Cold Brew 101: The Best Beans and Ratios for a Smooth Finish

When summer hits (or when you just crave a smooth, low-acidity cup), cold brew coffee is the answer. But not all beans or methods are created equal. If you’ve ever ended up with bitter, watery, or just “meh” cold brew, chances are it wasn’t your fault — it was your beans, your grind, or your ratio.


Let’s break it all down.

 

 Why Cold Brew?

Cold brew is brewed without heat — steeping coarsely ground coffee in cold water for 12–18 hours. The result is a smoother, less acidic drink that’s incredibly refreshing and highly customizable.

It’s naturally sweeter, perfect over ice, and stores well in the fridge.

 

Choosing the Right Beans

Here’s the secret: not every coffee bean shines in cold brew. You want:

  • Medium to dark roasts for chocolatey, nutty, or caramel flavors

  • Single origins with low acidity (e.g., Brazil, Guatemala)

  • Blends designed for balance (like Torrat’s house blend)

 

Avoid overly light roasts or high-acidity profiles unless you love fruit-forward funk.

Grind Size Matters

Too fine = over-extraction = bitterness.

Too coarse = under-extraction = flat, weak coffee.

Aim for coarse sea salt texture. A burr grinder gives the most consistent result.

 

The Golden Ratio: Coffee to Water

The classic cold brew ratio is:

1:5 for a concentrate

1:8 for ready-to-drink

So for a concentrate:

  • 100g coffee

  • 500ml water

    (Then dilute with milk or water when serving)

How to Brew Cold Brew (Step-by-Step)

  1. Weigh your beans and grind coarsely.

  2. Add grounds to a jar or cold brew maker.

  3. Pour cold, filtered water over the top.

  4. Stir to fully saturate grounds.

  5. Cover and refrigerate for 14–16 hours.

  6. Strain through a fine mesh, cloth, or paper filter.

  7. Serve over ice, with milk or tonic water — or straight.

Storing and Serving

Cold brew lasts up to 7–10 days in the fridge.

Pro tip: Store in a glass bottle and only dilute what you’ll drink.

Final Tips

  • Experiment with steep time. Start with 14 hours and adjust based on taste.

  • Try tonic water + cold brew for a refreshing, sparkling twist.

  • Always use fresh, specialty-grade beans. Store-bought beans just don’t deliver the same flavor clarity.