Updated: September 2026.
Cold brew is coffee extracted cold: coarsely ground coffee steeps in cold water for 12 to 24 hours, at a 1:8 ratio for concentrate, and is then strained. It never touches heat, which is why it tastes sweeter and smoother, with up to 60% less perceived acidity than hot coffee that has been chilled. In Colombia it has become popular since the 2010s in the specialty coffee shops of warmer cities, and natural and honey process coffees work best.
Cold brew is a coffee brewing method that has become increasingly popular in Colombia in recent years. It consists of steeping coffee in cold water for several hours, which produces a smooth, less acidic drink. The secret is in the bean: with freshly roasted specialty coffee, cold brew gains sweetness and cleaner notes. As interest in cold coffee grows, many Colombians are exploring this alternative among the different coffee filtration methods. Its freshness and distinctive flavor make it ideal for warm climates, and it has become a favorite during the dry season. In this article we explain what it is, where it comes from and how it is enjoyed in Colombia; if you want to make it yourself, read our guide on how to make cold brew at home step by step.
The history of cold brew
Cold brew has come a long way from its origins to become a popular choice in Colombia. Its history is rich and varied, and it reflects the evolution of coffee over the centuries.
The origins of cold brew
The technique dates back to 17th-century Japan, where it was known as "Kyoto coffee". Dutch merchants returning from Indonesia introduced the method to Japan, where slow-drip devices were developed to achieve an ideal extraction. The process turned coffee into a culinary experience that combined technique and aesthetics, and it became an art form.
In the West, cold brew began to gain popularity in the 19th century, especially among French soldiers in Algeria. The method produced a concentrated coffee that was high in caffeine and easy to prepare. As it evolved, it laid the foundations for the modern cold brew we know today.
Cold brew in Colombia
How it became popular
In Colombia, cold brew has found a special place in coffee culture. Although the country is best known for its tinto, interest in this cold version began to grow as consumers looked for new ways to enjoy coffee, especially in warmer cities and during the dry season.
Since the 2010s, demand for cold brew has risen sharply, driven by specialty coffee shops looking to diversify their menus. Local coffee brands began experimenting commercially, creating ready-to-drink versions and blending native flavors with this brewing method. For many Colombians, cold brew has become the gateway to specialty coffee.
Which Colombian coffees work best
Cold extraction brings out the sugars and fruity notes of the bean, so natural and honey process coffees are the ones that shine the most. Our Natural Coffee, with notes of red berries and wild strawberry, is the one we recommend for this method. Our Honey Coffee, with its honey and peach sweetness, is an excellent alternative. To understand why the process changes the result so much, read about the natural process and the honey process.
Where to get it
Today it is easy to find cold brew in the specialty coffee shops of Medellín, Bogotá, Cali and the Caribbean coast, and more and more brands sell it bottled. But the cheapest and freshest way to enjoy it is to make it at home: with a cold brew pitcher and good specialty coffee, a single batch lasts for several days.
What cold brew is and why choose it
This brewing technique is known for its smoothness and its particular flavor profile, which is very different from other types of coffee according to their preparation.
| Drink | How it's made | Time | Acidity | Caffeine per 8 oz (240 ml) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cold brew | Cold-water immersion, coarse grind, 1:8, then strained and diluted | 12-24 h | Low | 100-150 mg (depending on dilution) |
| Iced coffee | Hot-brewed coffee chilled or poured over ice | 5 min | Medium to high | 80-100 mg |
| Cold drip (Kyoto) | Cold water dripped slowly through the coffee | 3-8 h | Low to medium | 90-120 mg |
How it differs from other extraction methods
Cold brew stands apart from other brewing methods because it uses cold water for extraction, while traditional techniques use hot water. The key differences are:
- Temperature: cold brew uses cold water, while methods such as espresso or the V60 method require hot water.
- Extraction time: the process takes between 12 and 24 hours, compared with a few minutes for traditional brewing.
- Flavor profile: as a result of cold extraction, the coffee tends to be less acidic and smoother on the palate.
Benefits of cold brewing
- Lower acidity: cold extraction reduces the release of acidic compounds, which is ideal for people with sensitive stomachs.
- A more balanced flavor: cold brew highlights the sweet notes of coffee and offers a more pleasant sensory experience.
- Versatility: it can be enjoyed on its own or mixed with milk or syrups, adapting to different tastes.
The impact of cold brew on flavor and acidity
- Less bitterness: avoiding high temperatures minimizes the extraction of bitter compounds, so the coffee is gentler on the palate.
- The bean takes center stage: the process lets the specific notes of each coffee come through, which is essential in specialty coffees.
- Greater smoothness: its smoothness makes cold brew an attractive option for anyone looking for an alternative to stronger hot coffee.
Ingredients and tools for cold brew
Quality coffee: the key ingredient
Coffee is the foundation of any good infusion, and with cold brew the choice of bean is crucial. We recommend buying specialty coffee, since these beans offer a more complex flavor profile and unique nuances. Ideally, choose a freshly ground Colombian gourmet coffee to maximize freshness and flavor in every sip.
- Single-origin beans can bring distinctive flavors, depending on the growing region.
- A coarse grind is essential for a proper extraction without over-extracting bitter compounds.
