What Is Cold Brew? Ultimate Beginner’s Guide

Cold brew is one of the trendiest coffee drinks of the past few years. Soft on the palate, low in acidity and with a stimulating quality, it’s little wonder that cafés, restaurants and home brewers are all getting in on the trend.

But what is cold brew, what sets it apart from your average coffee drinks and how can you make the best at home? This guide responds to all of your questions, using friendly, plain language.

What Is Cold Brew?

Cold brew is a coffee beverage made by steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in water for an extended period of time (typically 8–24 hours) at a low temperature (about room temperature or below). Unlike hot coffee and iced coffee, it never touches hot water.

The slow steep travels up the filter pack and down into the concentrate chamber, ending with a coffee that’s smoother, less acidic, and typically more concentrated than is possible to achieve by simple infusion.

Key Facts:

• Made by steeping coffee ground in cold or room-temperature water.
• Requires a longer brewing time: 8–24 hours.
• Produces a unique taste profile: smooth, sweet, and less acidic than hot coffee.

Why Is Cold Brew So Popular?

• Gentler Flavor: Cold brewing naturally extracts less bitter compounds and acid from the coffee bean for a low-acidity, mellow flavor.
• Less Acid: Good for those with sensitive stomachs. The acidity is very low, so you’re less likely to get acid reflux or an upset stomach.
• Easily Customizable: Rich, light, creamy, sweet – the choice is yours, there are so many variations!
• Convenient: Prepare it ahead of time and keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks and it’s ready to use whenever you want.

Cold Brew vs. Iced Coffee: What’s the Difference?

*Depends on the ratio and method used.

How Does It Taste? Flavor and Aroma Explained

• Mellow & Smooth: Most drinkers describe cold brew as smoother than traditional hot coffee.
• Naturally Sweet: Less acidity allows natural sweetness and chocolatey flavors to stand out.
• Rich Aroma: Strong coffee aroma, but without harshness or bitterness.
• Customizable: Easy to tweak the taste by changing coffee-to-water ratio, steep time, or using specialty beans.

Is Cold Brew Healthier?

Many people ask if cold brew is healthier than other coffee. Here’s what science says:

• Lower Acidity: Gentler on your stomach—ideal for people who get acid reflux or indigestion from hot coffee.
• Caffeine Boost: Because it’s often a concentrate, it can have more caffeine (unless you dilute it).
• Rich in Antioxidants: Still provides antioxidants that support your heart, brain, and metabolism.
• May Lower Disease Risk: Regular coffee (including cold brew) is linked to reduced risk of heart disease, diabetes, and some neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

Cold Brew for Sensitive Stomachs

Many people avoid coffee due to stomach upsets. Cold brew is a popular solution because:

• Its slow extraction produces 50–67% less acid than hot-brewed coffee.
• The pH is closer to neutral, reducing stomach irritation.
• Less bitterness and harsh oils that often cause discomfort.

If you have a sensitive stomach, opt for a cold brew made from dark roasted Indonesian beans—these tend to be lowest in acidity.

How To Make Cold Brew At Home

You don’t need expensive gear! Here’s a step-by-step beginner’s process you can do in your kitchen.

What You’ll Need:

• 100g (about 1 cup) of coarsely ground coffee beans
• 800ml (about 3.5 cups) of cold, filtered water
• Large jar or French press
• Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Grind your beans
   Use a coarse grind—think breadcrumbs or sea salt in texture. This helps prevent over-extraction and grit.
2. Mix with water
   Add coffee grounds to your jar. Pour in cold water using a 1:8 ratio (for stronger concentrate 1:5 is common; play around!).
3. Stir and cover
   Give it a gentle stir to wet all grounds. Cover tightly.
4. Steep
   Let it sit at room temperature or in the fridge for 12–24 hours. The longer it sits, the more robust the flavor.
5. Strain
   Pour through a cheesecloth, fine mesh strainer, V60 paper filter, or even a French press plunger to separate liquid from grounds.
6. Dilute and serve
   This is your concentrate! Add cold water, ice, milk, oat milk, or whatever you like—start with 1:1 ratio. Sweeten or flavor as you wish.

Tips for Perfect Cold Brew

• Pick fresh, high-quality beans—Indonesian beans are highly recommended!
• Don’t use pre-ground supermarket coffee, as it’s usually too fine and stale.
• Make sure all beans are submerged in water for even flavor.
• Store leftover concentrate in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Quick Cold Brew Recipe Variants

• Classic: Just black, on ice.
• With Milk: Add regular, oat, almond, or sweet condensed milk for creamy goodness.
• Flavored: Add vanilla, cinnamon, orange peel, or honey.
• Nitro Cold Brew: If you want to go wild, infuse with nitrogen gas for a Guinness-like, foamy pour (usually at specialty cafés).

Best Coffee Beans for Cold Brew

Selecting the right beans is crucial. Here’s what experts and baristas recommend:

For Indonesian fans, Sumatra Mandheling and Aceh Gayo are favorites: naturally low acid, big flavors, and smooth texture.

The Science: Why Is Cold Brew Less Acidic?

It’s all about extraction. Hot water pulls out oils, acids, and other compounds more quickly—including the stuff that makes coffee taste bitter or sour.

Cold water, on the other hand, extracts flavor slowly, and leaves most acids trapped in the grounds. This is why cold brew tastes smoother and is easier on your digestive system.

