You can use different types of coffee to make cold brewed coffee, but some coffee beans and methods may be better suited for cold brewing. Here are some coffee types you can use for cold brewing:
1. Cold Brew Coffee: Cold brew coffee uses ground coffee beans specifically designed for cold brewing. These beans can be larger and less acidic. Cold brew involves steeping the coffee in cold water for 12-24 hours, resulting in a low-acid, high-caffeine coffee.
2. Colombian or Kenyan Coffee: These types of coffee can be delicious options for making cold brewed coffee. These coffees, in particular, have distinct flavor profiles, and you can experience these flavors more vividly when drinking cold brewed coffee.
3. Espresso: Espresso beans are another option for making cold brew coffee. You can use an espresso machine or equipment like an AeroPress to make cold brew coffee. With this method, you extract a concentrated espresso from the beans and then dilute it with cold water.
4. Filter Coffee: Ground filter coffee beans can also be used in cold brewing. Some filter coffees, with a lighter, fruitier flavor profile, are suitable for cold brewing.
5. Regional Coffee Varieties: Specialty coffee varieties from a specific geographic region can be used in cold brew coffee. For example, coffees with unique flavor profiles, such as Ethiopian Sidamo or Sumatran Mandheling, can be interesting for cold brew coffee.
Remember, the freshness of the coffee beans you use when making cold brewed coffee is crucial. You can also choose your beans to suit your taste. Cold brewed coffee can have different flavor profiles depending on the brewing method and the beans used, so experiment to find your favorite recipe.