Mar 09, 2025

Cold Brew Coffee Grounds: The Key to Smooth, Refreshing Coffee

Introduction: Why Cold Brew Coffee is Special

Cold brew coffee has taken the coffee world by storm, offering a smooth, naturally sweet, and refreshing alternative to traditional hot-brewed coffee. Unlike iced coffee, which is simply hot coffee poured over ice, cold brew is made by steeping coarse coffee grounds in cold water for an extended period, usually 12 to 24 hours. This slow extraction process results in a less acidic, full-bodied coffee with rich, chocolatey, and nutty flavors.

If you’re looking to make the best cold brew coffee at home, the quality and grind size of your coffee grounds play a crucial role. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about cold brew coffee grounds, including the best types of beans, grind size, storage tips, and brewing methods.

Choosing the Best Coffee Grounds for Cold Brew

The Ideal Coffee Bean Type

While any coffee bean can technically be used for cold brew, certain varieties yield better results. Medium to dark roast beans are preferred because they have deeper caramel, chocolate, and nutty flavors that shine in cold brewing. Lighter roasts tend to be more acidic and fruity, which can be overwhelming when brewed cold.

For the best experience, Vietnamese Robusta coffee beans are an excellent choice. They offer a bold, rich taste with natural chocolate and nutty undertones, making them perfect for cold brew lovers who enjoy a strong and smooth coffee profile.

The Perfect Grind Size

The grind size of your coffee is crucial for cold brewing. A coarse grind is the best option because it allows for a slow, even extraction without over-extracting bitter compounds. Using a grind that’s too fine can result in a cloudy brew with an overly bitter taste.

If you’re buying pre-ground coffee, ensure that it is labeled specifically for cold brew. Otherwise, grinding whole beans at home with a burr grinder to a texture similar to sea salt is the best approach.

How to Make Cold Brew Coffee at Home

Cold brew coffee is a refreshing, smooth, and less acidic alternative to traditional hot coffee. It’s easy to make at home, requiring minimal equipment and a bit of patience. Whether you enjoy it black, with milk, or as the base for a coffee cocktail, learning to make cold brew allows you to control the flavor, strength, and quality of your coffee. Here’s a step-by-step guide to crafting the perfect cold brew at home.

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients & Equipment

To prepare a delicious batch of cold brew, you will need the following:

Ingredients:

Coarse ground coffee – Coarsely ground beans work best for cold brew as they allow for slow extraction, preventing over-extraction and bitterness. (Bazan Coffee’s premium Robusta beans are an excellent choice for a full-bodied and flavorful cold brew.)
Filtered water – Using high-quality filtered water enhances the clean, crisp taste of your cold brew. Tap water with impurities may affect the final flavor.

Equipment:

A large mason jar, pitcher, or cold brew maker – Any large, airtight container works well for steeping the coffee. A dedicated cold brew coffee maker can make the process more convenient, but it's not necessary.
A fine-mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or coffee filter – These will be used to strain the coffee and remove grounds after steeping.
A spoon or stirrer – To ensure the coffee grounds are fully saturated when mixed with water.

Step 2: Determine the Cold Brew Ratio

Getting the right coffee-to-water ratio is key to making cold brew that suits your taste preferences.

Standard cold brew ratio (1:4) – For a well-balanced cold brew, use 1 cup (about 85g) of coffee grounds per 4 cups (1 liter) of water. This creates a smooth, ready-to-drink cold brew.
Cold brew concentrate ratio (1:2) – If you prefer a stronger cold brew that can be diluted with milk or water, use 1 cup of coffee per 2 cups (500ml) of water. This will create a highly concentrated brew that can be adjusted to your liking.

For larger batches, simply scale up while maintaining the same ratio.

Step 3: The Brewing Process

1. Combine Coffee Grounds and Water

Add your coarse coffee grounds to your jar or pitcher.
Pour cold, filtered water over the grounds.
Stir gently to ensure all coffee grounds are evenly saturated. Proper saturation helps extract the rich flavors from the coffee.

2. Steep for 12-24 Hours

Cover your container and let the coffee steep at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
Steeping time:

12-16 hours – Yields a balanced, smooth flavor.
18-24 hours – Results in a stronger, richer brew with more pronounced flavors.

Avoid steeping for longer than 24 hours, as it may cause over-extraction, leading to bitterness.

3. Strain and Filter the Coffee

After steeping, strain the coffee through a fine-mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or coffee filter to remove coffee grounds.
For an ultra-smooth brew, strain it twice to catch any remaining sediment.
If using a cold brew coffee maker, simply remove the filter containing the grounds.

4. Serve and Enjoy

Cold brew coffee can be enjoyed in various ways:

Over ice – Pour the cold brew over ice for a refreshing drink.
Diluted with water – If your brew is too strong, add a little water to adjust the taste.
With milk or cream – Add milk, cream, or a dairy-free alternative for a smooth, creamy texture.
Sweetened or flavored – Stir in simple syrup, honey, vanilla extract, cinnamon, or chocolate syrup to customize your drink.

Storing Cold Brew Coffee & Coffee Grounds

How to Store Coffee Grounds

Store unused coffee grounds in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to maintain freshness.
Whole coffee beans should be stored the same way and ground just before brewing for the best flavor.

How Long Does Cold Brew Last?

Cold brew coffee can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks in an airtight container.
For the best flavor, consume within 7 days, as the taste may start to degrade after a week.
Avoid storing cold brew in an open container, as it may absorb unwanted fridge odors.

