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Learn how to order cold brew like a pro and enjoy the perfect refreshing coffee drink.
Cold brew coffee is a delicious coffee option that's made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water over a long period of time. Thanks to its slow extraction, cold brew is typically smoother in flavour and contains more caffeine than coffee brewed with hot water.
While the existence of cold brew coffee can be traced back to the 1600s, it wasn't until Starbucks started serving cold brew specialty coffee drinks that the trend really took off.
It's easy to see why this particular coffee drink has become so popular. Not only is it relatively easy to make, but its subtle taste and lack of a bitter aftertaste make it the perfect order for beginner coffee drinkers.
What is cold brew?
Dictionary.com defines cold brew as: 'the process of steeping coffee grounds or tea leaves in room-temperature or cold water for many hours, producing a concentrate to which more water may be added.'
While people often think cold brew is the same as a typical iced coffee, its unique brewing method sets it apart.
Where hot coffee drinks are made in small batches, one espresso shot at a time, cold brew makes a big batch at once.
In cold brewing, coffee beans are ground to a coarse grind and then submerged in water for about 8-24 hours.
In contrast, other cold coffees - such as iced long blacks or iced lattes - are made from hot espresso which is then served with cold water or milk over ice.
Flavor profiles of cold brew coffee
Just like wine has different flavour profiles, so too does coffee. Because cold brewing results in less acidity than other brewing methods, it lends itself well to other flavour profiles.
According to Aromas Coffee Roasters, the most common flavours in coffee are:
- Chocolatey
- Nutty
- Caramelly
- Spicey
- Fruity
Different things will determine which flavours shine through in your coffee. Beans of the highest quality will differ hugely from bargain beans you get at the regular grocery store. Other factors like origin and roasting will also greatly impact the overall taste.
How to order cold brew
- Understanding menu options
- There is more to cold brew than meets the eye. When approaching the coffee counter, you might notice that there are a few different cold brew options on the menu. Common offerings include plain cold brew, cold brew with milk, and flavoured cold brew. Sometimes flavoured cold brew is served without milk, and sometimes milk is included. Some cafes serve multiple cold brew options that can admittedly be overwhelming. This is where step #2 comes into play: asking questions.
- Ask questions
- When cafes serve multiple cold brew options, it's easy to get confused. Not all cold drinks are created equally, so don't be afraid to get advice. Sometimes cafes will offer cold brew from different regions, so if you're unsure, ask the barista which option is sharper/subtler depending on your preferences.
- When asking questions, help the barista understand what you like by giving descriptive words. If you enjoy a coffee with a bit of depth, you might describe it as 'rich' or 'aromatic'. If you prefer something lighter, you might describe it as "fruity" or 'subtle'.
- Add-ons and customisations
- Once you've decided which cold brew you'd like, now is the time to mention any additions or customisations.
- If you like your coffee a little sweeter, ask for sugar or honey at this point.
- If you want some milk in your cold brew this is the time to ask. If you want non-dairy milk, make sure you specify what kind. Almond milk, soy milk and oat milk are common options. Be sure to tell the barista how much milk you want. If you want just a little bit, you can ask for a dash'. For a bit more, you can say 'about ¼ - ½ cup of milk', depending on what you like.
Ordering cold brew coffee doesn't have to be intimidating. With a basic understanding of what cold brew is, its flavour profiles, and how you can customise your drink to suit your taste, you can confidently explore and enjoy this refreshing coffee option. Don't hesitate to ask your barista for recommendations and experiment with different add-ons and customisations until you find your perfect blend. Now that you’re equipped with these tips, go ahead and order your next cold brew like a pro. Happy sipping!
