What is the ideal roast for Cold Brew coffee?

The ideal roast for Cold Brew coffee is medium roast. This type of roast strikes a balance between acidity and flavor, providing a smooth and rich taste that complements the cold brewing process. Medium roast beans tend to retain more of the coffee's natural sweetness and nuanced flavors while minimizing bitter notes, which can be heightened in darker roasts. The longer extraction time used in cold brewing allows the unique characteristics of medium roast coffee to shine through, producing a well-rounded cup that isn't overly harsh or acidic.

While dark and extra dark roasts may provide bold flavors, they can often result in a more bitter taste that may not appeal to all coffee drinkers when served cold. Light roasts, on the other hand, may not develop enough sweetness and body to balance the cold brew's smoothness. Thus, medium roast is typically recommended for achieving an optimal Cold Brew experience.