Why Cold Brew Is Often Made With Dark Roast Coffee Beans

Cold brew made waves back in 2015, when Starbucks introduced the coffee to its menu. However, The Coffee Wave reports that cold brew coffee may have been around as early as the 1600s in Japan before it made its way to the Americas in the 19th century. Now, the refreshing, cool drink is a great way to get your caffeine kick during the hot summer months.

But cold brew coffee is a true testament to patience — the process of making it is not as simple as brewing a cup of hot coffee and waiting for it to cool. To make true cold brew, The Coffee Wave explains you must let the coffee grounds steep in cold water for at least 12 hours. Even longer, if you want a more powerful flavor. While it might seem easier to just pick your daily cold brew up from your local coffee shop, buying a cup every day can get expensive. So, if you decide to venture into home-brewing, it is important to first start with knowing what kind of beans to use.

Of course it all comes down to personal taste, but when making cold brew coffee for a crowd, dark roast beans are generally regarded as the best to use, per CNet.

The cold brew process can enhance the rich, earthy flavors of dark roast coffees in a way it doesn't for lighter roasts. Dark roast coffee is also the way to go if you're making a large batch of cold brew to store in your fridge, as the flavor profile holds up well throughout the brewing process. With lighter roasts, you will sometimes lose the fruity flavors you're searching for. The Coffee Wave says cold brew can be kept for up to two weeks in the fridge if stored properly, so you'll definitely want to choose a bean with staying power. (And as an added bonus, dark roast coffee tends to run a little cheaper than its light or medium roast counterparts, so it's even better for your wallet.)

If you decide to make your own homemade cold brew, we suggest grabbing a bag of dark roast coffee, even if your personal preferences steer you towards a lighter option — you may be surprised at how much you enjoy the flavor difference. And even if it is a little too dark for your liking, you can always sweeten it to your taste and add the dairy of your choosing to soften the flavor.