Best Coffee for Cold Brew

Cold brew is one of the most forgiving brew methods — and one of the most rewarding. Steep coarse grounds in cold water for 12–24 hours, strain, and you have a smooth, low-acid concentrate that keeps in the fridge for up to two weeks. The process is simple. The beans, however, matter more than most people realize.

What Makes a Coffee Good for Cold Brew?

Cold brew extracts differently than hot brewing. The low temperature and long steep time pull sweetness and body from the coffee while leaving behind much of the acidity and bitterness that hot water extracts quickly. The result is naturally smooth and mellow — but only if you start with the right beans.

The best cold brew coffees share a few qualities:

• Medium to dark roast — darker roasts have more developed sugars and body, which translate beautifully into cold brew. Light roasts can work but often taste thin and underdeveloped when cold-brewed.
• Low to medium acidity — cold brew already reduces acidity, but starting with a lower-acid coffee produces an even smoother result. Browse our low-acid coffee collection for the best options.
• Good body — cold brew concentrate needs weight. Full-bodied coffees produce a richer, more satisfying concentrate that holds up well when diluted with water or milk.
• Chocolate and caramel notes — these flavors shine in cold brew. Fruit-forward coffees can taste muted or strange when cold-brewed.

Best Coffees for Cold Brew at Milestone

Sumatra — our top pick for cold brew. Heavy body, low acid, earthy and complex with dark chocolate notes. Cold brew amplifies Sumatra's best qualities — the result is rich, smooth, and deeply satisfying. Excellent straight or over ice with a splash of cream. Find it in our single-origin collection.

Cowboy Blend — bold, full-bodied, and direct. Makes a cold brew concentrate with real intensity — perfect for people who want their cold brew to taste like coffee, not like coffee-flavored water. Browse our coffee blends.

French Roast — dark and smoky. Produces a cold brew with a distinctive roast character and a long, smooth finish. For people who want the boldest possible cold brew. Find it in our blends.

House Blend — balanced and consistent. A reliable everyday cold brew that works well straight, over ice, or as the base for cold brew lattes. Smooth enough for people who find darker roasts too intense. A staple in our blends collection.

Brazil Santos — nutty, smooth, low acid. One of the most naturally suited origins for cold brew. The nutty sweetness comes through clearly in the concentrate, and the low acidity makes it exceptionally smooth. Explore our single-origin lineup to find it.

Cold Brew Ratio and Method

The standard cold brew ratio is 1:8 — one part coffee to eight parts water by weight. For a concentrated cold brew (to dilute before drinking), use 1:4 to 1:5.

1. Grind coffee extra coarse — coarser than French press
2. Combine grounds and cold or room-temperature water in a jar or pitcher
3. Stir to ensure all grounds are saturated
4. Cover and steep at room temperature for 12–16 hours, or in the fridge for 18–24 hours
5. Strain through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
6. Store concentrate in the fridge for up to 2 weeks

To serve: dilute concentrate 1:1 with water or milk, pour over ice. Adjust ratio to taste.

Grind Fresh for Best Results

Cold brew is forgiving, but freshness still matters. Fresh-roasted beans produce a concentrate with more sweetness and complexity than stale beans. All Milestone coffee is roasted to order — your bag arrives fresh and ready for a long, slow steep.

Not sure which beans to start with? Our sample packs are a great way to find your cold brew favorite before committing to a full bag. Or go straight to our Smooth & Balanced collection for cold brew-ready picks.

Shop our full lineup — roasted to order, shipped fresh, perfect for cold brew.