Bully Brew Blog
Cold Brew 101: Why Everyone’s Obsessed (and You Should Be Too)
If you’ve ever sipped our smooth, signature cold brew and wondered why it tastes so good, you’re not alone. Cold brew isn’t just a trendy drink—it’s a carefully crafted coffee experience with a rich history, a unique brewing method, and more caffeine than you think. Let’s break it down.
So... what is cold brew?
Cold brew is coffee that’s brewed with cold water over a long period of time—typically 12 to 24 hours. Unlike iced coffee (which is brewed hot and poured over ice), cold brew is never exposed to heat. This slow extraction pulls out all the smooth, sweet, and rich flavors—without the bitterness or acidity you get from hot brewing.
That’s why cold brew has that velvety texture and chocolatey, mellow taste people can’t get enough of.
When did cold brew become popular?
While cold brew’s roots go back centuries (some say Japan was brewing cold coffee as early as the 1600s), the trend really took off in the U.S. around 2015. Coffee shops across the country started offering it on tap, and by 2017, cold brew was one of the fastest-growing segments in the coffee world.
Today, it’s a year-round staple—but it truly shines in summer.
Is cold brew stronger than regular coffee?
In short: yes.
Because cold brew uses more coffee grounds and steeps for longer, it’s naturally more concentrated. That means it often packs more caffeine per ounce than hot-brewed coffee. (Don't worry—we serve ours at the perfect strength so you don’t jitter your way through the afternoon.)
Why is Bully Brew’s cold brew so special?
Here’s the inside scoop: We roast a washed coffee specifically for our cold brew. It features a beautiful berry brightness, some chocolate undertones, and a citrus-like finish that’s as refreshing as a summer breeze. Add in our slow steeping method and you get a brew that’s bold, smooth, and never bitter.
It’s brewed fresh at each location, served cold, and made for people who love quality coffee—and sunny days.
Ready to Sip Smarter?
Stop by your nearest Bully Brew and try our famous cold brew for yourself. It’s bold. It’s smooth. It’s summer in a cup.
OR
Want to Try Cold Brew at Home?
You don’t have to be a barista to make amazing cold brew—just start with the right coffee and a little patience.
Here’s how to do it:
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Choose your coffee – We recommend trying different roasts to find your favorite flavor of cold brew - try our Guatemalan or Sunrise blend. Both have smooth, balanced flavor profiles that shine when brewed cold.
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Grind it coarse – Like raw sugar. A French press grind works best.
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Use the right ratio – Start with 1 cup of coarsely ground coffee to 4 cups of cold, filtered water.
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Let it steep – Mix and let sit for 12–18 hours in the fridge or at room temp.
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Strain it – Use a coffee filter, cheesecloth, or French press to separate the grounds.
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Serve it up – Pour over ice, dilute with water or milk to taste, and enjoy! Try it with vanilla cold foam or your favorite sweet cream for a summer-ready treat.
👉 Shop at Bullybrewcoffeehouse.com for your favorite bean!