Are you a coffee lover curious about the coffee used in Starbucks’ cold brew? You’re not alone! Starbucks is known for its high-quality coffee, and their cold brew is no exception. In this article, we’ll explore what coffee Starbucks uses for its signature cold brew, how it’s sourced and selected, and the brewing process.
Cold brew coffee has become increasingly popular in recent years, thanks to its smooth and rich taste. Unlike traditional hot coffee, cold brew is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for an extended period. Starbucks has its own signature cold brew blend, which is a combination of Latin American and African coffee beans. But what exactly makes this blend unique? Let’s find out.
Key Takeaways
- Starbucks’ cold brew is made with a signature blend of Latin American and African coffee beans.
- The coffee beans used for cold brew are carefully sourced and selected for their flavor profile.
- The brewing process of Starbucks’ cold brew involves steeping the coffee grounds in cold water for 20 hours, resulting in a smooth and rich taste.
What is Cold Brew Coffee?
Cold brew coffee is a popular coffee brewing method that involves steeping coffee grounds in cold water for an extended period, typically 12-24 hours. Unlike traditional hot coffee brewing methods, cold brew coffee is brewed without heat, resulting in a smoother, less acidic taste.
The cold brew method extracts coffee flavors and compounds differently than hot brewing methods, resulting in a unique flavor profile. Cold brew coffee tends to be less bitter and more chocolatey and sweet than hot brewed coffee.
Cold brew coffee can be enjoyed hot or cold and is often served over ice. It has become increasingly popular in recent years, with many coffee shops and cafes offering cold brew coffee on their menus.
Overall, cold brew coffee is a refreshing and delicious alternative to traditional hot brewed coffee. Its unique flavor profile and versatility make it a popular choice for coffee lovers looking for something new and exciting.
Starbucks’ Signature Cold Brew Blend
Starbucks’ signature cold brew blend is a unique combination of beans that are specifically selected and blended to create the perfect cold brew coffee. The blend is made up of beans from Latin America and Africa, which are roasted to a medium level to bring out the best of their flavor profiles.
The Latin American beans in the blend are sourced from Colombia and are known for their smooth and balanced flavor. They provide a solid base for the blend and help to create a rich and full-bodied coffee. The African beans in the blend are sourced from Kenya and Ethiopia and are known for their bright and fruity flavors. They add a unique complexity to the blend and help to create a well-rounded and flavorful coffee.
The beans are then cold-steeped for 20 hours using Starbucks’ unique brewing process. This process allows the coffee to develop a smooth and sweet flavor with subtle notes of chocolate. The resulting concentrate is then mixed with water and served over ice to create a refreshing and delicious cold brew coffee.
Starbucks’ signature cold brew blend is available in both single-serve concentrate pods and in-store. The concentrate pods make it easy to enjoy the signature cold brew at home, while the in-store option allows customers to customize their drink with their favorite milk and sweetener.
Overall, the signature cold brew blend from Starbucks is a well-crafted combination of beans that create a smooth, flavorful, and refreshing cold brew coffee.
Coffee Sourcing and Selection
Starbucks is known for its high-quality coffee, and their cold brew is no exception. The company sources its coffee beans from around the world, with a focus on ethical and sustainable practices.
Ethical Sourcing
Starbucks is committed to ethical sourcing practices, which means they work directly with farmers to ensure they are paid fairly and have access to resources they need to produce high-quality coffee. The company’s C.A.F.E. Practices program is an open-sourced program consisting of more than 200 indicators – from financial reporting to protecting workers’ rights and conserving water and biodiversity. This program helps Starbucks create a long-term supply of high-quality coffee while positively impacting the lives and livelihoods of coffee farmers and their communities.
Quality Selection
When selecting coffee beans for cold brew, Starbucks looks for beans that are sweet, smooth, and low in acidity. The company uses 100% Arabica coffee beans from various coffee-growing regions for cold brew. The cold brew blend is a balance of washed African Arabica coffee beans with a citrus flavor along with Latin American Arabica coffee beans which are responsible for the sweet and chocolate notes of the drink. The beans are roasted to bring out the unique flavors of each origin and then ground and steeped in cold water for 20 hours to create the perfect cold brew.
In conclusion, Starbucks takes great care in sourcing and selecting the coffee beans for their cold brew. They are committed to ethical and sustainable practices, and their cold brew is made from high-quality Arabica beans that are roasted and steeped to perfection.
Brewing Process of Starbucks Cold Brew
Starbucks uses a unique brewing process to create their signature cold brew coffee. The result is a smooth and flavorful drink that is perfect for hot summer days. Here’s a closer look at how Starbucks makes their cold brew coffee.
Steeping Method
The first step in making Starbucks cold brew coffee is to steep the coffee grounds in cold water. Starbucks uses a special blend of coarse-ground coffee beans that are steeped in cool water for 20 hours. This steeping process allows the coffee to slowly and gently extract the flavors from the beans, resulting in a smooth and rich coffee concentrate.
Duration
Starbucks cold brew coffee is steeped for a total of 20 hours. This extended steeping time allows the coffee to fully develop its flavors and aromas. The result is a coffee concentrate that is rich, smooth, and full-bodied.