Benefits of Using High-Quality Coffee Grounds for Cold Brew

1. Less Acidity, Smoother Taste

One of the main advantages of cold brew coffee is its naturally low acidity. Because cold water extracts fewer acidic compounds than hot water, cold brew is gentler on the stomach and has a smoother taste. Using high-quality coffee beans enhances this effect, making your brew even more enjoyable.

2. Richer, More Balanced Flavor

The cold brewing process brings out the deep, rich flavors of coffee while muting some of the bitterness. Premium Robusta coffee beans from Vietnam, like those offered by Bazan Coffee, provide a bold, chocolatey, and nutty profile that pairs beautifully with the cold brew method.

3. Versatile Brewing Options

Cold brew coffee is incredibly versatile. You can:

Drink it black or with milk.
Enjoy it hot or cold by heating it gently or serving it over ice.
Use it as a base for coffee-based cocktails, such as espresso martinis or cold brew negronis.

Investing in high-quality coffee grounds ensures that your cold brew is consistently delicious and adaptable to different brewing styles.

Common Questions About Cold Brew Coffee Grounds

Can You Use Fine Grounds for Cold Brew?

Technically, yes - but it's not recommended. Using finely ground coffee leads to over-extraction, making your cold brew taste overly bitter. It also makes straining more difficult, resulting in a cloudy and gritty brew. Stick to coarse ground coffee for the best results.

Do You Need Special Coffee for Cold Brew?

Not necessarily, but choosing the right beans and grind size makes a big difference. Medium to dark roast beans with a coarse grind work best for cold brew. Bazan Coffee’s medium roast Robusta beans are an excellent choice, as they offer a naturally smooth and bold flavor.

Can Cold Brew Be Made Without a Special Brewer?

Yes! While cold brew coffee makers simplify the process, you can make cold brew using just a jar and a strainer. Simply steep the coffee in a jar, strain it, and enjoy.

Take Your Cold Brew Experience to the Next Level with Bazan Coffee

At Bazan Coffee, we know that the secret to an exceptional cold brew isn’t just the brewing process - it starts with the right beans. A smooth, naturally sweet, and full-bodied cold brew requires coffee with low acidity, rich depth, and a bold yet balanced flavor profile. That’s where our specialty Vietnamese coffee shines.

The New Revolution: Fine Robusta from Vietnam

Once relegated to the sidelines of the coffee world, Robusta is now taking center stage and Vietnam is leading this bold transformation. In the U.S. and many other markets, Arabica long stood unchallenged as the gold standard. But thanks to the passion and innovation of Vietnamese farmers, producers, and roasters, Fine Robusta is stepping into the spotlight as a true specialty contender.

At Bazan Coffee, we’re proud to be part of this movement. By applying fermentation and drying techniques once reserved for Arabica, we’ve reimagined Robusta into something extraordinary. Our Fine Robusta Krong Nang is proof that quality isn’t about the species: it’s about the care, the craft, and the commitment behind every bean.

It’s not just a better Robusta, it’s a redefinition of what coffee can be.

The New Revolution: Fine Robusta from Vietnam

Why Fine Robusta Krong Nang Is the Cold Brew Champion

Grown at 650m in Krong Nang, Dak Lak, where volcanic soil, humidity, and ideal temperatures create exceptional bean quality
72-hour anaerobic natural fermentation that enhances natural sugars, reduces bitterness, and reveals caramel and honey notes
Packed with naturally high caffeine, nearly twice as much as Arabica, for a bold, energizing cup with low acidity
Delivers a creamy, full-bodied texture perfect for black cold brew, or mixed with milk and flavorings

If you want a bold, smooth, and naturally sweet cold brew that stands out, Fine Robusta Krong Nang is your ultimate choice.

A Harmonious Blend: The Best of Arabica and Robusta

For those who prefer a cold brew with balanced complexity and fruity brightness, Bazan Coffee’s Special Vietnam Blend combines the depth of Fine Robusta with the vibrancy of high-altitude Arabica.

Special Vietnam Blend: A Smooth, Fruity Twist on Cold Brew

Crafted from Fine Robusta and Arabica, bringing together richness and acidity
Tasting notes of pineapple, floral undertones, and caramel create a bright, refreshing brew
Medium-bodied with a silky finish, ideal for summer sipping or nitro cold brew recipes

A Harmonious Blend: The Best of Arabica and Robusta

If your taste leans toward a floral, fruit-forward, and balanced cold brew, the Special Vietnam Blend is an excellent choice.

Specialty Arabica Cau Dat: A Clean and Elegant Cold Brew

For those seeking a refined and crisp cold brew, Specialty Arabica Cau Dat offers an elegant take on iced coffee.

Grown at 1,550m in Cau Dat, Da Lat, a region known for Vietnam’s top-tier Arabica beans
Processed with a fully washed method, enhancing clarity and brightness
Flavor notes of bell pepper, spices, and caramel, delivering a subtle, spiced finish

Specialty Arabica Cau Dat: A Clean and Elegant Cold Brew

If you value a light, clean, and sophisticated cold brew, Cau Dat Arabica will meet your expectations.

Which Bazan Coffee Is Right for Your Cold Brew?

Craving a bold, creamy cold brew with caramel depth → Fine Robusta Krong Nang
Prefer a vibrant, fruity brew with floral brightness → Special Vietnam Blend
Looking for a refined, crisp, and elegant cup → Specialty Arabica Cau Dat

No matter how you enjoy your cold brew, straight up, creamy, or creatively flavored, starting with the right beans makes all the difference. Bazan Coffee gives you access to Vietnam’s finest specialty coffee, led by the exceptional Fine Robusta.