A method for warm-weather Kona
A Brazen Hazen Guide to Cold Brew
As the weather heats up, sometimes it's nice to cool things down. Here's our guide to making cold brew at home.
"Cold brew is about slowing things down—a deliberate process that matches the care that goes into growing true 100% Kona coffee."
At Brazen Hazen, we believe great coffee doesn't need to be complicated—it just needs to be done right. When you start with true 100% Kona coffee, you're already ahead of the game. The result? Exceptionally smooth, naturally sweet coffee that lets Kona's character speak for itself.
Why We Love Cold Brew with 100% Kona
Kona coffee is prized for its balance—soft acidity, layered sweetness, and a clean finish. Cold brewing amplifies those qualities:
Less bitterness, more clarity
Chocolate and nut notes come forward
A smooth, almost velvety body
It's not just iced coffee—it's a different experience altogether.
What You'll Need
Keep it simple: Brazen Hazen 100% Kona coffee (coarsely ground), cold filtered water, a glass jar or French press, and a strainer or filter.
Our ratio recommendation: 1:5 for a bold concentrate (1 cup coffee to 5 cups water), or 1:7 for a ready-to-drink brew (1 cup coffee to 7 cups water).
The Process
1. Start with the right grind. Go coarse—think sea salt. This keeps extraction slow and smooth.
2. Combine with water. Add coffee to your vessel, pour in cold filtered water, and gently stir. No need to overwork it—just make sure everything is saturated.
3. Let time do the work. Steep for 14–18 hours. Room temp or fridge both work—fridge gives a slightly cleaner profile.
4. Strain with intention. Take your time here. A clean filter equals a clean cup. Double-strain if needed.
5. Store cold. Refrigerate and enjoy over the next few days. The flavor holds beautifully.
Cold brew rewards patience.
How We Drink It
There's no wrong way—but here are a few Brazen Hazen favorites: pure and black over ice, a splash of cream to bring out the natural sweetness, or lightly sweetened with simple syrup or vanilla. Pro tip: freeze prepared cold brew in ice trays and use them to keep your cup from watering down as the ice melts.
A Few Brazen Tips
Fresh matters—grind just before brewing if possible. Water quality counts—it's most of your cup. Dial it in by adjusting steep time and ratio to your taste. And don't rush it. Cold brew rewards patience.
More Than a Method
Cold brew is about slowing things down. It's a deliberate process that matches the care that goes into growing and sourcing true 100% Kona coffee. Enjoy the brews.