Temperature
Starbucks cold brew coffee is brewed at room temperature. This is in contrast to traditional hot coffee, which is brewed with hot water. The cool temperature of the water used in cold brew coffee helps to reduce the acidity of the coffee, resulting in a smoother and less bitter taste.
Overall, the brewing process used by Starbucks to create their cold brew coffee is carefully designed to bring out the best flavors and aromas from the coffee beans. The result is a delicious and refreshing drink that is perfect for any time of day.
Taste Profile of Starbucks Cold Brew
Starbucks Cold Brew is a popular beverage that is made with a unique blend of coffee beans. The coffee beans are medium roasted to bring out their full flavor and aroma. The cold brew blend is a balance of washed African Arabica coffee beans with a citrus flavor along with Latin American Arabica coffee beans which are responsible for the sweet and chocolate notes of the drink.
Flavor Notes
The flavor of Starbucks Cold Brew is complex, yet balanced. It has nuances of cocoa on top of a rounded coffee taste, which is accentuated with a splash of milk and light sweetness. The blend of coffee beans used in Starbucks Cold Brew creates a smooth and refreshing taste that is perfect for a hot summer day.
Caffeine Content
Starbucks Cold Brew has a higher caffeine content compared to regular coffee. The cold brew process extracts more caffeine from the coffee beans, resulting in a stronger and more potent drink. However, the exact amount of caffeine in Starbucks Cold Brew can vary depending on the size and type of drink.
In conclusion, Starbucks Cold Brew is a popular beverage that is made with a unique blend of coffee beans. It has a complex yet balanced flavor profile with notes of cocoa and a smooth and refreshing taste. The caffeine content is higher compared to regular coffee, making it a great choice for those who need an extra boost of energy.
Popular Starbucks Cold Brew Drinks
Starbucks has a wide variety of cold brew drinks that are perfect for hot summer days. Here are a few of the most popular ones:
Cold Brew with Cold Foam
The Cold Brew with Cold Foam is a refreshing drink that is perfect for those who love creamy and frothy drinks. This drink is made with Starbucks’ signature Cold Brew, which is slow-steeped for 20 hours, and topped with a layer of velvety cold foam. The cold foam is made with nonfat milk and flavored with your choice of vanilla or caramel syrup. This drink is perfect for those who want a rich and creamy coffee experience without the added calories of whipped cream.
Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew
The Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew is a delicious and refreshing drink that is perfect for those who love sweet and creamy drinks. This drink is made with Starbucks’ signature Cold Brew, which is slow-steeped for 20 hours, and topped with a layer of vanilla sweet cream. The vanilla sweet cream is made with heavy cream and vanilla syrup, giving the drink a rich and creamy flavor. This drink is perfect for those who want a sweet and indulgent coffee experience.
Overall, Starbucks has a wide variety of cold brew drinks that are perfect for any coffee lover. Whether you prefer your coffee creamy and frothy or sweet and indulgent, there is a cold brew drink for you at Starbucks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Starbucks uses 100% Arabica coffee beans for their cold brew. The blend is a combination of washed African Arabica coffee beans with a citrus flavor and Latin American Arabica coffee beans, which provide sweet and chocolate notes to the drink.
Starbucks is known for its high-quality coffee, and their cold brew is no exception. The beans used are carefully selected and roasted to perfection to create a smooth and flavorful cold brew.
If you’re new to making cold brews, it’s essential to use the right beans to get the desired results. While there are many options available in the market, using high-quality beans like the ones used by Starbucks can make a significant difference in the taste and quality of your cold brew.
Overall, Starbucks’ cold brew is a refreshing and delicious way to enjoy coffee, especially on hot summer days. With its smooth and bold flavor, it’s no wonder why it has become a popular choice among coffee lovers worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What blend of coffee does Starbucks use for their cold brew?
Starbucks uses a blend of African and Latin American coffee beans for their cold brew. The specific blend may vary depending on the region and season, but it is typically a medium roast with notes of chocolate and citrus.
What kind of coffee beans are used for Starbucks’ cold brew?
Starbucks uses 100% Arabica coffee beans for their cold brew. Arabica beans are known for their smooth and sweet flavor profile, which makes them ideal for cold brew.
How do I make Starbucks-style cold brew at home?
To make Starbucks-style cold brew at home, you will need a coffee grinder, a French press or a cold brew maker, and Starbucks coffee beans. Grind the beans coarsely and add them to the French press or cold brew maker. Add cold water and let it steep for 12-24 hours. Strain the coffee and enjoy.
What is the ratio of coffee to water for Starbucks cold brew?
The recommended ratio of coffee to water for Starbucks cold brew is 1:4. This means that for every 1 cup of coffee grounds, you should use 4 cups of water. However, you can adjust the ratio based on your personal preference.
Are there any specific Starbucks coffee grounds recommended for cold brew?
Starbucks offers specific coffee blends that are recommended for cold brew, such as the Cold Brew Blend or the Single-Origin Sulawesi. However, you can use any Starbucks coffee beans that you enjoy for your cold brew.
What is the difference between Starbucks’ cold brew concentrate and their pitcher packs?
Starbucks’ cold brew concentrate is a concentrated form of cold brew that can be diluted with water or milk. The pitcher packs are pre-measured packets of coffee grounds that can be used to make cold brew at home. The main difference is that the concentrate is already brewed and can be used immediately, while the pitcher packs require steeping for 12-24 hours.
