Best Coffee for Cold Brew: Roast, Grind & Ratio Guide
Cold brew is forgiving, but choosing the right roast, grind and coffee-to-water ratio can make the difference between a smooth, concentrated brew and one that tastes thin or muddy.
What coffee is best for cold brew?
There is no single required roast. Medium roasts can produce a smoother, more balanced cold brew, while darker roasts tend to create a bolder, deeper cup. The best choice depends on whether you prefer chocolate-and-caramel character or a more intense roasted profile.
Supreme Sip offers a French Roast Cold Brew Coffee specifically blended for cold brew. It uses a dark French roast and is available in a very coarse grind designed for steeping.
What grind size should you use?
Coarse grind is the safest starting point for immersion cold brew. Fine grounds extract quickly and can pass through filters, which may make the finished drink cloudy or bitter. Coarser grounds are easier to filter and suit the long steeping time.
If you use different brewing methods at home, see our coffee grind size guide.
Cold brew coffee-to-water ratio
For a concentrated cold brew, a common starting range is about 1 part coffee to 4–5 parts water by weight. After steeping and filtering, dilute the concentrate with water or milk to taste.
For a ready-to-drink brew, start closer to 1 part coffee to 8 parts water. Ratios are flexible, so adjust based on how strong you like your coffee.
How long should cold brew steep?
A useful starting window is 12 to 18 hours in the refrigerator. Longer is not always better. If the brew tastes harsh or woody, shorten the steep or use a slightly coarser grind. If it tastes weak, increase the coffee amount before simply extending the steep indefinitely.
Simple cold brew method
- Add coarse-ground coffee to a jar or cold-brew brewer.
- Add cool filtered water and stir until all grounds are wet.
- Cover and refrigerate for 12–18 hours.
- Filter thoroughly.
- Dilute concentrate to taste, or serve ready-to-drink cold brew over ice.
Dark roast vs medium roast for cold brew
Dark roast gives you a heavier, roast-forward profile that stands up well to milk and ice. Medium roast can preserve more sweetness and nuance. If you like strong iced coffee or creamy cold brew drinks, a French roast is a practical choice.
Shop Supreme Sip French Roast Cold Brew Coffee or browse our coffee blends.