The importance of water
- Filtered or mineral water is preferable, so no contaminants affect the flavor.
- A dissolved solids level of 125 to 175 mg per liter is recommended for the best results.
The tools you need
- A French press is a popular option, since its design lets you steep and filter in the same container. Learn more about how the French press works in our detailed guide.
- A cold brew pitcher, designed specifically for this method, offers more convenience and control.
- A glass container with a lid is ideal to prevent oxidation and keep it fresh.
- Dedicated cold brew makers, such as the Hario Mizudashi, are also excellent options that simplify the process.
The quality of your coffee grinder is also crucial to get the even, coarse grind that cold brew requires.
Want to make it at home? Quick recipe
- Coarsely grind 100 g (3.5 oz) of coffee (like coarse salt).
- Mix it with 800 ml (27 oz) of cold filtered water (a 1:8 ratio) in a jar with a lid.
- Let it steep in the refrigerator for 12 to 18 hours.
- Strain through a paper filter or fine mesh and store the concentrate in an airtight jar.
- Serve diluted 1:1 with water or milk, over ice.
The detailed proportions, the step-by-step method with a pitcher and the most common mistakes are in our guide on how to make cold brew at home.
Cold brew variations
Cold brew offers plenty of room to experiment with flavors and presentations, adding to the 25 coffee recipes you can explore.
Adding flavors: spices and syrups
- Vanilla: a few drops of vanilla extract add an aromatic touch.
- Cinnamon: a cinnamon stick during steeping enhances the flavor and aroma of the coffee.
- Syrups: caramel, hazelnut or chocolate syrups are popular choices to sweeten it and give it a special touch.
Cold brew as a cocktail base
- Coffee tonic: cold brew with tonic water and ice, garnished with a slice of lemon.
- Cold brew martini: cold brew with vodka and a touch of simple syrup, served in a cocktail glass.
- Iced Irish coffee: cold brew with Irish whiskey and cream, a cold version of the traditional Irish coffee.
Special drinks with a cold brew base
- Cold brew latte: with cold milk, a refreshing take on the cappuccino.
- Iced flat white: a cold version of the flat white.
- Cold brew macchiato: inspired by the traditional macchiato.
- Iced mocha: cold brew with chocolate for an iced mocha.
- Cold brew affogato: a refreshing version of the affogato.
Recommended products for cold brew
- Natural Specialty Coffee: its fruity notes are perfectly enhanced by cold extraction.
- Honey Specialty Coffee: its natural sweetness complements the method.
- Tradition Specialty Coffee: balanced and versatile.
- Silver Specialty Coffee: a complexity that unfolds slowly.
- Gold Specialty Coffee: our premium selection for exceptional experiences.
Tips for enjoying and storing cold brew
How to store it
- Use an airtight container: store cold brew in a glass container with an airtight lid to limit exposure to air and keep the flavor for longer.
- Choose the coldest part of the refrigerator: avoid the door, where the temperature fluctuates the most.
- Respect the timing: the concentrate keeps for 10 to 14 days, although it tastes best in the first week. Once diluted with water or milk, drink it within two or three days.
When to enjoy it
- Family gatherings: it is great for sharing, on its own or with milk or syrups.
- Downtime: ideal at home or on the terrace, at any time of day.
- Outdoor activities: perfect for trips, in a thermos that keeps it cold.
Cold brew for beginners
If you are new to cold brew and specialty coffee, we recommend:
- Starting your specialty coffee journey with our beginner's guide.
- Uncovering the secrets of specialty coffee to recognize an excellent coffee.
- Learning about the properties of Colombian specialty coffee that are preserved in cold brew.
Cold brew FAQs
What is cold brew?
Cold brew is coffee brewed cold: coarsely ground coffee steeps in cold water, in the refrigerator, for 12 to 24 hours and is then strained. The result is a sweeter, smoother drink with less acidity than coffee brewed with hot water.
How is it different from regular iced coffee?
Regular iced coffee is brewed with hot water and then chilled or poured over ice, which dilutes it and accentuates its bitterness. Cold brew never touches heat: it is extracted slowly in cold water, so it is sweeter, less acidic and holds up to ice without losing flavor.
How long does cold brew last in the fridge?
Undiluted concentrate, in an airtight jar in the coldest part of the fridge, lasts 10 to 14 days, tasting best in the first week. Once diluted with water or milk, drink it within two or three days.
Does cold brew have more caffeine than hot coffee?
It depends on the dilution. The 1:8 concentrate is stronger than drip coffee, but diluted 1:1 it has about 100-150 mg per 8 oz (240 ml) glass, similar to or slightly more than a cup of hot coffee (80-100 mg).
What coffee is best for cold brew?
Natural or honey process coffees with a medium roast, because cold extraction brings out their sugars and fruity notes. Always use a coarse grind and freshly roasted coffee; fine or stale coffee makes a cloudy, flat cold brew.
Cold brew is the perfect blend of tradition and innovation in Colombian specialty coffee: a refreshing experience that keeps all the complexity and quality of our beans, adapted to modern life without losing the essence of true Colombian coffee.
Written by the Green Hills Coffee team, specialty coffee growers and roasters in Itagüí, Antioquia.
