weeks, so you always have a cool, caffeinated treat on hand.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your cold brew coffee to the fullest, whether you’re sipping it straight or mixing up a fancy drink.
Wrapping Up
There you have it—the best cold brew coffee picks for your caffeine cravings! Whether you're brewing up your own with coffee grounds and a fine mesh strainer or grabbing a bottle off the shelf, cold brew has never been easier (or more delicious) to enjoy.
The next time you’re debating between hot coffee or cold, consider this cheat sheet your ultimate guide. Meanwhile, bookmark this list for when you’re scouring Amazon for your next smooth fix. Summer is calling, and it wants cold brew!
Tag your favorite in the comments below, and don’t forget—sharing is caring. Send this to your fellow coffee nerds ☕!
Happy Shopping! ✨
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Raquel Juster
Raquel Juster
Raquel Juster
Raquel Juster
Raquel Juster