What is Cold Brew Coffee?
Cold brew coffee is made by steeping coffee in cold or room temperature water for an extended period of time, usually 10- 12 hours. Cold brew coffee is smoother and less acidic than coffee that is brewed with hot water and does not require additional sugar or milk.Depending on the strength of the brew, cold brew coffee is 2-3 times stronger than espresso, making it a great choice for people who like a strong cup of coffee.
Does Starbucks Serve Cold Brew Coffee?
Yes, Starbucks does serve cold brew coffee. Starbucks first introduced cold brew coffee in 2015 and now offers it as an option in all of their stores. The cold brew coffee at Starbucks is made using a mix of light and dark roast Arabica beans that are cold-steeped for 20 hours, resulting in a super smooth and slightly sweet coffee. Starbucks also offers an Iced Coffee Stout made with cold-brew coffee and stout beer,which is a unique take on a classic drink.
Benefits of Cold Brew Coffee from Starbucks
Starbucks cold brew coffee has many benefits compared to hot brewed coffee. Cold brew coffee has a longer shelf life than hot brewed coffee and can be stored for up to a week, compared to just a few days for hot brewed coffee. Cold brewed coffee has less acidity and a smoother taste compared to hot brewed coffee, making it easier to drink for people who are sensitive to the acidity of hot brewed coffee. Cold brew coffee is also less bitter than hot brewed coffee due to the slower extraction time. Finally, cold brew coffee is naturally sweeter due to the slower extraction time, making it a great choice for people who prefer a sweeter cup of coffee.
Cold Brew vs Iced Coffee
Many people confuse cold brew coffee with iced coffee, but they are actually two very different drinks. The main difference between cold brew and iced coffee is how they are made. Cold brew coffee is made by steeping ground coffee in cold or room temperature water for an extended period of time, while iced coffee is brewed hot and then cooled down before serving. Iced coffee is much more bitter and acidic than cold brew coffee and often requires the addition of milk and sugar to make it more palatable.
Does Starbucks offer any other cold drinks?
Yes, in addition to cold brew coffee, Starbucks also offers a variety of other cold drinks. Starbucks offers an array of frappuccinos, smoothies, iced tea, and more. Starbucks also has a selection of signature cold beverages, such as the Iced White Chocolate Mocha, the Caramel Macchiato, and the Cold Brew with Coconutmilk. Starbucks also offers nitro cold brews, which are cold-brewed coffee that has been infused with nitrogen, giving it a creamy, velvety texture that is similar to a stout beer.
Caffeine Content in Cold Brew Coffee from Starbucks
Starbucks cold brew coffee has a higher caffeine content than hot brewed coffee, making it a great choice for those who need an extra boost of energy. On average, a grande-sized cold brew from Starbucks has 155 milligrams of caffeine, compared to 95 milligrams in a regular hot brewed coffee. It’s important to keep in mind that everyone metabolizes caffeine differently, so it’s best to start with a smaller size and work your way up if needed.
What Do Customers Think of Starbucks Cold Brew Coffee?
Starbucks cold brew coffee has received positive reviews from customers. Most customers report that Starbucks cold brew has a smooth and sweet flavor, without the bitterness and acidity of hot brewed coffee. Customers also note that the caffeine in the cold brew gives them an extra boost of energy without the jitters that can sometimes come with hot coffee.
Drinking Cold Brew Coffee at Home
If you want to make cold brew coffee at home, Starbucks offers a variety of at-home cold-brew kits. These kits include pre-measured packets of cold-brew concentrate, a special filter to steep the coffee, and a pitcher for storing the finished product. Each packet makes up to 14 servings of cold brew and can be stored for up to 7 days.
Alternative Methods for Making Cold Brew Coffee
If you don’t have access to Starbucks cold brew kits, you can also make cold brew coffee from home using everyday items. All you need is coarsely ground coffee, filtered water, and a container to steep the coffee in. Combine the coffee grounds and water in the container and let it steep for 12-24 hours, depending on how strong you want the coffee. Once the coffee is done steeping, strain it through a filter and store the finished product in the refrigerator.
Brewing Cold Brew Coffee with Specialty Equipment
If you want to take your cold brew coffee game to the next level, there are several specialty cold brew makers on the market that are designed to make perfect cold brew every time. These cold brew makers use a unique two-step process that extracts all of the flavors and aromas from the coffee grounds. The first step involves soaking the coffee grounds in cold water for 12-24 hours, and then the second step involves a slow brew process that introduces the coffee to oxygen, resulting in a smoother and more flavorful cold brew.
Alternatives to Cold Brew Coffee
For those looking for other ways to enjoy a cup of coffee without the bitterness and acidity of hot brewed coffee, there are several alternatives to cold brew. Cold brew tea is a great option for those who don’t like the taste of coffee or are sensitive to caffeine. Cold brew tea is made using the same cold-brewing technique as cold brew coffee, but using loose-leaf tea instead of coffee grounds. Another option is cold brew latte, which is a combination of cold brew concentrate and steamed milk. Cold brew lattes are creamy and smooth, without the bitterness of hot brewed coffee.
Conclusion
Starbucks offers a variety of cold drinks, including their award-winning cold brew coffee. Cold brew coffee is smoother and less acidic than hot brewed coffee and has a higher caffeine content. Starbucks cold brew coffee has received positive reviews from customers and can easily be made at home with Starbucks cold brew kits or everyday household items. For those looking for alternatives to cold brew coffee, cold brew tea and cold brew lattes are both great options.