Storing and Serving

• Keep concentrate in the fridge in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
• Always dilute before drinking, or it may taste too strong.
• Drink over ice, mix with milk, or use as a base for coffee cocktails or desserts!

The Many Ways to Enjoy Cold Brew

Here are some fun ideas to spice up your drink:

• Cold Brew Latte: Equal parts concentrate and milk, served over ice.
• Mocha Cold Brew: Add chocolate syrup before serving.
• Vanilla Cold Brew: Add a splash of vanilla extract or vanilla syrup.
• Affogato: Pour cold brew over a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Cold Brew Tonic: Mix with tonic water and a wedge of orange for a fizzy summer drink.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Pros:

• Easy to make at home; no fancy machine needed.
• Smooth, less bitter and less acidic—good for sensitive digestions.
• Versatile—enjoy it black or with any milk, syrup, or sweetener.
• Makes a concentrate you can adapt for any coffee recipe.

Cons:

• Takes more time—requires patience (12–24 hours).
• Needs coarse grind and good filter to avoid a gritty drink.
• Can be potent: check your caffeine and dilute accordingly!

Cold Brew and Indonesian Coffee Culture

Indonesia is home to some of the world’s best coffee beans, and cold brew is the perfect way to highlight their unique flavors. Coffee regions like Gayo, Mandheling, and Sulawesi Toraja produce beans with earthy, chocolatey undertones that are especially good for cold steeping.

Many Indonesian cafés and coffee lovers have turned to cold brew as a way to beat the tropical heat. Whether at a fancy coffee bar or homemade, it’s becoming a staple of modern coffee culture across Indonesia.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is cold brew stronger than hot coffee?

Yes, the concentrate is usually much stronger. Many people dilute with water or milk before drinking. Caffeine per serving depends on how you prepare it.

2. Can I use any coffee beans?

Yes, but a medium or dark roast with low acidity is best for a smooth taste. Indonesian beans are especially good.

3. Do I need a special cold brew maker?

No! Any large jar, french press, or bottle works fine. Just use a coarse filter.

4. How long does it last in the fridge?

The concentrate can keep for up to 2 weeks if refrigerated in a sealed container.

5. Is cold brew less acidic?

Yes, it’s up to 67% less acidic than hot-brewed coffee, making it ideal for sensitive stomachs.

Trouble Shooting & Tips

• Too sour: Steep longer.
• Tastes weak: Add more coffee grounds or steep longer.
• Too bitter: Use a coarser grind or steep for less time.
• Cloudy: Filter again through paper or a finer mesh.

Summary Table: Cold Brew At a Glance

The Best Indonesian Beans for Cold Brew

Indonesia produces some world-class beans that are perfect for cold brew:

• Sumatra Mandheling: Full-bodied, earthy, spicy—great for lovers of strong coffee.
• Aceh Gayo: Smooth, herbal, dark chocolate notes.
• Toraja: Rustic, syrupy, gently acidic.

Creative Cold Brew Creations

• Cold Brew Mocktail: Mix with citrus juice, a dash of syrup, and sparkling water for a zero-alcohol twist.
• Espresso Cold Brew: Layer cold brew concentrate with a shot of espresso for a flavor bomb.
• Spicy Cold Brew: Add a bit of cinnamon, cardamom, or nutmeg before steeping.

For the Coffee Curious: Experiment and Enjoy

Don’t be afraid to try new recipes and blends. Cold brew is all about personalization—choose different beans and ratios, add fun flavors, or even try mixing with other beverages. Taste is personal, so experiment to discover your signature cold brew style.

Enhance Your Cold Brew with Quality Indonesian Beans from FnB Coffee

If you want to create a cold brew that’s full of flavor and smooth from the first sip to the last, your choice of beans matters! Indonesian green and specialty coffee beans are famous for their rich and layered profiles—think notes of chocolate, spice, and fruit, all perfect for slow cold steeping.

Don’t settle for average! For the freshest, highest-quality beans, check out FnB Coffee—an experienced supplier of premium Indonesian green coffee beans. Great beans make all the difference, and FnB Coffee can elevate your home cold brew to new heights.

Whether you’re a café looking to build your cold brew menu or just a home brewer experimenting with flavors, FnB Coffee’s selection will help you create bold, smooth, satisfying coffee every time.

Conclusion

Cold brew has taken the coffee world by storm, and for good reason: it’s versatile, easy to make, and offers a refreshing coffee experience unlike any other. With a bit of patience, quality ingredients, and a spirit of fun experimentation, anyone can craft delicious cold brew at home.

So why not start today? Pick your favorite Indonesian beans, follow these simple steps, and enjoy the smoothest, richest coffee you’ve ever made!

References:

1. The Ultimate Guide to Cold Brew Coffee – Home Grounds
2. What Is Cold Brew Coffee, and How Is It Made? – Healthline
3. Cold Brew Coffee vs. Iced Coffee: What’s the Difference? – The Spruce Eats
4. The Benefits and Perks of Cold Brew Coffee – Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
5. How to Make Cold Brew Coffee at Home – New York Times Cooking
6. Why Cold Brew Coffee Is Less Acidic Than Hot Coffee – Science Focus
7. Cold Brew Coffee Health Benefits: Is Cold Brew Healthier? – Medical News Today